January 2026
Dear Praying Friends,
December and January have passed quickly, and now that we are a week into February, this update is slightly overdue. We are still in the USA waiting for Immigration “Visa team to do the final decision”. While we are eager to return to our work in Papua New Guinea, we recognize that this delay has provided valuable opportunities to present our ministry to several more churches. This has resulted in increased financial support and additional prayer partners for our future labor.
Another providential aspect of this delay is that it has allowed us to be present for the upcoming marriage of our daughter, Hadassah. The wedding is planned for March 28th. Recently, Christi, Hadassah, and I took an eight-day trip to Suriname to visit Silas Champlin. Hadassah and Silas began corresponding in September, and during our visit, it became clear that they were meant to be together. They are now engaged, and invitations will be sent out soon. We are grateful for your continued support of our family and pray God's blessing on this union as they serve the Lord together in South America.
Reflecting on December, our last scheduled meeting was on the 21st in Alexandria, Virginia, where Pastor Bishop and Lighthouse Baptist Church were very gracious to us. They have since voted to take us on for monthly support. (Praise the Lord!) Following that, we celebrated Christmas in Pennsylvania with Christi’s family. We cherished the time having all five of our youngest daughters together before we return to PNG. Also in December, Christi, Serenity, and I completed the required medical exams, TB testing, and FBI background checks for our visa documentation. We pray that these efforts and the associated expenses will lead to a favorable decision regarding our return.
January has been equally busy. The Lord provided three additional meetings to present the work in PNG, extending through February 1st. To date, approximately six new churches and their pastors have verbally committed to supporting our ministry. Despite the length of this furlough, we can see that our time here has not been in vain. One thing that I am learning through this situation of what is seemingly a delay, is turning out to be an opportunity to minister to my grown children. Father has given Christi and me this added time to spend with the family and participate in their maturing.
PRAYER:
—We still seek the Visas to be finalized soon.
—The 2 crates we sent to PNG have arrived and are waiting for the final duty/shipping payment of $2,326 ($1,600 has been committed).
—From Ukarampa we fly our crate supplies and industrial lawnmower into Kaintiba at an additional cost.
Thank you for all your care in prayer as we serve the Lord in all these things. May souls come to Christ from all these efforts.
Christi’s Corner: An added bonus of the trip to Suriname was the opportunity to visit a new country. Missionaries often do not have the chance to travel outside their specific place of service, so seeing Suriname was special to me in a couple of ways.
First and foremost, I valued the time spent getting to know Silas in his own environment. Seeing his dedication to his ministry was a true blessing. Additionally, it was wonderful to experience another country on a continent I had never visited before.
We are now thrilled to help Hadassah plan her wedding and are deeply grateful that the timing allows us to be present for the ceremony. What hath God wrought! For His Glory,
For His Glory,
Mark and Christi Helzerman
Hope, Serenity, and Glory
E-mail: mhelzerman@gmail.com