Mission Partner Update - The Williamsons, January 2024

Before you get into the bulk of this update, we'd like to let you know that the Williamsons are looking to buy a used SUV prior to returning in April, and are also looking for a place to store it until then. Please let us know if you would be able to help with either of these needs. Thank you!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from PNG!

We hope you all have had a meaningful celebration this year with family and friends. What a joy there is to know our greatest need was met in the giving of the greatest gift ever: Jesus Christ. May we experience the true hope and rest that can only come from abiding in this gift.
Judah Joining us for Christmas!
We are extra excited this Christmas to have Judah come and visit during his Christmas break from college. We were able to get into Iski with him for a couple of days, and although we don't live in the village he is used to, he was still able to reconnect with his old friends.

Looking back with thankful hearts!

This year as we look back at all that God has accomplished in the Iski church we are humbled at the work our Father continues to accomplish. We are also blessed to have such a generous and caring support team behind us to make this all possible. Here's a brief summary of some of the main highlights from this yearIn Jan - May we had the privilege of orienting 3 new church planting units to PNG! The Poulsens, the Islemajs, and Diana Ramthun. They are now busy forming church planting teams and looking into tribes who are asking for missionaries.

• In May the church completed teaching a new group of interested people through the creation to Christ teaching. They believe that through this around 30 people understood the gospel clearly and believed!
• In June & part of July we were gifted a trip to visit Kadynn & Judah in the US!
• In July the Iski church completed their 12th literacy class and we got our first visitor from our sending church in Georgia.
• In August Eden began her 12 grade year homeschooling here at home in Madang.
• The church was taught through 1 Timothy, Titus, 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
• In Sept the church completed another round of teaching to more interested people and we have another 30 or so brothers & sisters! Praise God for drawing people to Himself!
• In Sept we kicked off our 2nd new missionary orientation program here in Madang. We welcomed 3 new church planting families: the Kelleys, Ewerts and Hulls. What a joy to be able to disciple and work with these families.
• In October, Nisae began her second year teaching at Ramu Valley Academy and we welcomed the first Iski student to the school!
• The church appointed 2 more elders to their team!
• The church leadership team began a mid-week visitation ministry that has met a huge need in the body spread out along the river.
• Jason was able to draft 1,2,3 John and James and get them checked for comprehension with Iski speakers.
• Andre was able to draft Colossians, Philippians and 2 Corinthians.

Looking forward to 2024

• We are excited and hopeful as we continue to lean on our Savior as the Great Shepherd of the church plant in Iski. We know that whatever comes he will use for growth and transformation of his Bride. Here's a summary of our plans for next few months.We send off our 3 church planting families at the beginning of February to the next part of their journey here in PNG.
• Jason plans to be in the tribe for 4-5 weeks teaching the church leadership through the book of Revelation. Then after he leaves they will plan to teach it to the church.
• In March the church plans to begin its first indigenous outreach outside of their home village (still Iski speaking). There are 3 villages close together that will be attending this outreach. PLEASE PRAY with us that hearts will be receptive and our teachers will be faithful in carrying out this work.
• The Iski church has also been talking about how to reach another tribe (different language) next door to us who have been asking to hear God's message for many years now. We have a young couple in the Iski church who have been burdened to go and start teaching in this tribe.
• We are hopeful this year they can begin doing this. This is a first for the Iski church and we need wisdom from God as we strategize on how this could look. PLEASE PRAY!
• In April Eden will graduate and we will head back to the States to welcome our first grandchild (due to arrive in May!)
• We will be based in Georgia during our time back (from April to September) but will be traveling extensively visiting family, supporters, and churches. As we are traveling we would love to see you. Please let us know if you're interested and let's get in on the calendar!
• In October we will welcome more laborers coming to the field of PNG! Pray the Lord will continue to raise up many more to continue His Kingdom work here on this side of the globe.