For many years, Artenis and Mel Islamaj have been praying that they might have clarity and wisdom in terms of where to serve the Lord as a family. After over two years of intensive missionary training with NTM in England, it was good for them to be able to spend time reconnecting with their home church, family and friends in Germany. For years, their hearts have been burdened. In 2019 they witnessed how isolated some people groups are with their own eyes. Many people groups still have had no opportunity to hear the Gospel.
Artenis and Mel applied to join New Tribes Mission in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2021, were accepted and all set to fly to PNG in July 2022 to join the culture and language acquisition class. Sadly, their visa paperwork went missing and they had to start the application process from scratch. They did not get their visas in time to begin the class, which was not easy and at times even frustrating for them as a family, yet they knew the Lord was in control. They kept reminding themselves “to count their blessings.” Passages like those in Psalm 23 comforted their troubled hearts…they had no clue “why” or “what now” they only knew the Shepherd Himself was with them and He knows what is best and His timing is perfect. Day by day, they waited, hoping and casting their sorrows on Him.
Finally, by the end of October Artenis and Mel received notice from the embassy that they could pick up their entry permits. They could not believe it! Lord willing, they fly to PNG this month. They will be joining NTM’s training centre situated in Madang to learn about the culture and Tok Pisin (one of the official languages) before, Lord willing, moving further to a location where the Gospel has not yet been preached. They are overwhelmed by all the support they have received. Artenis and Mel believe that the Lord can do mighty and wonderful things, and are excited to see what He has in store in the months and years to come. Please keep them in your prayers.