The last month has been a whirlwind of activities. Thanks to those who have prayed for all of these things;
- Jr/Sr Banquet that we, the parents, put on for the kids. I, Brena, helped with Appetizers, while John played “Joey” in a play, ran a booth, and served the dinner.
- Joey’s baptism. Joey accepted Christ when he was young, but it wasn’t until this year that his faith became his own and he wanted to declare publicly his commitment to follow Jesus. We’re so thankful for what God has done in his life.
- Joey’s graduation from Ukarumpa International School!
- Joey leaving PNG for college yesterday. He will spend a month in South Carolina with his uncle and aunt and work at Chick-Fil-A with his brother, Grant. :) John will fly home in August to meet up with Joey and get him settled at school (E. Texas Baptist University).
- Saying good-bye to people as they leave for good or go home for furlough (always a bit hard).
- Adjusting to having just one boy in the house!
- Celebrating 23 years of marriage this coming weekend.
- Moving to a different house here on center (since the owners of the house we stayed in last year are returning from furlough). Once we get completely unpacked and get the other house cleaned and closed, I can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy this really nice house for the next year.
- John leaving next week for a two week stay in the Solomons. He and the Fataleka men will be finishing the final read-through of the New Testament.
Here are some pictures from the last few weeks and we would appreciate your prayers for the things mentioned at the end of this letter. Thanks for being a part of our lives and making it possible for us to keep working with Bible translation.
(Joey and his friend Jesse arrive at Banquet with the community watching and smiling – an Ukarumpa tradition!)
(John playing “Joey” as they reenact a scene from the Class of 2016 8th grade play)
(John baptizing Joey in the same spot he baptized Grant 6 years ago)
(Sunday, June 12 – celebrating what God has done in Joey and Jesse’s lives)
(he did it!)
(the band of brothers wearing hand-made traditional PNG bags. They will miss each other greatly as they go their separate ways)
(the Class of 2016)
(our new house for the year)
(Joey and Kairu saying a tearful good-bye. Kairu will be staying in PNG for now but hoping to study in the states next year)
(Good-Bye, Joey. We will miss you!)
(So thankful this man chose me 23 years ago and is still choosing me every day)
Please Pray:
- for all of us as we go through this time of transition. Pray for peace and rest. Pray especially for Joey as he adjusts to life in America and a new school. Pray he will stay close to God and trust in His faithfulness.
- that Grant and Joey will have a special time together this summer as adult brothers! We’re thankful they both have jobs.
- for John’s upcoming trip to the Solomons. Pray that the read-through will get finished and that the men will stay healthy. Pray for me and Luke as we stay behind.
To Be In Touch:
PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea
To Give Online:
https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners
To Give by Mail:
send gifts to:
Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862
(The check should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators – include a note that says it is for the ministry of John and Brena Bruner)
johnandbrena 
What a wonderful report. So thankful for your faithfulness. We will be praying with you on these transitions. Dan
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Wow, you have a lot of change going on! Great pics!
We just returned from my Peru class reunion. It was such a special time. There is nothing like those MK bonds.
We are praying for you and praising God for his provisions in your lives.
Blessings,
Helen
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Wow! That’s a LOT! We just dropped Joshua off at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo for a 4-week summer program in architecture. It is so hard to have him gone — the longest I’ve been away from him. But this is something he is considering studying in college (in 2 years) and I figured it would be a good opportunity for me to practice letting go. I’m guessing that it doesn’t get any easier when you have already said goodbye to one son. Heavy Sigh. My prayers are with you guys and especially you, Brena, as John will be gone for a while as well. Lots of change and transition. I hope you will be able to give yourself time and permission to grieve and adjust to one son at home and a new house.
Hugs,
Sheryl
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OH my, I’m sitting here with tears, reading your letter, looking at those wonderful photos, even though I’d seen all but the last couple before. Congratulations, you two, on leading your family while keeping Christ first and foremost. Jesus can be trusted. We love you.
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Wow, so much all together! In all things, God is God.
Iâve got peace like a river
Some tears are good for the soul âº
Praising God for each of you and your love for Him
Praying for joy, rest, peace, comfort, strength, and the special bond in Jesus that unites mothers with their children â like a rainbow spanning the globe.
And finally, breathe âº
Good job mom!
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What a wonderful letter and great pictures. Congratulations on your 23rd.
we love you all, Keith and Lois
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So many transitions! Thank you for the update and pictures. Will be praying for God’s help and peace through the changes. And happy anniversary!
Rebecca Tomes
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Thanks for the update. Praying! Kim
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Hi Brena,
Bittersweet times I am sure! Saying good-bye to Joey. I’m glad he gets to join his brother. I hope the move goes well. Praying for you as you adjust to missing two boys.
Please pray for my son, Nate. He is really questioning the beliefs he accepted as a youngster.
Love,
Lynn
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Praying for you all!
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Brena,
So MUCH going on! I’m sure it feels strange to have Joey gone. I hope his trip is going well. (When did Kairu move out and where is he now?) And then John leaves next week. I trust you truly can give yourself some down time Brena. I enjoyed your pictures so much. With all of the craziness of moving, transition and all that the next few months hold, the coward in me makes me wish I were back there now!
I got really sick with what acted like the flu Monday morning, so have felt terrible these past few days. Not sure exactly what’s going on, but went to a pharmacy this morning in Bordeaux and got a couple of things that I hope will help. Have missed out on a fair bit of sight seeing, but hope to feel better by the weekend when we head back to Paris for a couple more days.
Love – Jolene
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Wow, what a great update.
I love the picture of people waiting Joey off on the airplane.
I prayed for those things at the bottom.
All for now.
Scot
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John and Brena,
It is so hard for me to believe that you now have TWO sons in college. Amazing, isn’t it? I can’t imagine what it must be like for you saying your “goodbyes.” It’s not like they can drive “home” for the weekend. My heart is with you and my prayers are going up for you.
Congratulations on another year of marriage … and on living your lives for the sake of the Gospel. I am so proud of you and honored to be counted among your friends.
Blessings and best wishes,
Doug Haag
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Thanks for the newsy letter and I will pray for your family. I remember 23 years ago when we attended your wedding. May you have many many more. We celebrated 61 on June 4th.
Sally
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Enjoying all the pictures you sent. Love seeing how your children have grown. God has definitely blessed you. Congratulations on 23 years. This has been a good year – enjoying grandchildren. My youngest will be entering high school. I still volunteer at uptown and Maybrook campus. Lots of changes happening.
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Dear Brena and John, Not an easy time for you as a family to be in with all the different transitions. We do pray God’s peace in the midst of it, the moving, sending another son off to study etc. Love from us Riska
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