Last weekend Robert and Nicole Westerveld returned from Papua New Guinea to their home in the Netherlands. They are grateful for a blessed time with the Yagwoia believers in the various locations in the tribe, for the translation work they were able to accomplish and for good journeys to and from PNG.
They did experience some health issues during their time in the tribe. First in Andakombi where Robert had sinus infections caused by a specific type of grass that blooms in May and irritates, leading to inflammation. Later, while being on the other side of the tribe, they both had some intestinal problems that persisted throughout their stay there. They also had to deal with cockroaches, bedbugs, rats and snakes. Their house in Andakombi is not in the best condition anymore because of earthquakes and termites. However, the Lord gave them strength and wisdom throughout it all, allowing them to carry out everything and even more than they had planned to do.
They very much enjoyed hearing the testimonies of their brothers and sisters in the tribe. The Lord is at work in their lives through His Word and it was great for them to see the changes in their lives. Robert dedicated two believers to the Lord for the work they have actually been doing within the congregation for years, one as an elder and the other as an evangelist. Several other young men in the congregation in Andakombi will assist the elder in leading the church. In the congregations in the other three villages there are also brothers leading the believers. There is regular contact between them. The evangelist has plans to reach people in a neighbouring tribe with God’s Word.
This year Robert and Nicole also helped the church in Andakombi purchase materials for their meeting house. They have used it for almost 30 years and it needs some renovation. They were pleased to be able to buy everything in Goroka and transport it all into the tribe on one flight. During their time in Andakombi, Robert taught from the book of 2 Peter.
All the Old Testament books Robert worked on in the Netherlands were translation checked, and more. All the Audio Bibles containing the whole New Testament and the eight books of the Old Testament that they had taken with them were sold such was the interest.
They were also encouraged to see on the other side of the tribe how God is at work. One believer shared that people frequently came to him asking for the booklets containing the Bible lessons.
There are always Iqwaye people who are interested in the Audio Bibles with Bible lessons as well. They were able to complete Acts and Romans in the Iqwaye New Testament.
In the Gwase New Testament, they completed John and Acts and made a start on Romans. They are now well past the halfway mark with both New Testaments.
Thank you for your prayers.