On the eve of The Big Trip, it's amazing to see how the Lord has provided this far and opened the doors for this adventure. What was just an idea a few months ago is now an astonishing reality! It would take countless hours to describe how the Lord has effortlessly eliminated challenges along the way. Each shadow of a hindrance has brought a lesson for our families, but then strengthened our faith as we've seen God work and provide! We're so grateful for the prayers and support of friends, family, and even strangers - folks who don't get to see the New Guinea mountains or see the faces of the natives and missionaries that will find so much benefit from the airstrips. We know that you will share in a rich reward from the Lord as He has used you, His people, to accomplish His work far, far away.
Despite a small glitch or two, both brothers are safely in Texas and preparing to start the long journey together tomorrow. They will be in the air for more than 24 hours over the next few days as they catch several flights to their final destination, which is now Kiari, Papua New Guinea. They will assist with the runway work already in progress in the village of Kiari, and IF they're able to complete the airstrip there within the next few weeks, they will travel to Aibai with the equipment to begin work at that location as originally planned.
There is a repair needed on the wheel bearings on one of the tractors, which will need to be completed before Thomas and Jonathan can begin work at Kiari. Please be praying for safe travel and journey mercies, for provision and wisdom for the equipment repair, and since I have a bit of a connection to one of them - pray for the gals back home keeping the kiddos. It's a little lonely in Mr. Rodgers' neighborhood 'bout now. :)
The plan
Thomas and Jonathan Rodgers are preparing for
a 3-week mission trip this August 7-28
a 3-week mission trip this August 7-28
to Papua New Guinea (a small island located north of Australia).
Both Jonathan and Thomas have experience using such heavy equipment; Jonathan owned a large landscaping company for a number of years, before entering the ministry himself in North Carolina. Thomas learned to operate the equipment while working for Jonathan, and has gone on to use bobcats and bulldozers frequently with his own renovation and property maintenance business. While the runway in Aibai has been "started", it needs to be graded, extended, and then topped with soil from another property to encourage a grass surface and prevent washout.
It will take the men all of their 2.5 weeks on the ground to complete the task, and hopefully will allow the Berbins to see the answer to 15 years of work and prayer, when they fly in and land on the new airstrip. For the first time they will be able to avoid the hazardous road trip to the village when they travel back to Aibai early this fall after their current furlough in the US.
The brothers will be working with some heavy equipment the Lord has miraculously provided to finish installing a runway on the side of a mountain at the missionary compound in Aibai, PNG. Aibai is a small village where our friends the Mike Berbin family and a team of other missionaries lead medical, educational, and church ministries.
Both Jonathan and Thomas have experience using such heavy equipment; Jonathan owned a large landscaping company for a number of years, before entering the ministry himself in North Carolina. Thomas learned to operate the equipment while working for Jonathan, and has gone on to use bobcats and bulldozers frequently with his own renovation and property maintenance business. While the runway in Aibai has been "started", it needs to be graded, extended, and then topped with soil from another property to encourage a grass surface and prevent washout.
(the airstrip is located to the left of the Aibai mission compound; note the goats and man standing on the near end of the large airstrip, and the washout lines currently crossing the property)
the current method of reaching the Aibai village:
a hazardous mountain trip over washed-out roads
a hazardous mountain trip over washed-out roads
and precarious bridges, through areas favored by theives;
this trip takes 6-8 hours *on a good day*.
this trip takes 6-8 hours *on a good day*.
The trip is highlighted by the raw beauty of the Papua New Guinea mountains.
How can you help?
Please pray!
-for Thomas and Jonathan to have safety as they travel and work
-for the equipment to work efficiently (no breakdowns!) during the short time alotted for the trip
-for preaching opportunities while the brothers are there - teaching the gospel to some who've never heard
-for safety of their wives and children staying behind in the States
-for financial provision - each brother is raising $4500 to cover trip expenses
Want more information? Email us
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