As is typical of the start of a new year, I (Brena) have been looking back at what I wrote in my calendar last year to remember what happened. Most of it is rather mundane, but some things are exciting. I must admit that it’s easy for me to sometimes fall back into thinking that the quantity and quality of what I do is most important. But I’ve been reminded again that what God wants of me each day is to reflect on and enjoy his unconditional love and because of that live out my life in obedience to him. I want to “cling tightly to God,” as Joshua tells the Israelites (Joshua 23:8), and to treasure Him during 2018.

In the coming months, there are some travels and events in our family (one rather big!) that we’d like to share with you so that you can pray:

1. TRIP TO SOLOMONS: John will be leaving tomorrow for a two-week trip to the Solomons to teach another translation software workshop at the Island Bible Ministries school in Honiara.

Some of these students will be in John’s translation software workshop

2. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Joey, having finished 1 ½ years at East Texas Baptist University, is now in South Carolina and living with his Uncle Dave and Aunt Ceil. He has been accepted at two universities that have construction related majors and hopes to start in the fall of 2018. He is working construction until he starts school. (*note his new address below)

We are thankful for Dave & Ceil’s generous hospitality when our boys have needed a place to stay.

3. SEED CO. MEETINGS IN STATES: John and I will be making a two-week trip to the States for Seed Company meetings in February. Luke will be staying here with another family. We’re looking forward to seeing Joey, Grant, Sara, and other family members during that trip!

4. GRADUATION & WEDDING: Grant will graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from John Brown University on May 5 and the next day get married to Sara Banter! The three of us are making plans now for our trip home (just a short two-week stay because Luke will be missing school). Hopefully Kairu will be able to get a visa and make the trip with us.

Grant and Sara enjoying the snow in Charleston over Christmas break

 5. HONEYMOON: For part of their honeymoon (leaving late May), Grant and Sara plan to make a trip to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea so that Sara can see where Grant grew up. So we’ll get to see them again!

6. JOBS & SCHOOL: John and I will continue our “jobs” here in Papua New Guinea and Luke will finish out grade 11 and start grade 12.

me with other Staff Care friends saying good-bye to a colleague

In all things, we entrust 2018 to God, knowing He is here with us and in control of all things. Thanks to all of you for your support and prayers. We appreciate you!!

THANKS & PRAYER:

• We are thankful that John’s visa has arrived. Please pray that mine will be granted before our trip to the States in February.
• Pray for all the trips planned; safety, good health, good things accomplished, and for God to be glorified.
• Pray that Kairu would get the visa he needs to make the wedding trip with us. Grant asked him to be a groomsman and it would be so special for him to go with us.
• Pray for Luke as he stays here in February. Pray that he will continue to work hard in school, be able to make up all the missed work from the wedding trip, and that he’ll continue to know how much God loves him.
• Pray that Joey would have peace and wisdom as he decides which college he should attend in the fall. Pray for safety as he works construction.
• Pray for Grant and Sara as they are in different states attending school. Pray that they will be able to focus on their studies, that they will continue to grow in their love for each other, and that all the details of their wedding will come together.
• And finally, please pray for strength and wisdom as we carry out our work here in PNG.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea – john_bruner@sil.org

Grant Bruner, PO Box 2159, John Brown University, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 – brunerg@jbu.edu

(*new address) Joey Bruner, c/o Dave & Ceil Bruner, 206 Forest Trail, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 – joeydbruner@gmail.com

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)