April 2019
Dear Praying Friends,
To God be the Glory, great things He hath done. We do thank the Lord for impressing it upon the heart of a dear elderly lady in Michigan to purchase a satellite phone for us to use in Kaintiba. Because the cost per minute is quite costly, we don’t use it much. Primarily it has been used to arrange for flights and stay in touch with a few family members, parents, etc. This sat-phone can receive emails, but only short and concise emails. If you would like to drop us a short note, send an email to: 87077617340@message.inmarsat.com . Remember, short and concise, like a twitter post. Although we may not be able to reply to every note, each message will be an encouragement to us. Incoming messages do not cost us any loss of “units” purchased per month. If anyone would like to help in purchasing “units”, it is $100 for 50 “units”. A two minute phone call is about 3 “units” of usage for us.
Please continue to pray concerning the ongoing problem with the former “pastor”. It is our prayer that he will vacate the parsonage so we can start the process to receive a man for the ministry. Jorim in not showing signs of leaving any time soon, even though the church members have agreed unanimously to remove him. His presence is also a hinderance to the furtherance of the ministry of this church. Even other men/women in the Kaintiba area have expressed their opinion of this. Pray that God will touch his heart to move quickly and quietly. I have personally been long-suffering with Jorim and his scorn for more than 6 months now. It is written, “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out: yea, strife and reproach shall cease.” This problem is surely a reproach to the cause of Christ.
Concerning this topic, Jorim’s sending pastor came recently with another pastor, and expressed (after much deliberation) their desire for Jorim to leave Kaintiba and return to his home village. From there he could sit under a pastor again and learn how to be a proper church leader. The problem with this is, Tabitha (Jorim’s wife) has a fear to return to this area again. She is afraid of a supposed curse that had been placed upon their first child that died in the year 2015. This alleged curse originated from Jorim’s village area. These curses are a reality in the minds of these people and cause much anguish of spirit. Whether it is true or not, only God knows. We are trying to teach them not to fear concerning these things, for it is written, “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
On a happy note, Tabitha and Caleb arrived on the soil of Papua New Guinea, March 6, with their child, Cassia. This is, of course, our first grandchild. I hope to see them soon, if not, within a few months. Christi has already had that privilege, but I am happy she was the first to see them upon their arrival in Port Moresby . They will live in Kerema for some time as they adjust to the “Land of the Unexpected”. Pray for their safety and well being during these next several months.
We do appreciate all your prayer and care for us. Every time we get out of the jungle we try our best to get caught up with emails and correspondence with our supporters. Please do not lose hope with us if we have not replied to letters or emails as promptly as is normally required. The lack of cellphone service in this part of the world has limited our communication with the “outside world”. May God richly bless your labor of love as we near the end of this time on earth. To see the return of Christ is our aim and to hear Him say, “Well Done…” is our goal. He is worthy of all our time and talents. Without Him, we are dead in our trespasses and sins. He is our All in All!
Christi’s Corner: I was so thrilled to see Tabitha and Caleb and hold Cassia! I unexpectedly got to see my two sons as well! I had a 6 day trip to the USA to sign up Samuel for a job corps program. I went to Las Vegas, where my parents and Samuel were. Titus had been visiting his grandparents, and though I thought he had left, he surprised me and extended his stay! It was a joy to my heart to see them all. I had a good talk with Samuel and restored our communication. He still needs our prayer especially as he takes on this new task!
For His Glory,
Mark and Christi Helzerman
Hadassah,
Grace, Hope, Serenity, and Glory
E-mail: mhelzerman@gmail.com