My life just got a little more simple–literally. We were given a unique opportunity for our last week in Australia to fly in a tiny, four-seater Cessna plane to minister in the community of Palumpa this week. Due to the fact that we were flying in on a Friday and leaving the following Thursday, and that we’d be in a pretty tiny plane, we could only bring our day packs aka my old backpack used for school. Just when you think you can’t give up any more, you must downsize again. Praise God!
We arrived at the airport with our one alotted bag in hand when it hit me, what have I gotten myself into? Don’t get me wrong, I was thoroughly excited, but I had to laugh because every time I don’t think I can do something, God shows me I CAN! We hopped on the plane with David Shrimpton, our pilot. He was great, making sure to brief us on things he was doing and asking every now and then if we were okay. I’ll admit, I made myself a little sick with how much I tensed up on the plane and had to lie down when we landed, but on the way back it shouldn’t be as bad, since I know what to expect now.
our plane
Glenalyn, Leyna & I before our flight
Leyna & I in the back seat, we got to talk to each other through the headsets
(and I knew my glasses were going to come in handy)
We arrived an hour later in the grand community of Palumpa. The airport was a landing strip of red dirt and not much else. We were warmly greeted by Paul & Noe (since he flew out earlier). We are staying with Paul and his family for the week. Paul is married to Ompara (who is from the Philippines…do you see how God works?) and she has a son, Eugene. They told us last week they were given three mattresses and didn’t know why and then we showed up and all had a place to stay. Again, do you see how God works? God truly opened many doors for us to be here. Let me just share a couple of those doors with you: Door #1, we should not have been able to afford our flights. By the grace of God, we got 3 flights for the price of 1. Door #2, it is wet season. This means no one should be able to get out and do anything this time of year. This has been they’re driest wet season to date and on the day we flew–clear skies. Roger, our ministry contact for the month reminded us that we have the Lord’s favor. WE REALLY DO! I’ve seen it first hand.
one of the little boys in the community, so precious
I’ve seen the Lord’s protection, because let me just tell you, this place is right in the thick of spiritual warfare. We had a ministry barbeque on Sunday night and we asked if anyone wanted prayer. Megan and I prayed for three young girls who told us they felt curses on them. I’ve seen people look at me with glazed over eyes and what appears to be any empty soul, it’s so sad. Many people have lost hope. Many of the men in this community drink and gamble their money away, not leaving enough money for their families to eat. It is a country that needs Jesus so badly, and they’re thirsty for it, I’ve seen that too. Some of the women have come around to us, even some of the kids, but there is still much resistance. I think the ministry night was good. If it’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can reach people through food. We put on a mini drama and sang some songs and then gave everyone a sausage. A few of us played with the kids while others talked to their parents. I walked away from that night, tired, hot and sweaty, but with an overwhelming joy in my heart. There was even a point on the hour ride home in our Troopie where we kept hitting mud puddle after mud puddle and I couldn’t stop laughing as I was being thrown across the bench. It was great! (Yes, I realize I was most likely sleep deprived, but it was great none the less!) God continues to renew my strength just when I think, “no God, I can’t do this anymore,” he changes my attitude and lifts my spirits. He has been my constant through this ever changing journey. And I look forward to how He will reveal Himself next month to our team when we are in the Philippines.
