March update 2026
This month it has been great to get stuck into some training in the schools. At the beginning of March, we went up to Beretete (a village about an hour drive into the mountains) and did some board training as was requested by them. There are a number of people willing to serve in this capacity but they lacked the confidence to do it. We’ve made a very simple “Board Handbook” in Tok Pisin, which the training was largely centred around. The topics in the handbook include:
- What is reformed, covenantal education?
- What is the structure and role of a school board?
- How to handle finances transparently and responsibly, including how to make a budget.
We were able to make use of a battery powered projector for Johan’s presentation and walked them through the handbook. After this we had opportunity for discussion and had some fellowship over lunch. Writing a handbook in Tok Pisin and delivering a presentation in the language was certainly a good challenge for Johan. The kids also nicely played with some friends in the classroom next door (see picture below) which freed us both up for this presentation.
Johan understood from conversations that they hope to formally elect board members soon. Once this has been completed, Johan is planning to do some less formal follow-up sessions, depending on their needs, to walk them practically through different elements of the handbook.
On the 26th and 27th March we held an Introduction to Reformed Education conference here at the Bible college. The idea was to run a one-day workshop, giving new teachers the foundations and confidence to step into the classroom. Due to the interest of so many people, the conference turned into a two-day conference. However, all went very well and we learnt a lot about how we can serve the people here better. There was a good number of people in attendance and the topics were very well received. Even though some may not become teachers, the idea of ‘…teach them diligently to your children…’ (Deut 6:7) was strongly communicated. Our prayer is that many of the parents in attendance will have received a greater understanding of covenantal theology, and be encouraged in their task to raise up their children to know and love the LORD. We would like to also say thanks to the Bible college for allowing us to make use of the classrooms and the resources inside and also for helping look after the visitors overnight. It was much appreciated.
Initially, the conference was to introduce the My Father’s World curriculum to this group of new teachers, as it is largely used in our schools here. We had planned to use a new shipment of materials in this conference. Unfortunately, the shipment was delayed and nicely arrived at 10:00 am on the last day of the conference. Because we were expecting it to have arrived already, we had to scramble a bit of a backup plan. It all worked out well and we are thankful it has all arrived.
Personally, things have been going well. We did all have a bout of sickness this past month which seemed to get to some of the other college families as well. Little Matthew copped it the worst – he also got sick, completely lost his appetite, couldn’t sleep properly from his cough. He also got an ear infection to top it all off. The national ladies at the college were very concerned about the weight he was losing. Overall, he’s doing well and he’s still a happy kid. He’s learnt to say his sister’s name (Fee-bee) which is very exciting for her. Ada’s arm continues to heal very well. Although she still has a long bruise down the inside of her arm, she was taken to a check-up where the doctor said everything looks great. She is beginning to use it as she once did – hanging on bars, jumping off her bunk bed and climbing. What a blessing from our heavenly Father that all has gone well.
Evelyn has been enjoying homeschooling and the kids are responding very well. Yes, we say ‘kids’ because, although Ada is the only school age student, they all had to be involved. Including Matthew. It took a while to figure out how to structure the homeschool day so that all the kids felt like they were a part of it, but this has made us realise what a blessing it is to teach all our children about God’s world. Ada is beginning to read well and sometimes gives reading to her siblings a go. What is being confirmed to us is that there are so many opportunities outside of the set school time to continue teaching children about God’s world.
During the month of April, we hope to go to Lae and do similar training on that side. Although we have been to Lae many times already and stayed in the house there, this will be the first time we fly across as a whole family and stay there for about a month. We’re looking forward to it, but we’re praying that we’ll be protected from sickness and that the kids will settle there quickly.
Thanks again for your ongoing love and support.
Johan, Evelyn and the kids
Prayer Points:
Thankful – We were able to begin some training this month and it has already borne fruit
Request – our first family trip to Lae may go smoothly.
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