Jonathan and Dian with Benaja and Lukas serve at one of the mission’s national training centres in Asia-Pacific. In the first three weeks of April, Jonathan taught Philippians and 1 Peter. It was exhausting…
At the end of April, he had a great opportunity to surprise his parents in Europe. He had spontaneously booked plane tickets so that he could be there to celebrate her big birthday. Praise the Lord, everything went well, even though he ended up being away two nights longer than planned. Due to a volcanic eruption about 109 km from where they live, the airport closed, and he was stranded in a hotel in the capital.
On June 3rd, there was a graduation ceremony where 23 students finished the Bible school; 21 are continuing with the first year of mission training.
At the end of June, their homeschool helper returned to Germany. She was a blessing to them as a family and they are thankful to the Lord for the support she gave for eight months. She was able to build some good relationships with the single students.
Then came the summer break (June and July). Most of the students travelled to their hometowns or accompanied their classmates who were visiting their families. The campus was quiet, but from time-to-time Jonathan and Dian socialised with the students that remained and had the opportunity, together with a few colleagues, to represent the training centre at a mission conference in one of the largest communities in the city centre. The children were able to help too, so it was a very good experience.
A highlight for them as a family was that Jonathan’s parents, and sister visited for two weeks. It was a great time that they will all remember for a long time.
They give thanks to God that the children’s programme continued to work well on Thursday afternoons. Twelve children came to their house. First, they discussed a chapter from the book “The Lamb” and then drew, coloured pictures and made crafts. Because the kids had so much fun, they often came too early and then sat in front of their front door until it finally started.
Thank God the construction of new apartments on campus has also continued well. The Lord has put it on the hearts of many to support this project financially. He has also given protection on the construction site. Praise the Lord that the new dormitory is already built, and all the money needed to complete it is already available!
At the end of July there was a week of orientation for the Bible and mission students. Classes commenced on August 5th. This term Jonathan is assigned to the first year of mission school. The focus for the first three weeks has been on the need to establish healthy churches. Towards the end of the term they will examine what culture is and why it is so important for missionaries to learn the local language and culture. Please pray for Jonathan and his colleagues that the Lord will use them to prepare the young people for their ministry!
Dian is currently taking care of home schooling Benaja and Lukas every day. Thank God, it is going well so far. They are very happy that the Lord is providing them with a homeschool helper this school year as well. He plans to help them from mid-October to the end of April 2025. Please pray for him as he prepares for departure, and for a good start into life and the tasks when he arrives.
Praise God for:
- His protection during Jonathan’s trip to Europe
- Their homeschool helper and valuable help
- The construction of new apartments
- A new homeschool helper for October onwards
Pray for:
- Their work in the children’s programme, in home schooling, in the mission course, and in accounting
- All the preparations for their next homeschool helper
- Better community, especially among the female workers on campus