@work NTMyour connection with tribal missions NEW MISSION TRIBES

Different Shores, Same Team page 16

00 NTM@work (ISSN 1527-9057)

Vol. 71 • No. 1 • August 2012

NTM@work team Executive Editor: Macon Hare David Bell, Debbie Burgett, Rex Crawford, Cathy Drobnick, Ian Fallis, Jon Frazier, Chris Holland and Dena McMaster

NTM@work is published quarterly by New Tribes Mission. Periodical postage paid at MID-FL, FL 32799-9625 Postmaster: Please send address changes to NTM@work, New Tribes Mission, 1000 E. First Street, Sanford, FL 32771-1487

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This photo and cover photo by Dale Stroud

#012498 contents 4 CONNECT: Find opportunities to pray, to give, to learn, to laugh and more. Different Shores, Same Team: In the church planting team, there are people who work overseas in remote tribal villages, and in town and cities in support of them. The team members who serve in the USA are equally important. These are their stories. 16 Did you hear? 17 The Unlikely Missionary Read the online edition: ntm.org/magazine 19 It Takes a Network 24 God’s in the Restoration Business 30 What line of work are you in? CONNECT

Big Mom, Little Mom Any mom from the Karen tribe in doesn’t like her baby to cry— not at all. So she feeds, swings, walks, sings to and holds her baby non-stop to keep it quiet. If that doesn’t work, she sells it. What?! Missionary Lea Betts wasn’t sure she had heard correctly. For 2 baht (about 7 cents) she “sells” her baby to an experienced mom. This new mom is called the Big Mom and the real mother is the Little Mom. The Big Mom will tie his wrist and give him a new name. Of course, the baby doesn’t actually live with the Big Mom. This seems to be a type of spirit ceremony. Since the spirits could possibly be bothering the baby (which is why he is crying so much), giving him a new mom along with all the merit she seems to have gained from raising lots of children, it is hoped that somehow her merit will be passed on to the baby and perhaps the spirits will have to leave him alone. — Leigh and Lea Betts, Karen Tribe, Thailand

Central Asian Style Cabbage Salad

1 head...... green cabbage 1 c...... vinegar ¾ c...... oil 1/8 head..... purple cabbage ½-1 tsp...... salt 1...... carrot ¼ tsp...... pepper (optional) 1...... white onion 1 c...... sugar

Finely shred all the vegetables — a food processor is wonderful for this — and mix together with sugar. In a separate pan mix the vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper, bring to boil and pour over the vegetables. Makes 16-20 servings.

This simple salad has come to the Mongols from the Russians, who were very prominent in Mongolia from about 1920 until 1990. It is very nice if it is made up to a day in advance and allowed to season in the refrigerator. Enjoy it this summer!

4 A pretty tall order As soon as the words left my lips I knew I had made a mistake. Th e look on my Paraguayan friend’s face revealed that I had said something “not quite right.” Our stove’s gas tank had run out of gas and I was trying

to communicate that I needed to buy CONNECT WITH… a new tank. I paused for a moment to Promise Vaughan discover what I had said wrong. I real- Field of Service: Papua New ized that instead of “I need to buy a Ministry: Church planting Sending Church: Foothill Church, new tank (garrafa),” I had said, “I need Upland, California to buy a new giraff e (jirafa).” I had the privilege of growing up in — Jenna Currey, a Christian family, and trusted Christ for salvation at the age of 5. When I was 14, I saw a mission presentation at an Awana event and I knew that God wanted me to be a missionary. “God uses men who are weak Since that time, I have been prepar- and feeble enough to lean on Him.” ing to go overseas to be part of bring- — Hudson Taylor ing the to those who have never before had an opportunity to hear God’s Word in their language. In 2008, I went to and worked in one of NTM’s clinics for nine months. During that time, God challenged me to prepare to be part of a tribal church- planting team in Papua New Guinea and I’m looking forward to it. Unwavering for 70 Years ntm.org/promise_vaughan “New Tribes Mission’s efforts shall be directed ... where no witness of the gospel has yet reached,” wrote Paul Fleming when he founded New Tribes Mission 70 years ago, and it’s still true today. Paul and five other men had no funds or organization behind them when they dared to trust God to establish NTM in 1942. “It seemed that the Lord had pushed us into something, and we were con- fident that no man started New Tribes Paul Fleming serving in Malaysia. Mission; the Lord brought it into exis- tence in spite of us,” Paul wrote. , Africa and the Asia- Today, some 3,000 missionaries from Pacific region. Together, they are more than 25 countries minister in reaching a new tribe every 45 days.

