Teaching in Papua New Guinea

April 2011

In 1998 a tsunami struck along the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. The tsunami destroyed an entire village and wiped out one-third of the Arop people group. John and Bonnie Nystrom had been working on a translation project with this people group for years and mourned alongside the Arop people. In the aftermath of this terrible event, the translation team not only decided to continue their efforts but reached out to neighboring language groups and developed a multi-language translation project. The Aitape West Translation Project now involves several expatriates who are trained in translation and literacy techniques and national PNG co-workers from eleven language groups. They have just finished the final check of These national language workers hold the first the Gospel of Luke and will soon copies of Luke in their language. begin distributing Gods Wordfor the first timein 11 different languages. PRAISE GOD! During the Christmas school break, I was able to assist the Aitape West group by researching spare computer parts and ordering replacement printing equipment and supplies. Linguists, literacy workers, teachers, and pilots are needed to further Bible translation efforts, but workers with office skills are also greatly needed in order to allow translators to focus on what they are trained and called to dotranslating the Bible into vernacular languages. Read more about the 1998 tsunami and how God used it for good in this article written by John Nystrom for the JAARS Rev. 7 publication. http://www.jaars.org/multimedia/publications/rev7/archive/tsunami/extras Praises

Steady progress in my language learning. Great health through my POC experience.

More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it! Luke 11:28

Prayer Requests

Cultural understanding as I continue to build relationships with expats and nationals. Wisdom to encourage and support my students during the last school term.

I completed the Pacific Orientation Course with a week-long stay in a local village. My host family spent many hours helping me and my fellow student, Caryn, improve our Tok Pisin, the trade language of PNG. They also taught me how to properly wash dishes and clothes in a stream and ran to help when a rat snuck into my mosquito net. I greatly enjoyed my stay in the village and hope to visit again in the future.

Financial Update
I want to say Thank You So Much to all my faithful supporters who have joined with me to pray and give financially to this ministry. Without you it wouldnt be possible to serve Him in supporting Bible translation. You are truly partners with me in this work. May the Lord richly repay you for your generosity. Before returning to PNG in April 2010, 100% of my monthly support had been pledged. Sadly, about $250 per month has not been materializing. Additionally the PNG financial office recently adjusted my budget to reflect the rising costs of food and housing within Papua New Guinea. As a result I am consistently $550 short of meeting my monthly financial budget. I am living frugally and trusting God to provide for this need. Would you prayerfully ask Him if you are part of His solution? See Contribution info below.

My second grade class recently received a great surprise in the mail. A partner sent us a fabulous care-box filled with stickers, pencils, Frisbees, puzzles and more. Im not sure if the students or their teacher were more excited. Its always great to find something in my mailbox!
Email: rachel_stanton@wycliffe.org Address: PO Box 1 (349) Ukarumpa, EHP 444 Papua New Guinea

Contributions: Wycliffe Bible Translators P.O. Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862-8200

Checks should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators with a separate note saying for the ministry of Rachel Stanton.