It’s been awhile since I’ve sent along updated prayer requests for our local employees. The weekly teaching of foundational Bible truths continues with the men who work around our center. Only about 6 of the 9 men come and some are very inconsistent. Please do pray for Thomas Depner and John Hutteman as they teach, and for Wili, Max, Glen, Carlson, Mino, and Steven who usually come. Others, Smith, Nick and Rubby need prayer too. Please pray that all these men will let God’s truth take root in their hearts and that they might know Christ as their Savior and Lord.
As for the ladies in our Bible Study group – here are some possibilities for your prayers on their behalf:
 Rosie |
 Meta |
- 2 of the gals are currently in the process of house building.
- Rosie needs to find a local supplier for more posts for the foundation of their house.
- Meta’s house is nearly finished but she now needs to find someone who can weave the pitpit blinds used for walls and siding.
Naomi’s 5-year-old daughter was recently witness to a crime and Naomi has been involved in the court case to settle that issue. The court hearing dates are always on Wednesdays so she has been missing Bible study times.
Susan has long been contemplating retirement. Her current plan is to finish around Christmas time this year. She will then move to another PNG city to live with her family there.
Lisa is a sweet Christian wife and mother keenly tuned in to areas of her life where God wants to help her grow. She greatly desires that her life be a good reflection of Christ to help her family know the Lord too.
Paula has retired but still faithfully attends Bible study each week. She often brings along her granddaughter LaShawn who gives her the opportunity to practice implementing Godly parenting principles into her young life.
Meanwhile – “back at the ranch” … For those of you who have followed the Stuarts’ saga these past years since Toni’s promotion to heaven – Jason and kiddos have again returned to Australia for the mandatory 5-month stint so Jason can work toward his residency visa requirements. Jedidiah and Ella Jo’s school teacher Stephanie is also going to be away helping out teaching home schooled kiddos in another part of PNG for that time. They can all use your prayers as they see what the Lord has for them these coming months.
This doesn’t mean life will be all too quiet though! My “critter care ministry” is back on the agenda! Knowing my love of felines, and even greater love for the 2 kids and the teacher who own them, God is good to again grant me temporary animal companions. Pixie and Inky Ninja have joined the household! (It’s uncanny how well their names fit their feline personalities!)
More pertinent prayer needs
Way back when during Bible School days one of our memory verses was Proverbs 16:33 – “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” (KJV) Casting lots??? That seemed at the time a strange verse to be important enough to memorize – though the underlying truth of those words is ever pertinent and clear — “We make our own decisions, but the LORD alone determines what happens.” (CEV) Numerous developments of late cause me to be thankful that rather than casting lots, our Lord has a perfect plan and that He is always in control! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.” Jeremiah 29:11(ASV)
As I’ve shared before, I thought I had a logical phasing out of PNG plan – but I also knew God might be laughing at my pathetic plots and designs. He could certainly have something better! This past month He has brought much to light in that regard. (Though many factors remain in the dark!) I’ll spare you the details (I heard you say “Thank you!”) but certainly request your prayers as to how this will come to pass — particularly … – God’s time table – that I will “finish strong” and be “ready” when the yet to be determined departure date arrives – for God’s choice of the blessed person who will get to take over my various ministries here.
It currently looks likely that I will be returning to the USA sooner rather than later in 2019 to help with some family transitions. I’ll also plan to do a regular (12 months or less) Home Assignment with all that normally involves – at least some traveling to visit friends and supporters, plus work on some Iwam projects when not on the road.
After that indeterminate eon ends I’ll either – Return to PNG for a short term or – Transfer to a stateside ministry to continue with Ethnos 360 til the looming retirement date. (One “good” possible consequence of a stateside assignment would be that without overseas travel to contend with I could POSSIBLY continue beyond the big 7-0 – though God might be laughing at that hopeful proposal too!)
My head is literally spinning with the numerous possibilities – or maybe that’s just the result of more and more frequent bouts of old age related vertigo. Regardless, it leaves me all to prone to distraction when it’s good to STOP and consciously remember: the promises of our God are sure. He will certainly work out His best for all concerned! “For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your reward.” Isaiah 52:11 (KJV)
Life here continues as before – Finance and Tribal Resource Office duties, Ladies Bible study, etc. We’ll soon be moving into warp speed again as we gear up for all the end of the year festivities for our employees, town associates, etc. (Some of our workers have already asked when their Christmas party will be!) Planning needs to begin soon in order for everything to fall into place!
My grateful thanks to you once again for your part in my life and ministry. Without you I could not be here in a supporting role to so many different tribal missionary teams faithfully serving on the “front lines.” It’s a privilege to be your representative to them and to have you standing together with us on behalf of all God’s people here in PNG. You have blessed my life bountifully. In return I pray that God ….“… from His glorious, unlimited resources will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit … that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him … (that) your roots may go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love … (that) you may have the power to understand … how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is….(and that) you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT)
Co-laboring with you to bring back Christ as King!
Hope Sharp
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