5 CONNECT Goodbye Candles! A new field of ministry has opened up in recent years for NTM missionaries—technical specialist. When tribal missionaries have to stop teaching the Bible because a technical, electrical or mechani- cal problem needs their attention, precious time is wasted that could have been spent in valuable church planting ministry. All graduating missionaries receive 36 hours of Instructor Tim See with students technical training. But seeing the need to further Carl Templeton and Aaron Laney equip missionaries to minister specifically in the as they solder electrical parts. field of technology, the tech specialist program began in 2005 at the Missionary Training Center in the USA. Twelve staff missionaries provide 680 class hours, which covers a full semester. Tech specialists are trained in areas which include solar electrical technol- ogy, power systems, small engine and appliance repair, water filtration, shop and construction skills. Once prepared, the technical missionaries serve in a particular country or region, sharing their skills so that other missionaries can continue sharing the Gospel. Chris Strange, missionary to the Banwaon people in the , lost eight months out of the tribe because of several surgeries to repair a severed tendon in his finger. Chris was using a knife to clean wax out of a jar to put a new candle in. The jar broke and the knife went through his hand. The Stranges had been using candles because they didn’t have power for lights. Technical Specialist Jason Mellinger flew in, rewired their solar panels and put lights in. The missionaries had been without power for years and Jason fixed the problem in three days. Goodbye candles! Discover more about NTM’s specialized training: ntm.org/magazine

The Mwinika people have a proverb that they often use. They say “oweetta vakhani vakhani khaye okhotta mukwaha.” It means “to walk slowly is not to negate the journey.” Whenever it seems to us that we are moving slowly in our program we are reminded of this proverb. We may be going slowly but as long as we are moving, we are getting to where we want to go. —Phil and Elin Henderson, Mwinika tribe,

6 Made in China During a month-long celebration in the Yembiyembi tribe of Papua New Guinea, a gathering of about 100 people went from house to house car- rying idols and other objects of wor- ship, singing songs to the spirit world,

trying to push away the evil ones and CONNECT WITH… appease them. One of the Yembiyembi Abel and Sarah Miller Bible teachers spoke to one of leaders Children: Andrew, Heidi, Pacey in the group. Field of Service: “God says to worship Him alone. Ministry: Discipleship, Equipping Tanzanian church planters You claim that this statue is a holy Sending Church: Atascadero Baptist piece of God. Turn it over. Look where Church, Atascadero, California it’s made. It’s made in China. You’re Since the day I was saved, I’ve been just ‘made in China’ worshippers. burdened to share the great news of “You hold this thing and bow down Christ, and the change that the Lord to it like it is a holy piece of God. It makes in people. I feel like I was made for missions. My passions all fit into is really a worthless piece of wood. this job. I love people and learning what Look, you dress it up nice. You care makes them tick. for it like a little baby. You bow down As Sarah and I live life together, and continue to develop as both man and wife and pray to it. God was angry at the and disciples of Christ, I am amazed with Israelites for doing the same thing in the places that the Lord has taken us. He Isaiah 44. You guys are doing what has chosen to use us both through the years. they did. Through many moves, changes, and “God doesn’t want you to worship trials, I have found the support I receive or pray to the stuff made in China. He from Sarah is so perfect and unassum- ing that it must be from the Lord. I could wants you to worship the One who never ask Sarah to go and live in the con- made China.” ditions that we have found in Tanzania. Fortunately God was asking her to do just that a long time before I ever met her. Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool to give who’s txting @ this hr?! up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jamie and Char Hunt were at home I feel that the way New Tribes does the in a remote village in Paraguay when work of missions is intentional, effective their phone beeped at 6 a.m.. and proven successful in many cultural settings. It offers us a chance to invest “Is ti lhamô?” the message read. our lives in a way that can yield good re- “Our tribal friends from across the turns on our investment. village wanted to know if we had This ministry method allows us to be- gin to teach someone who has not ever slept well,” Jamie and Char wrote. been exposed to the Word of God or to “After 13 years of living off genera- and build precept upon precept. tors, solar panels and beyond the Clear communication takes more time but eliminates many of the barriers to- reaches of communication, these ward reconciliation with the Lord. advancements seem almost surreal.” ntm.org/abel_miller 7 CONNECT

