Since Caleb and Carolin Townley reached the minimum level of Tok Pisin, Caleb has worked full-time with the construction team. The construction team helps church planters in remote locations within Papua New Guinea to build or repair their homes if necessary. They also work at the NTM centres across the country.
In the last few months, Caleb has been on construction trips to two tribes, and to the capital of the country. He was able to repair a floor in a missionary family’s house that had termite damage, making it safe for use again, and helped a missionary build a garage for his car. Using a helicopter for every visit in and out would not be sustainable in the long run, hence the solution involving a car and a garage. In Port Moresby, he helped renovate the NTM guesthouse. It should be finished soon and then be ready for use by missionaries passing through the capital.
At home in Lapilo, Caleb usually works on projects for the missionaries at the centre alongside his national colleagues or he plans standards for future construction projects with the team.
The days and weeks when Caleb is away from home are not overly challenging for Carolin and the children, but it does disrupt daily routines. Routine and a consistent rhythm are good for the children. Pray that Carolin can establish a good routine when he is away and they view these times positively and for her emotional well-being and capacity to take on the roles that Caleb would normally fill.
Their son has been attending the school on base since August and is doing well. Because it is an American school system, he is learning to read and write in English. However, since their home is in Germany, he will attend school there during their visits. It is important for them to continue supporting his German language skills alongside his schooling and teach him to read and write in German. Pray for wisdom regarding his education, and what they can expect of him in addition to his schoolwork.
Their girls are already asking when they can start school. Since they will attend school in Germany during their next visit home, they want them to be fluent in German. Pray for wisdom regarding enrolling them at the school next year or ordering the pre-school year from the German homeschool system and teaching it at home. They naturally want to do what best prepares them for their future.
Caleb is increasingly involved in youth ministry with the missionary children on the base. The children meet every two weeks for Bible study, and he leads one of the small groups. He helped to organise games and lead the small groups at a recent youth retreat, which was also being attended by missionary kids from tribal locations. He has also been asked to help coach the school’s boys’ football team. This makes his workday a bit longer, but he enjoys it a lot. Working with missionary children has always been something close to their hearts. They are encouraged to see how God has opened doors, allowing Caleb to get to know the children and support them on their personal journey with the Lord, while also providing them with opportunities for fellowship and fun.
Before they left Germany for PNG, it seemed that Caleb’s German citizenship had been approved but due to changes in their circumstances this proved not to be the case. Pray that his application for citizenship will soon be approved.
Pray for:
- Wisdom for decisions on schooling
- Caleb’s German citizenship
- Carolin and the children when Caleb travels
They are thankful for the opportunity to serve, both the missionaries and their children.