The first two months of living in Mamusi, Papua New Guinea, has been a wonderful, crazy, challenging time for Chris and Ingrid Hughes and family.
Living in their own house with their own stuff and getting to know the Mamusi people that they have come to serve is amazing. Ingrid and the kids have been getting into the rhythm of homeschooling. It takes a bit more flexibility in a tribal setting, but they are doing great.
At the end of May, their co-workers the Pavs were finally able to move into their new house too.
Being with their friends at church and hearing their beautiful singing has been wonderful. However, more of the struggles and needs in the church are also becoming more visible. Right now, the team is working with the church leaders to plan a thank you feast for all the people who have helped build the houses.
In the time since the Hughes moved in, two people have died. One an older believing lady, another a younger non-believing man. The difference between the two funerals was palpable. It’s been hard but good to grieve with and try to show care to their friends.
The closest medical help for the Mamusi is currently a day’s hike away. Recently the team have been helping a girl with a terribly infected sore that needed daily cleaning and medicine. Thankfully there has been much improvement and it looks like her leg might fully heal.
As they prepare to start studying the Mamusi culture and language full time, the Hughes’ are already gaining some interesting and fun cultural insights from their friends.
It has been a busy time with a lot to keep track of and their brains are tired. But soon they will be back in Hoskins for a two-week break and a chance to resupply.
After their break, the team will host the big thank you feast and also finish the airstrip renovation project together with the Mamusi people. Then, it will be time to start full time culture and language study.
Praise God:
• That the whole team has now moved into Mamusi.
• That their kids are adjusting well and that they all really enjoy life in Mamusi.
• For much progress on finishing the houses and for opportunities to build relationships with their Mamusi friends, whether that’s through daily life, medical or funerals.
• For all that He’s already done in Mamusi to build His Church.
Pray for:
• Wisdom as they try to be a help to their community while there is no doctor in a way that will not create unhealthy dependence or expectations.
• All the construction projects to be finished before their break.
• Their co-workers the Pavs who are settling into their new home and way of life.
• A good break, help to find the needed supplies and that they will get a bit of a mental reset so they are ready to dive into language learning once the airstrip project is fully finished.
• That God will use the Hughes and Pavs among the Mamusi people, that the Church may grow in maturity and the lost would be reached for Christ
Thank you for your prayers and being on this journey with them!