an in-between time
It’s hard to believe that we can say this, but we have finished all the tasks, analysis, and reports that were on the have-to-do list. In the big picture this whole language thing went pretty quick, but the days sure were long. Thousands of hours after we started, we can fluently speak a third language and we deeply understand the driving factors in this culture. Pretty cool … but it’s only because of God’s goodness and grace. That’s for sure.
In regards to official language and culture study, we are only a few weeks away from the time when the official evaluation happens. Barring some kind of unforeseen issue, that will be a time to celebrate as it will be the official end of language study for us guys and the official beginning of everything else.
Kaitlyn and Ellenie will keep pressing on in building friendships and learning language, but it’s exciting that they will soon get to do that in the context of teaching and conversation around God’s word.
Since finishing our final reports, we’ve been transitioning into full time preparation for the time when we will get to step into God’s word with our friends. We spun our wheels for a bit trying to figure out what that’s going to look like in this specific context with this specific group of friends. It’s been a really busy season for all of them lately with all kinds of things happening in their families and in the community. But we’re now starting to gain momentum with a great group of guys.
It’s been encouraging most days, discouraging some days, and exhausting every day. The unknowns are always pressing, but we are often talking about how it’s not our hard work or perfect strategies that will change people.
It’s a daily friendship with our Father, a consistent re-calibrating to His truth, and a trust in His word and His Spirit to do heart level work.
It’s not our responsibility to change our friends. As they learn to set their minds on those same things, God will do things as only He can do.
our friends
We have had such a privilege and blessing to become close friends with a core group of people in our community. Before being able to sit down in a larger family oriented setting, we really need to prepare well with a smaller group of close friends.
We’ve got some wise old men, some young married guys, a bunch of young single guys, some leaders of religious groups, some educated people, a couple uneducated people. It’s quite the mixture when we start talking through important issues in scripture. Some are very excited and hungry. Others are quiet and unsure.
Please pray for these guys (and for us!). Satan does not want this to go well. We can see things in our own lives and things in our friends’ lives that have the potential to pull us away from the things that God is trying to do.
Small things like distractions, pursuit of money, family tensions, community responsibilities … the ripples from those things can really affect people’s posture towards the truth.
Big things can quickly overwhelm people’s lives as well. As people’s hearts grow softer towards the Lord, Satan is going to ramp up the battle for authority in their life.
That’s all true for each of us. So keep praying offensively for our own hearts and minds and for our friends as well.
the truck
Our new truck has finally arrived on our island! At the moment it’s getting a couple upgrades and proper documentation, but we’ll hopefully be driving it home in a couple weeks.
We’re looking forward to it … and we’re praying that the air conditioner is strong enough to feel in the back seat! It would be amazing to be able to drive with the windows up and have some cold air blowing. We can only dream.
Please Pray
That God would continue to give the desire and the will for our friends to keep pursuing the truth.
That we would do well to stand as the battle is real, and we are all feeling it.
That God would give wisdom, discernment, and clarity as we walk alongside our friends and try to facilitate the truth touching real life.
That we would be growing closer to our Father each day and overflow with His love and grace to each other as spouses, parents, and teammates. Life is an emotional and spiritual pressure cooker right now.
KONOMALA 
Exciting times!!
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Thank you guys for putting me on the konomala list. It was a joy to read the update ????????
Outlook voor iOS downloaden ________________________________ Van: KONOMALA Verzonden: Sunday, January 30, 2022 9:05:06 PM Aan: Haaring, Ineke Onderwerp: [New post] on your mark, get set
Seth & Kaitlyn posted: ” an in-between time It’s hard to believe that we can say this, but we have finished all the tasks, analysis, and reports that were on the have-to-do list. In the big picture this whole language thing went pretty quick, but the days sure were long. Thou”
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Father God I lift them up to You! Please fan their flames and help them to stay encouraged and to push towards the goal! To preach the Gospel to a people who has never heard!
Help them Lord God.
Remind them daily of Your precious promises.
Comfort them and guide them in their journey.
God I pray for a continuous tilling of the soil of the hearts. Prepare the hearts to receive Your Word!
God I pray for a mighty mighty harvest of 100 fold!
God multiply and spread Your Word like wild fire across the land!
You are worthy of all of our efforts!
You are the Champion the Undefeated Head Crusher!
Father please help them
Amen
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This is such great news! It sounds to me like you guys are moving right along!
Great wrestling picture at the end!
Do you mind if I share the first “an in-between time” section and the first two photos on our NTM PNG social media? Thanks, Summer
From: KONOMALA
Reply-To: KONOMALA
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 9:05 PM
To: “Zimmer, Summer”
Subject: [New post] on your mark, get set
Seth & Kaitlyn posted: ” an in-between time It’s hard to believe that we can say this, but we have finished all the tasks, analysis, and reports that were on the have-to-do list. In the big picture this whole language thing went pretty quick, but the days sure were long. Thou”
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Thank you for the good news of the Lords on going work and blessing. We will pray through the needs expressed in the letter. Our gracious God is there fighting the battle with you. Loved the photos as it is good to see you.
In Christ
Bill & June
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Pressure cooker seems to sum it up well. I can feel the tension, maybe because I feel a bit of it in real life right now too.. Praying for you guys often and right now. I was encouraged/challenged recently by a pastor in California to be ruthless in my elimination of sin. In other words âthrow off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entanglesâ. I stink at it but I think in our positions we have to be ruthlessly casting off sin and walking in purity. Whatever that might mean for each of our fleshâs and the ways Satan knows to attack.. Anyways, love you guys. -Tyler Sanford From: KONOMALASent: Sunday, January 30, 2022 6:06 AMTo: tylersanford4@gmail.comSubject: [New post] on your mark, get set Seth & Kaitlyn posted: " an in-between time Itâs hard to believe that we can say this, but we have finished all the tasks, analysis, and reports that were on the have-to-do list. In the big picture this whole language thing went pretty quick, but the days sure were long. Thou"
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Seth and Kaitlyn,
So excited for you guys and the Hodgdons. I know how hard youâve worked to get to this point. Now begins a whole new journey and I am excited to see how it will turn out with all the twists and turns along the way. Wish I could be there, but hope to get a chance before too long.
Hello to Michael for me. Praying for him and the Konomalans.
Aaron Luse
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New Tribes Mission PNG
Ethnos360 USA
From: KONOMALA
Reply-To: KONOMALA
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 5:05 AM
To: Aaron Luse
Subject: [New post] on your mark, get set
Seth & Kaitlyn posted: ” an in-between time Itâs hard to believe that we can say this, but we have finished all the tasks, analysis, and reports that were on the have-to-do list. In the big picture this whole language thing went pretty quick, but the days sure were long. Thou”
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Wow! What an amazing accomplishment. Our God is soo awesomely guiding and providing there in Konomala. This is great news to hear!
Will keep you in prayer for the next part of this wonderful journey!
Bob & Marcia White
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Wonderful news. It is so good to catch up with you all and your work for our Lord and the people there. Your children are growing like weeds!! God Bless you all!
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