We wanted to give a brief update on what has been happening in our lives since we left Papua New Guinea just over a month ago. What a busy month it has been: Seed Company meetings (John), family gatherings and then Thanksgiving with Grant and Sara, doctor’s appointments and John’s wrist surgery, settling into our temporary home on the Wycliffe center in Dallas, attending the wedding of a former PNG student (and friend of our boys), and buying a car. We are thankful for how smoothly things have gone so far and for the ways God has answered prayer. Honestly though, it has also been a bit overwhelming for us, especially when we think of all the things we still need to do! I (John) was recently encouraged when I read in 1 Peter to, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” We know that is true and would appreciate your prayers that we will be able to follow that exhortation each day!

We hope this Christmas season is one where you too sense His presence in whatever you are going through.

Please note our NEW email and current mailing address at the bottom of the letter, along with some prayer requests.

Before flying to the States, we enjoyed a few days in the beautiful Blue Mountains, near Sydney, Australia. We were there right when the rhododendron bushes were blooming!

The mobile home we are staying in at the SIL center and the car my brother Bill loaned us

My Seed Company Pacific Team at meetings in Arlington, Texas in mid-November

It was great to see all the people with PNG connections who were at Amaechi and Megan’s wedding, including Joey, Moriah, and Grant.

All 5 of us boys with my parents in Florida. First time we had all been together in many many years!

Enjoying time with Grant’s little family at Thanksgiving in Springfield, Missouri

PRAISE:

• Our departure from PNG, while bittersweet, went very smoothly.
• We were able to move into a fully furnished mobile home at the SIL/Wycliffe center in Dallas.
• My brother loaned us a car until we bought our own.
• We have had good times with extended and immediate family.
• Joey and Moriah were just accepted as missionaries and plan to go overseas next year.
• The surgery on my left wrist was successful (it will be in a cast for up to 3 months).

PRAY:

• that God will give us wisdom (and peace) in making a decision about where to live long term.
• that we’ll find a good church to get involved in.
• for the safe arrival of Grant and Sara’s second child (daughter) due January 6.
• for healing of the surgically repaired bone in my left wrist.

TO BE IN TOUCH: (*NEW ADDRESSES)

John: john_bruner@wycliffe.org (personal); john_bruner@tsco.org (work)

Brena: brena_bruner@wycliffe.org

Temporary Address: 4807 Ruidoso Dr., Arlington TX 76017

WEB ADDRESS FOR PARTNERSHIP:

https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners

MAILING ADDRESS FOR PARTNERSHIP:

Send gifts to: Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862-8200 (The check should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators and include a note that says preference for the ministry of John and Brena Bruner.)