December 2023 / January 2024
Dear Praying Friends,
We do apologize for the late arrival of this newsletter to you all. A great sickness came through our family the first days of the year. Glory got it first, then Serenity, then me, and Christi followed on the 4th of January. It seems to have been a variation of Covid, and it knocked us down for over 10 days. Because of this, we had to start our Vacation Bible School 2 days late. We are back to normal now, just some weakness in the legs and a lingering cough. Thanks be to Father that it was not extreme, although several days it seemed as if we would never recover! These types of trials draw us closer to our Lord, from Who cometh all our strength.
So much has happened since our last newsletter. In November we found out that Hadassah’s visa would not be renewed, and so we quickly made arrangements for her to go back to the USA with Caleb and Tabitha Wilson (her sister) as they were just heading out on furlough. Our whole family went to Kerema (where Hadassah was teaching at Charity Baptist Academy) and then on to Port Moresby to spend several last days with her before her tear-filled departure. On the 28th of November, I escorted Hadassah to the Philippines to rendezvous with the Wilson’s, who had gone on a few days earlier for a vacation. It was with much sorrow to see Hadassah go off into a new “life”. She had her heart to stay with us as long as possible, and she was a great loss to our ministry in Kaintiba for sure. But, now she is settled back at our home church area in Upstate New York, getting acclimated into the big country, first world environment. Pray for her as she continues to adjust to her new situation.
While I was in the Philippines, I was able to purchase an inexpensive weed-eater, that was ready to be assembled. I packed it safely in a suitcase with some other purchased items, and brought it back to PNG. It was very economic to get it that way, and saved much money. This was an answer to prayer, as I had mentioned this need in the last newsletter. Another need I also mentioned was for a new stand-by generator. That need was met by Faith Bible Baptist Church family in Eden, NY. We praise the Lord for these hand-fulls-on-purpose that He sets in our pathway. Father truly cares for His own.
Please pray for me as I plan to fly to Port Moresby on the 2nd of February. This trip will be for our 2 month supply run, but also to receive a visitor who will be landing into PNG (Lord willing) on the 3rd of February. Joshua is a young man from Fairbanks, Alaska who purposed all on his own to come visit us and help out as needed. We pray that his stay will be a great experience, rich in new adventures. The main work he will be helping with is the construction of a small house that will be used to give preachers and other ministers a place to sleep as they transit through Kaintiba. Most all of the supplies are here, just lacking the siding. Pray for all the logistics of accomplishing this endeavor.
Christi’s Corner: I have yet to make a decision concerning the new class for literacy. With the sickness that hit us my strength is still coming back. It will be at least February before I am able to get back into the groove of another class.
Grace has to leave the country by her 19th birthday (August 15th) so I am staying on top of her school work to make sure she graduates in time. We are planning for me to escort her back.
All my life growing up my dream was to be married and have a large family. Praise the LORD he blessed me with that desire! It is quite a challenge having to let children go after just getting them raised. (Essentially letting go of a dream) I wasn’t prepared very well for Hadassah to leave, as we had thought another avenue would be possible. I am trying to prepare the best I can for when Grace leaves. At the same time we are trying to enjoy this time with Grace, as well.
Thanks for your prayers for us during this transitional time!
For His Glory,
Mark and Christi Helzerman
Hadassah,
Grace, Hope, Serenity, and Glory
E-mail: mhelzerman@gmail.com