Aren’t all graduation speeches alike? 21-year-old Jasmine Sims graduated in May from New Tribes Bible Institute in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She and a male representative were chosen by their graduating classmates to speak at the ceremony. If even this portion of her speech is any indication of the type of young people that NTBI is attracting, teaching, discipling and sending back out into the world, then we should be spreading the word to every potential student we know. “Let no one tell you, you will never make a difference and that your efforts are a drop in the bucket. God is more interested in faithful service than vis- ible results. We are citizens of Christ’s kingdom and with this citizenship come privilege and responsibility. We ought to live in a manner that reflects our citizenship. I will not tell you it will be easy, but I will tell you, with the Son in your eyes, it will be worth it. Please never forget who you are. Let facts always take precedence over your feelings. We are children of the light, so shine bright. The victory is already ours through Christ, so be unashamed in this fight. Stand strong against the urge of complacency and reverting back to the past. I challenge you to ruffle feathers and change worlds. I challenge you to be moved not by emotion but compelled by love; not persuaded by fickle passions, but driven by His glory.” Graduates Holly Schroeder You can still apply for the 2013 and Jasmine Sims spring semester: ntbi.org

8 “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” 1 Corinthians 12:18

You calling me CONNECT WITH… a troublemaker? Susie Locklin Field of service: After learning the Akolet word for Ministry: Linguistics and Bible troublemaker, Julie Martin thought she translation had a good opportunity to use it that Sending church: Oakwood Church, afternoon. Hartland, Wisconsin “I was taking laundry off the line on I grew up in a Christian family and my porch when I saw our friend, Gili, became a born-again believer at a young age. I first thought about mis- out near our yard cutting down some sions as a career in fifth grade, when bananas,” Julie said. “I called out to my Sunday school teacher told us that him, jokingly, ‘Hey, you troublemaker, God had each of us in our families for a reason. Using me as an example, she what are you doing?’” said that because my dad was involved Gili chuckled and continued on with with missions—he was on the missions his work. committee at my church—I might be- come a missionary. The next day, while working on lan- That idea had never crossed my guage with Gili and two other Akolet mind before. But since then God has men, Julie and her husband learned the continued to lead me toward missions. I can see now that God has gifted me in real meaning of the word. linguistics and language learning and “We were discussing different types called me to serve Him using these of wrongdoing such as stealing or not gifts. After high school I attended Hough- listening to your parents,” Julie said. “I ton College, which included a semester piped up and offered that troublemak- in France and another in Tanzania. I ing like that was bad.” enjoyed linguistics classes with pro- fessors who had done Bible translation The tribal men from Papua New with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Guinea all looked at her and said, “No, Then I attended NTM’s Bible school, troublemaking is adultery. That’s what where I studied God’s Word in depth, followed by NTM’s Missionary Training that word means.” Center, where I learned more about In one horrifying moment, it dawned how to live and work overseas. on Julie what she had called Gili yes- Now my main job is developing a team of prayer and financial partners terday! She apologized profusely. He who will stand with me as I go over- understood and good-naturedly forgave seas. My goal is to head to West Africa her. near the end of 2012 and be a Bible translator on a church-planting team NTM’s training can prepare you to among an unreached or least-reached learn a culture and language: people group. ntm.org/magazine ntm.org/susie_locklin

