Just before Christmas, God called home one of Ralf and Elli Schlegel’s longtime friends, and a devoted Bible teacher in Dinangat. Losing him, hit the community hard. However, for Ralf and Elli it was so beautiful to see them come together, praising God even through their grief. What a testimony to His grace.
In late February, Elli flew to Germany all by herself – her first solo trip! She went to support two of their daughters on the birth of their first babies. God worked it out perfectly and Ralf and Elli are overjoyed and so thankful for their two grandbabies.
While Elli was away, Ralf and their youngest daughter Mimi held down the fort in PNG. Halfway through those ten weeks without “mum” they headed to Dinangat together. Mimi took such sweet care of her dad while he worked with his helpers on Bible translation and spent time with the believers. They are amazed to see God’s Word continuing to change lives there!
One of the Dinangat church elders had a rough start to the year, battling painful abscesses in his leg that kept him from walking for many weeks. But in the middle of it, he thought of Peter and Silas, singing praises in prison. He chose to do the same – grabbing his guitar and worshiping God despite the hurt.
Every Sunday afternoon, a faithful Dinangat Bible teacher meets with two couples and some teens to teach them God’s story of salvation. Soon, two more believers will join to help them learn to read in their own language – so they can read God’s Word for themselves and understand it even better.
Another Bible teacher in T. village, spent last year teaching from creation to Christ not just to his own children but also to other young people. Many have come to know Jesus as their Savior and want to show it through baptism. He also meets weekly with a couple to share the Good News in a nearby village. Pray that many there will become God’s children!
PRAYER POINTS
• For the Dinangat community as they grieve the loss of a faithful Bible teacher and friend.
• For their grandbabies and their first time parents.
• For the young people in T.-Village who have accepted Jesus and want to be baptised.
• For strength and wisdom in the Bible translation work.
Thank you for partnering with Ralf and Elli in helping to reach the people of PNG with the Good News.