Just a little list of questions that keep popping up. We’ve answered them often enough - we figured they might be on your mind, too!
Q: So Papua New Guinea. That’s in Africa, right? I’ve always wanted to go to Africa.
A: No (picking up globe and pointing). Papua New Guinea is just north of Australia, quite close to the equator.
Q: Are there dangerous wild animals like lions there?
A: Um… not really… there are big snakes, crocodiles, cassuary’s and wild pigs… and tree kangaroos! But no lions. Or hippos.
Q: So is it jungle? Will it be hot? Are there seasons?
A: Yes, it’s jungle. There is only one season - really, really hot and humid. lol.
Q: Will your kids go to school?
A: Yes, we want them to go to school. :) They’ll be homeschooled, along with many missionary kids who will also be living in our town.
Q: Are your kids excited?
A: Yes. Most of the time, they are. If they have a question or a concern, we talk about it and walk through it with them. :)
Q: Will you have hydro, water, a normal house… ?
A: A normal house, yes. Hydro - sometimes. Water - when the hydro is on. Internet? A little bit.
Q: Do you have to learn a new language?
A: We will in time. It’s called Pidgin.
Q: Why PNG?
A: There are many parts of the world that don’t yet have the gospel and where Jesus is not worshipped. PNG is one of those places. We believe that God has prepared this work for us to do, and so that’s why we go. To accelerate the work of translating the Bible and planting churches that worship Jesus Christ in currently unreached areas of PNG.
Q: Are you leaving in June?
A: Nope. Lord willing, we’ll head to PNG in November. Our flights aren’t booked yet, so we don’t have dates yet.
Q: Are you shipping stuff or just taking your luggage on the plane?
A: Yes, we’ll be shipping some things. There isn’t much in PNG, so if you think you’ll need or want it, you’d better ship it. Dishes, mattresses, chairs, school supplies, rat traps (just kidding - those are readily available in PNG!), etc. (shipping date: June/July)
Q: Is it expensive to live in PNG?
A: Yes. For example, (in US dollars) laundry soap in PNG is $20.23, compared to $8.99. 1 Lt of small engine oil in PNG is about $23.05. $4.98 in the US.
Q: Do you need to raise money to go?
A: Friends in Action International is a not for profit organization, so we do need to raise support to be able to live and work in PNG.
Q: Are you selling the house?
A: We don’t think so. We’re planning to rent the house while we’re away, and so the house will cover it’s own cost and be here when we get back. We believe this to be a wise course of action at this time.
Q: How long are you going for? Will you be coming home for Christmas?
A: We’re starting with 2 years. We’ll keep you updated on that. :) And… are you offering to pay for our flights? Just kidding. No, we won’t be coming home during that two years. You could come for a visit though, and plan to bring an extra big suit case full of all of the things that we will be missing or that we wished we brought with us (like Starbucks, a newspaper, anything cold, anything that works properly and smells good).
Q: How can we contribute to your financial support?
A: You can make a one time donation or commit to a monthly gift. Click HERE for details.
Q: What else can we do to help you?
A: Please pray with us and for us. Eph. 6:10-20. For the work that God has prepared, for the church in PNG and for the church here in Canada and in Muskoka. For our family as we prepare to move overseas. We’re hoping to start a monthly newsletter soon, and that will include more specific prayer requests.
Q: I have more questions - can you answer them?
A: We can try. :) Some of our own questions don’t have answers yet! But please ask. :)
FAQ with JB part 2 coming soon!!
FAQ with JB part 2 coming soon!!
