February 2019
Dear Praying Friends,
We do appreciate all the prayer that has been made for our family. If you have been trying to contact us or send emails, sorry for no replies on our part. Since December, there has been no cell phone service in Kaintiba or this part of the Gulf Province. It is our desire to get a satellite phone, but the logistics to purchase units still will need to be done by someone with regular internet service. Please pray this could be accomplished at some time. Another more permanent option is a two-way radio that missionaries used to use before cell phones came into PNG. We have requested this thru CRMF in Goroka. We pray this will come to pass soon, or that the cell phone service will resume.
Our family is content to continue here in spite of no contact with the outside world. Christmas time was hard not to be able to ring family in the USA, and Christi does enjoy her social network, as most woman do. This has increased our prayer life, though. With three of our children, a son-in-law, and a grand baby in the USA, we pray constantly for their spiritual welfare and protection. I was able to walk 8 hours over the mountain range to make contact with Tabitha and Titus and our parents about 3 weeks ago. A national pastor, James Jacob, put me up for the night and I walked back to Kaintiba the next day. Although it was a gruelling trek, it was worth the time spent to hear the voice of these family members. I recorded the conversations so Christi and the girls could at least hear their voices, too, when I returned home. This newsletter is coming at a time Hope and I have been able to fly to Port Moresby to purchase our 2 months supply. Christi may be able to get out soon, also, to correspond with some of you all.
Truth Baptist Church is still in need of a national pastor, and it looks like it will be a while yet. Until then, Father will sustain us, and I enjoy doing the work. It would be good to have a “partner” in the ministry, though….someday. Christi and Hadassah are doing Jr. Church with the children, so that is a BIG help. Several families in Kaintiba have been an encouragement to us. It was also an encouragement to have a man come this afternoon (Sunday, February 3) to ask about being baptized. Matthew is his name. He has a desire to get right with God, and seek to do His will after many years of forsaking the Word of God. Please pray for him to grow and mature.
The first week of January we held our 3rd Vacation Bible School. It was well attended and the theme was “Follow Christ”. 80 children and young people were enrolled and several adult leaders with other parents came and helped. Please pray that the seeds planted during these 3 days will grow and bear fruit in the years to come. Even though we live in an out of the way place on this Earth, there are still many evil influences that infiltrate Kaintiba on a regular basis. Sin and selfishness is common, and there is no fear of God among many in this place. We stand in the gap for these dear souls, that at least some may be saved.
Pray that we will have courage to continue in this good work and not faint in the battle. Our adversary is serious to see us fail and falter. The heathen often seek our ruin, but in Christ who can be against us! Our confidence is in Him and in Whom we trust. We seek the return of our Saviour, but we occupy until He comes. Continue with us until the end, and let us bring many others with us into the heavenlies.
Christi’s Corner: What a privilege it is to teach ladies! I try to have a monthly ladies’ meeting. This past month (January) 13 ladies attended! I am currently teaching out of a book written by Alison Wood, missionary wife in Cambodia, titled 25 Days To a Happier Home. We have covered 10 days in 2 months. This month I received lots of positive feedback and thanks for helping them to have a happier home. I am thankful that I don’t need the internet or phone to have a happier home. Though I do miss the communication, I am thankful for my upbringing on the mission field which prepared me for this!
For His Glory,
Mark and Christi Helzerman
Hadassah,
Grace, Hope, Serenity, and Glory
E-mail: mhelzerman@gmail.com