9 CONNECT pray *Philippines: Agutaynen people: As mission- ary Stephen Jordan taught from Hebrews, But what exactly he came up against that Agutaynen tradition is that? that Jesus dies every One day, Beni, one of the women of the village year on Good Friday. His wife, Ginger, wrote, stopped by with her girls for a little visit. My co- “Stephen then asked worker, Katie, and I enjoy their visits as they are them, ‘How many times very expressive and funny. We always learn new did Jesus need to die?’” The Agutaynens cor- words and they stretch our knowledge of the lan- rectly responded, “One guage as we try to understand and talk with them. time.” Yet the people As they were leaving, Katie gave the girls a red seem to be living as though their traditions and white round peppermint. The oldest one are more important popped it into her mouth and said, “It tastes like wa- than God’s Word. purú!” I grabbed my notebook and wrote, “wapurú.” “Pray for wisdom for I thought this was great. I was going to learn how our team as we seek to spend one-on-one to describe tastes and smells. time with those who So, in Nahuat, I asked, “What is wapurú?” The have been attending girl answered, “Who knows!” the [Bible] teaching,” Ginger wrote. “Pray, So, I asked, “Is it a fruit?” The girl said, “Who above all, that the knows!” Agutaynens will trust in Then I said, “Is it sweet?” The girl said, “Who Jesus alone and grow knows!” in Him.” Getting nowhere with the daughter, I asked the Find out how you can pray daily for the work mother. She couldn’t explain anything about what God is doing among wapurú was either. So, I made a note to check it with tribal people: my language helper the following day. ntm.org/magazine When I met with her, I started by reviewing words or phrases that I had heard but hadn’t under- stood. At the end of the list was “wapurú.” I said, “Katie gave a piece of candy to a girl yes- terday and she said it tasted like ‘wapurú.’ What is that?” My language helper, with slightly better pro- nunciation than the previous day’s visitors, said, “Vapurub?” No more explanation needed! Who knew? Peppermints taste like VapoRub! — Rachel Chapman, Nahautl tribe, Rachel enjoying another visit with Beni’s girls.

10 CONNECT WITH… Craig and Kayla Gilley Children: Estella Mae, Hudson Neal Field of Service: Asia Pacific Ministry: Craig: Technical specialist; Kayla: Home school coordinator/ teacher Sending churches: First Baptist Church, Burly, Idaho; Paul Congregation Church, Paul, Idaho

Craig: When I was 5 years old my parents explained to me who Jesus Christ was. Through our conversation I learned that I was a sinner. I understood that because I had sinned against God I would be eternally separated from Him. Christ’s death on the cross was the only way to restore that relationship. “My mouth Kayla: As a young child you are always asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, for as long as I can remember, I always shall tell said, “a missionary mom.” But it was so much more to me than just being a mom. This all started when I put my faith in Christ alone for of Your salvation. righteousness Through Craig’s various overseas mission trips and Kayla’s life as a missionary kid we have had the privilege to see the world. This and Your allowed us to see several different people groups and cultures. We have seen what a world without Christ looks like, and it is sad. As we salvation all continue to grow in our understanding of God’s Word and are daily the day.” being challenged by His Spirit we believe have no choice, but to go. We believe God has led us to minister with New Tribes Mission. New Psalm 71:15 Tribes Mission does what most people have never heard of before. Their passion is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the deepest, darkest corners of the earth. They go to places where people have never seen a Bible and never heard of the name Jesus Christ. These people don’t know that they can have a relationship with the Creator of the world or that He loves them personally. He wants to give them a chance for hope and no longer constantly live in fear. This is no easy task. Romans 10:14-15 has been an encouragement to us as it explicitly shares the desires of our hearts. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” ntm.org/craig_gilley

11 CONNECT

Nika didn’t want to live anymore. Overwhelmed with thoughts of depression, I decided I didn’t want to live anymore. I remembered the plant we give fish to make them die. I planned it all out — when I would eat the plant, where I would be, how they would find my body. Then one day I did it. I ate so much of the poisonous plant and began to get very sick. Some of my family members left to go tell the missionaries that I wasn’t well. When they arrived, they realized what I had done. They knew I needed to vomit the poison or I was going to die. I didn’t want anyone to save me. The missionaries gave me charcoal to absorb the poison and make me throw up. I didn’t want to eat it, but I did anyway. The missionaries thought I was going to die. They reminded me why they had come to my village. It was to learn our language and culture and eventually tell us an important message from God. They asked God to help me get bet- ter. After that, I threw up the plant and got well. Maybe He wants me here to listen to this important message. Please pray for Nika as she waits for the missionaries to get fluent in her language before they can begin teaching the Bible to her and the other Elseng people in the Asia-Pacific Region. Listen to more stories like this one: ntm.org/magazine

praise “… the whole body, *By the time you receive this magazine, NTM’s Kodiak from Quest Aircraft joined and knit together should be in service in the Asia-Pacific region. The plane was to depart in early July, and the government of by what every joint supplies, the country where it will be used has granted duty-free import approval. according to the effective working The nine-place turbine-engine air- plane is designed for rugged, short airstrips and runs on readily available by which every part does its share, jet fuel. Praise God that the plane will soon be supporting church planting among remote people groups. causes growth of the body for Sign up for weekly updates so you can pray for the Palawanos and other peo- the edifying of itself in love.” ple groups: ntm.org/magazine Ephesians 4:16

