Dear Family and
Friends,
We are so
thankful for your continued support. In our last letter, we informed you
that we were going to receive counseling at Heartstream
in PA. However, we decided to change our plans based upon the needs of
our family. We have been receiving grief counseling locally in Princeton,
WV. The counseling has been a help, mainly in preparing us for our return
to PNG. There is nothing that can take away the pain of living without
Tyler. We continue to grieve deeply over the loss of our precious
son. We are also attending a group called GriefShare at Johnston
Chapel. Others who are experiencing similar pain and struggles have been
an encouragement to us.
We are currently
preparing for our return to PNG. We are scheduled to leave Charlotte, NC
on Monday, April 13th. We will connect in Los Angeles, CA that evening
and continue to Tokyo, Japan. We are planning to spend a few days in
Tokyo to adjust to the 14 hour time difference. We will finally arrive in
Goroka, PNG on Sunday, April 19th. Please pray
for our departure. It will be extremely difficult to board the plane and
leave Tyler here in West Virginia. We also understand that there are many
difficult days ahead as we adjust to life in PNG without Tyler. Please
pray for open doors to minister to those who are experiencing grief and loss in
PNG. There is a deep and continuous longing in our hearts for Heaven!
The week prior
to our arrival in PNG, the annual ABWE Easter Youth Camp will take place.
Please pray for God to prepare the hearts of young people that will attend the
camp. Please pray also for those who will serve as guest speakers.
There is a lot of planning and work to be done by missionaries. All this
work pays off when young people come to Christ and grow in their Christian
faith. Pray for the financial needs of the camp as well as the camp fees
for the youth. It costs just $15 per camper per week. If you are
interested in helping, gifts can be sent to ABWE account 0774013-011.
Upon our return,
Dan will begin teaching at Goroka Baptist Bible
College. He will be teaching New Testament Survey 2, covering Romans
through Revelation. We are also looking forward to evaluating the
progress of organization at Hosana Baptist
Church. Amy has decided to take a step back from nursing at the medical
clinic. The thought of anything medical is extremely difficult after
being by Tyler’s side in the hospital and seeing his health decline. We
hope you understand that this is the decision that is best for our family at
this point in our ministry.
During months
when financial support was the last thing on our mind, God has taken care of
our needs. Several churches have increased our support, and we welcome
Cornerstone Baptist Church of North Jay, ME to our team. We are currently
under-supported by just $33.71 per month.
Your prayers are
greatly needed and appreciated. Each of you has been a special blessing
to our family. We love you all.
Love, Dan, Amy,
Tyler, Kate & Claire
P.S. Kate
is constantly reminding us of special memories with Tyler. Claire’s hair
continues to stand on end. She is a sweetheart and has been a special
blessing to us during difficult days.
Additional Prayer
Requests: Please pray for…
1. The development of male leadership within the churches of
PNG.
2. The organization of Hosana
Baptist Church and funds for a pastor house and new church building.
3. The great need for additional missionaries with ABWE in
PNG (Kerowagi in particular).
4. Our saying good-bye to family and friends.
5. Taking care of details before our departure.
6. Daily strength for life without Tyler.
7. Praise God for Kate’s continued good health.
8. The many salvation decisions that have been made through
the clinic ministry. There is a major need for follow-up discipleship and
placement of these individuals into a local church body.
9. Continued monthly financial needs for medicine at the
clinic.
10. Student school fees.
11. Asia Baptist Theological Seminary classes for our
national pastors ($1,000 need to host program).
12. Increased teacher work load at GBBC due to our absence.