Missionary Update                January 2004 Letter

Lyle, Daniel Moore, Will Ziegler and Bill Housley went on survey back into an area that they had previously visited in November. The reason for this trip was to determine if there truly was an open invitation into the entire language group and to gain information on the location of all the major villages and possible travel routes. They flew to Josephstal by plane and then the helicopter dropped them off in one of the main villages. They were planning on doing the entire survey by hiking but the situation was good to get in some pilot training for a helicopter pilot. They did hike to several of the villages in this language group and found an open invitation at all the places that they visited.

They found that the language has some interesting sounds but feel that the grammar structure should not be too difficult. There was one village that did not know much Pidgin, the trade language. The main staple of food is sago or saksak. They experienced this food prepared or cooked in many different ways, even with bugs served on the top.   :)

At this time it is not clear which is the best place to locate the three families. There are several factors to be considered, such as traveling in and out, where to get the best help in learning the language & culture, but most importantly which is the best location to effectively establish the future tribal church from. The plan now is for Will, Daniel, & Bill to go back at the end of this month or the beginning of Feb. for around 10 days to determine where to locate, availability of building materials and to continue building relationships with the people.

The New Year really didn't start out that well as far as the physical side of things go. Martha discovered two areas of concern and went to see the mission Dr. at Lapilo. Nothing can really be determined without a mammogram, but in discussion with the Dr. it doesn't appear that this has to be done right away and can be done at the time of our furlough, which we are thinking about beginning in early May now.

This month is also a big meeting month with the Regional Committee, Education Committee, and the Field Committees all meeting this month. There are many issues to be discussed but one of the greatest on our hearts is who can take over our ministries as we go on furlough. As you know, for sometime our greatest prayer concern has been for help in the area of leadership here in this region. We have no doubt that God has someone that can do this, but we have had no indication of who it is, or how quickly this person or persons could come.

We continue to see and help more new missionaries come to the region. The Husas arrived the 4th and Miriam Yoder arrived the 18th. The Averhart family will arrive on the 27th . We are still unable to have enough housing on center for them all but thankfully only one couple of this new group will be in town, which means that we are able to cut down on our on the road time.

Thank you so much for your prayers, support, and encouragement. Working together with His guidance much will be accomplished for Him.

Serving together with you,

Lyle & Martha

Mankey