THE PLAN SEEMED STRAIGHTFORWARD. Travel to Solomon Islands and work with the Fataleka team for 3 weeks doing the checking of the final books of the New Testament and then head back to Papua New Guinea. The plan was going well and all that remained was boarding a flight in Brisbane, Australia for a 3 hour flight back to PNG on Friday. Well, you can probably imagine my shock when I (John) went to check in for my flight and was told I wouldn’t be allowed to board because I had only 5 months eligibility remaining on my passport and PNG requires 6 months! So, I write this from Brisbane where I’m awaiting a flight this afternoon to Sydney so I can go to the U.S. Embassy tomorrow (Monday) for help in getting this straightened out. Thankfully there is a Wycliffe office in Brisbane and they have helped me with arrangements and finding me a place to stay while I’m here. I would appreciate your prayers that this situation with my passport will be able to be resolved quickly and I can get back to PNG and my family there – who thankfully are all doing fine without me. :)
My time in the Solomons went well and it was great to be able to finish checking the remaining books of the Fataleka New Testament. There was one difficult issue that needed resolving and I’m pleased to say that we were able to work our way through that, though I must say it did put a bit of a damper on the celebration of finishing the checking. I appreciate your prayers as I know many of you were praying for a good resolution of this situation. We had printed 800 copies of a trial edition containing Mark and a few epistles and the men were able to take those back to their communities for distribution. Please pray that these copies will reach many people and be a help to them in their spiritual lives.
When I’m able to get back to PNG, I will be continuing to work with the 12 Papua New Guinean interns and also doing some checks of the Fataleka NT in preparation for the final read through which is scheduled for late February next year.
Brena and I are very thankful for your partnership with us as we continue to work to bring God’s Word to people in a language they understand.
To Be In Touch:
PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea
To Give:
johnandbrena 
thanks for letting us know….sue and i join others in praying you out of sydney and back to png. Paul Sailhamer
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Our day is just starting, John, tho’ hopefully the trip to Sydney has gone smoothly and the appropriate mukti-muks have cleared you for return to Brena and the boys. Praying for a gracious resolution of the “issue.” Blessings on each of you! Joyfully, David and Carolyn Stewart
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Oh, my! We thought you might be home by now! We have been praying for your travel and for Pat and others who are returning. We know you are in God’s hands and we pray that this will be resolved quickly.
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John, I’m sure this is quite an annoying set of circumstances! You are no doubt anxious to be with your family again… We’ll be praying for you as you work through the red tape. may God go before you and give you peace.
In Him, Robyn
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Praying for a quick resolution to the passport issue and for Brena waiting at home.
Sheryl
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John,
May God give you grace and speed in straightening out the passport issues. Perhaps the visit to Sydney might be an unexpected source of surprising refreshment and encouragement.
May you return to PNG and your dear family without further frustration and delay.
Blessings,
Doug Haag
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I am praying for you all! Kim
Sent from my iPhone
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Praying that more than adequate support in terms of place to stay and transport and food on this extra leg of your journey is provided. PS i was just at Fatima in Portugal today. I could feel God’s presence there – very strong. Even though i know He is everywhere. -carol a
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Well we are going to Mexico in Oct and our daughter said she had to have our passport number to make plane reservations and guess what MY passport exp0ired in Jan. 2015. It cost an extra $100 but I received the new one today so I guess I can go. I wonât ever need another one. Sally Hope y9ou got yours just fine. Bill had to renew one at the consulate in Saudi Arabia and they used a different year designation so when we went to rent a car Bill had to explain his birth date and the date issued. Hope youâre back in PNG soon. Our prayers are for that. Sally
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