John and Rebekah Miller

Here is an update for John and Rebekah Miller, who are working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea.





Dear friends and family,


We just got back to Ukarumpa from our first 8 weeks in the village, Kakimar. It was kinda like camping with a bunch of people who have huge gardens nearby. So we ate lots of soup full of "bush food." It is usually some combination of cabbage (or other greens), kaukau or taro (like potatoes), and onions. We usually supplied some type of tinned meat (tuna or chicken-unless someone had butchered a pig nearby, then we had pork) salt and pepper and any seasonings. This is all cooked in coconut milk and often served with rice. It is good and filling; however due to the heat and lots of walking, John lost 37 lbs. (We're not sure how that compares to the Subway diet.) However after 8 weeks of bush food at least 5 times a week, we are looking forward to western style meals.

We had a great time and are so excited that our first village stay as a family in our program was a success. In the middle of our stay there were some issues that surfaced that we thought might lead to us having to leave, but thanks to God and your prayers everything became peaceful again. We went through some times of sickness, and a bit of "unrest" in the village that lead to someone almost being arrested (but that's another story.) Through the few struggles we faced, we sincerely believe there to be spiritual opposition to our presence. Also we became convinced that the people we lived amongst need an understanding of the Gospel, and THEY NEED THE BIBLE in their heart language. With God's help we will help them get it.

We learned a little of the local language, and recorded some language data that will hopefully be helpful while we are in school back in the States. Abi can say a ton of things in the local language (Gora) but she doesn't always know what she is saying. Talitha will jump in her Johnny Jump up when we say "Solak, solak, yawa" (which means "jump").

Anyways, I (Rebekah) guess that I'm getting ready mentally for furlough. Almost every night in the village I "spent time" with friends from back home in my dreams. It was a nice treat. It was weird waking up in the village and thinking, "OK where am I? Oh yea, PNG in a house made of bamboo, in the village."

The best part about being back into "Western-style living" (besides hot showers) is having light at all hours of the day or night!!!

Thanks for praying for us!!


Blessings,


Rebekah (for John, Abi and Talitha)