December 2020
Dear Praying Friends,
We thank the Lord for His manifold blessings and provisions along life’s road. Our family was able to break away from Kaintiba for about 12 days for a short “vacation” to visit several other missionary families in the month of October. It truely was a joy to be with the Keck family in Wau (Morobe Province), the Lewis family in Yonki (Eastern Highlands Province) and Brother Willie from Australia, also working in Yonki. The fellowship was so sweet and the love they all showed was so refreshing. It is the first thing to thank Father for during this “Thanksgiving” season: Christian Fellowship.
Another item of thanks is we arrived back safe to Kaintiba, getting back to the work in the ministry. We do count it a great privilege to represent our Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of such needy souls. Most of the Kaintiba peoples are all twisted up in their understanding of what the Church is and its ministry. There is a large group that are Judaizers or followers thereof. At the end of October this group had a 2 week camp in Kaintiba, and invited many other likeminded people from the surrounding areas. They used a first class PA system and during the night hours of both evening and morning, they blasted out their decrees and laws. This included laying guilt on anyone who did not agree to their terms and ideology. By twisting a few Scriptures and putting fear in a majority of these people, about 30 adults were “baptized” into their earthly organization. Oh if more men would join us in the “general assembly…in heaven”, which is far better. (Hebrews 12:22-24)
All the while, I was very sympathetic with the cry Apostle Paul had for the “bewitched” brethren who had made the death of Christ of none affect by their following the law of Moses as a way of salvation from sin. The sad truth is, even in their attempt to follow the “10 Commandments” (especially the Sabbath Law), they disrespect all the teachings and doctrines given to us by Christ. I preached often at the market for the duration of this camp and much more since, exposing the fraud and deception in these “doctrines of devils”. The finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross and His resurrection is sufficient enough for me (and for the sins of all mankind). That is another and the greatest thing to be thankful for: the precious Blood of “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Our confidence is in what He has DONE!
Looking Ahead: Hadassah and I plan to be in Port Moresby soon. The original date was to be on the 7th of December, but now our transport aircraft may come sooner than that (or later). As I type this letter, it is still undecided (“The Land of the Unexpected”). Besides buying our regular 2 month supply, Hadassah has a medical need to be addressed….a scan (MRI) concerning a lump in her neck. Please pray for wisdom and direction concerning this.. We have never done any medical checkups/procedures in Port Moresby, so we are doing research of doctors , referrals, and which hospital to go to…and of course the cost is still unknown. We do thank the Lord for the health He has given to us these 9 years in PNG. It still amazes me of how much minimal sickness our family has encountered in this 3rd world country, and how short the duration of every sickness we have had. We are not worthy of any good thing Father has bestowed upon us.
In closing, I must also say it is the greatest privilege to be counted worthy to minister the Word to these Kaintiba folk. Often it seems the Word falls upon deaf ears. The reward comes not IF people listen, but as we are faithful in the call to “preach the word”. Father is looking for a “faithful servant”. I am aiming for a “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” If you are discouraged, remember what Christ said: “…when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” We must be faithful in the faith that was “once delivered” to the fathers of our faith.
Christi’s Corner: The baby of the family, Glory, has graduated from Kindergarten! It’s hard to believe that time has gone by so fast. We had a short ceremony for her after our Sunday morning service with refreshments served afterwards.
The literacy class is still continuing. I thought I was nearing the end but after discussing with another missionary wife, who also wrote the curriculum I am using, I decided to back up and review. Some students were struggling. I am seeing some progress with those students now.
For His Glory,
Mark and Christi Helzerman
Hadassah,
Grace, Hope, Serenity, and Glory
E-mail: mhelzerman@gmail.com