Snow Could Be Next ... !

I know, living in a tropical paradise, not to far from the equator, for most people is a reason to rejoice.   I also know, that some times the joke is made that we are suffering for Jesus in the tropical paradise called Papua New Guinea.   When January comes around and some of you are looking at 0 degrees on the thermometer and we sit basking in 80 degrees with gentle breezes, it is hard to feel sorry for us, I understand, really, I do!

But currently, in our tropical paradise, we are suffering one of the most severe droughts in our 14 years of service here.   We have had only one decent rain in the last 6 weeks.   Some of our National friends have made comments as well missionaries, about the fact, their water tanks are about out and for our National friends, that water for their gardens is a struggle to fined.   In the PNG culture, the garden is very instrumental to survival.

Last week our temperatures were in the 40s with the lowest I saw, being 42 degrees.   It has been years since I have seen a 40 degree temperature and that was one night at 48 degrees.   For people, who are used to low 60 degree temperatures overnight, to be in the low 40s is just downright cold!   One man from the Enga Province, that I talked with, who is from a higher elevation than Kudjip's 5200 feet, said they had frost that did damage to their gardens.   When the skies are clear of clouds the temperatures fall.   We thank the Lord the last 2 night have been at normal overnight temperatures!

The lack of rain also influences our Hydro Electric system.   The river that supplies the water to our Hydro system is very low and no longer flows over the dam.   To keep water in the river we have had to open one of the gates a bit
to let water pass through.   We would appreciate your prayers for rain to fall again in the highlands of PNG.  God is faithful and our trust is in Him.

Updated on the 20th: Received a text from one of DSes here in the Highlands asking for me to send out a prayer request.   Many churches and people are being very severely effected by the lack of rain and he report that on his district they have also experienced frost.  It is getting harder for our nationals to find water for daily needs and to keep their gardens alive.  Please keep lifting PNG up in prayer.  I read from Psalms 24 this morning and verses one and 2 state,

The river bed that you see is usually cover with
water to some degree.

" The earth is the Lords and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."   Our Heavenly Father knows our needs!

Thank You for your prayers!