Flood Waters

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you"-Isa43:2

Our road on the way out towards the Swiss mission and the highway is flooded.

High water season is a normal, annual occurrence here in the jungle, but this year the water levels rose beyond what anyone has ever documented in our region - higher even than the “100 year flood” of 2010! It has been devastating for many, and we are thankful for this past week of sunshine that has helped the waters begin to recede. For three weeks the water has been too high for us to drive through, and we have no idea how much longer this will last. We have had to transport ourselves and supplies via canoe, and at times, our kind, indigenous neighbors help us with their boats. Our precious neighbors from the Swiss mission have allowed us to rent their vehicles when we had pressing need to go to town - we are so thankful for kind neighbors! As we watched the waters continue to rise, we thanked God over and over for his guidance so long ago in purchasing land on top of a hill - all of our structures are safe!

This is a hard bit of news to share - after saving for years and raising funds together with every family on this base, we finally went to buy a generator, and after much searching and shopping, we ended up getting scammed by some incredibly savvy thieves. It is a total loss. We found what appeared to be a mining operation selling lightly used and well maintained machinery due to government regulations that obligate them to renew equipment every 6 years. All of the paperwork and official documents as well as business accounts seemed to line up as a legitimate and reputable company. After paying them and sending a truck to pick up our new machine, we learned that this reputable company does not sell machinery of any kind, and we had been ripped off. What a sickening moment! It doesn't feel good to be duped and robbed - especially when we were the ones entrusted with the money to make a wise purchase. It took a couple of water crossings to go to the police station for long days of filing reports, but there is very little hope that there will be any resolution. While we are feeling somewhat devastated, we are praying that even in our disappointment, anger, and embarrassment, God will be glorified as we obediently give thanks in every circumstance. We ask the forgiveness of those who generously and sacrificially gave towards our generator project. We will have to wait awhile longer for a backup generator, and are truly excited to see how God is going to use this situation for His Glory. “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

A shipment of supplies was still delivered to SamAir for a flight out to one of our Petra families in the tribe. The high water did not stop ministry!

Vann’s body responds to stress by kicking out kidney stones. He passed one a couple of weeks ago and has continued in pain since then, so he went to get an ultrasound and found he has 9mm and 6.5mm stones in his right kidney, and a 6.2mm stone in his left kidney. The 9mm stone is cause for concern and is close to the emergency surgery point; if it doesn't get stuck, it would still take months for it to pass. The pain makes working, sleeping and life in general more difficult, so we are looking into his options for surgery as soon as possible in order to prevent prolonging his pain. Please pray for Vann.

Thank you all for your kindness in your prayers and support for us and Petra Mission Base. We are humbled and thankful that we get to do this work. Though we become weary at times, we are all the more grateful for your encouragement and care for us over the many miles and years. We ask God’s hand of blessing over you as He keeps you in His perfect peace.

“You will never know God's strength until He has supported you in deep waters.” - Charles Spurgeon