For Koen and Anne-Laure Verdonck it was a peaceful summer, and there were less people at the mission centre in Papua New Guinea where they serve. The school has started up again, and several families have arrived over the last weeks. There are quite a lot of families on site. Currently the school does not have dorm parents, so parents cannot leave their kids at the school while they return to the village works. A few families cannot return to the field at the moment because of serious illness.
They thank the Lord for all the new people that are joining to strengthen the flight programme in PNG. In the last nine years the team has almost completely changed. Recently a new pilot and a mechanic and his family have arrived; another pilot family will arrive soon.
The fuel crisis continues. However, they are thankful that here and there fuel can be obtained for the planes/helicopters. The problem has not gone away. Yet God knows.
Currently they are awaiting a delivery of 16,000 litres of fuel from a town in PNG. There is enough fuel until October. God is powerful to help in this as evangelism is His work. For those who are wondering why so much fuel is needed, it is because missionaries need to be flown to their work in remote places. Their food, and language consultants also must be flown in etc.
Koen and Anne-Laure were part of the small team that remained working in the hangar during the summer break. But team members are returning. One lady was a month later than expected because the airline did not accept the visa in her old passport. It cost so much extra. But God knows.
One of the mechanics and his family were thinking they would have to leave for family reasons, but God straightened that path for now and so hopefully they can stay and be settled.
The long-awaited part for one of the helicopters has arrived. There is so much that must be completed behind the scenes to get parts. They are glad of its arrival.
Two pilots needed to take some tests, which happened just in time to get their licences renewed. God knows these needs.
The construction of the new hangar started, but just recently the building codes changed. Now adjustments need to be made to conform to the new codes. That was not in the plans. It will cost more money and time. God knows.
Anne-Laure assists in the dental clinic. The dentist is currently on home assignment. After six years the dental clinic was due an upgrade. Anne-Laure was able to teach the ladies she works with new skills; painting walls and floors, and stocktaking etc., and they were very happy to learn.
The clinic has reopened after being closed for about a month. The dentist hopes to be back in November/December. They are praying for two brand new dental chairs. Refurbished ones break easily and don’t have spare parts. Please pray with them. It would be nice for Anne-Laure to see those installed before returning to Belgium. God knows.
Koen and Anne-Laure recently had a break with their son (a mission pilot in PNG) and family. It was their first time on a break together and it was good, and they had a lot of fun. They are now looking forward to a good solid period of work. Their thoughts are slowly turning to everything that needs to happen before they return to Belgium next year. Pray that they can leave it all in the Lord’s hands. He knows how all these changes will come about. That brings peace. God knows.
Thank you all for your prayers.