12 Teachers aren’t born — they’re made. The Ayoré tribe of was the very first people group that NTM missionaries went to reach in 1942. Five of the men, George Hosbach, Bob Dye, Cecil Dye, Eldon Hunter and Dave Bacon, were killed by the Ayorés and their story became the book God Planted Five Seeds by Jean Dye Johnson, Bob’s widow. Jean and the two other widows stayed on for many years to continue the work their husbands had begun. Finally, 40 years later, a church had been planted and the Ayoré was being typeset at the USA Home Office. The five men had not died in vain. Jean, who later married missionary Larry Johnson, eventually became a teacher at the NTM Missionary Training Center in Camdenton, Missouri. Missionary Jack Housley writes, “It is so important that we get the right men teaching in our training centers, not special men and women, but men and women on the home front that have not forgotten who we are as missionaries and the God we serve.” Jean Dye Johnson never forgot. Until retirement and beyond, she worked tire- lessly to teach other young missionaries from her wealth of knowledge and ex- perience. She also prayed that God would send her women with “hungry hearts” to personally disciple as well. I was one of those “hungry hearts” who had the privilege to meet and pray with her on a regular basis during the NTM training. Jean just passed away in January at almost 92. New Tribes Bible Institute and the Missionary Training Center are manned by missionaries following in her footsteps — passing their wealth of knowledge and experience on to our next generation of missionaries. In her memory, join us in honoring and thank- ing each and every mis- sionary who fills those teaching and training positions. — Debbie Burgett, USA Home Office Learn more about NTM’s missionary training: ntm.org/magazine Jean’s Ayoré friend Inez was invaluable in helping Jean learn the Ayoré language.

13 CONNECT

Comments: website were a huge encouragement. I u “My name is Colton Rogers. was able to read about the ‘unreached’ I’m the son of missionaries Kirk placing their faith in Jesus Christ and and Yolanda Rogers and grew up growing in the love and knowledge of in Guinea, Africa. I’m fi nishing my Him. I got to follow the story of the sophomore semester at New Tribes Siar people of Papua New Guinea, who Bible Institute. I just received NTM@ I’d heard about at Wayumi. I was able work [May 2012 issue] and was en- to read about them hearing the Gospel couraged by a couple of the articles. “I for the fi rst time. Instead of getting Volunteer” was a neat look at someone overwhelmed by depressing statistics, working in a possibly small way at [the I was reading about how ‘God’s talk’ USA Home Offi ce], but investing a lot is impacting the hearts, lives and mar- in allowing valuable projects around riages of tribal people and how they the world to be funded by Christians even want to share the Gospel with in the USA. Having seen fi rsthand surrounding villages. Th e desire to how much help these projects can be be involved in tribal evangelism has to the people on ground zero, I know grown as I’ve read about what God has that this ability for assistance and been doing in the hearts and lives of partnership is the diff erence between tribal people.” clean or dirty drinking water, distant — H.H., New Tribes Bible Institute student or local health clinics, etc. Th ese are exceedingly valuable things to impov- Wayumi is your adventure in erished folk. So to Mr. Freeman I’d tribal missions: wayumi.org extend my gratitude for his service.” — Colton Rogers, New Tribes Bible Institute student

u “My brothers had shown me a vid- eo with a bunch of depressing statis- tics about the unreached. Th en I went to Wayumi. By the end of that week, I knew I wanted to walk in the direction of tribal mission. I applied to NTBI but encountered some obstacles to getting there. During that time of waiting, the Visit the “village” of Wayumi — in Pennsylvania. stories in NTM@work and on NTM’s Send your comments to Macon Hare: [email protected] or 1000 E. First St., Sanford, FL 32771

14 Learning How to Relearn Life Without the specialized NTM missionary training, we would have been aimless and clueless about what to do once we arrived overseas. But we had learned an important concept called “relearning life.” For example: You want to go shopping. Where do you go? To the nearby market where you get ripped off because the prices aren’t labeled and you don’t know what’s fair? Or do you try to take a taxi to the supermarket where prices are labeled, but then get overcharged for the taxi? And how do you actually go about negotiating the prices for groceries or a taxi? Who makes the fi rst off er? But we came prepared to fi nd those answers. So we got out with the people and began observing and “relearning life” in our new culture here. We found out that for a taxi, you need to know the right price ahead of time and that is what you propose. But at the market, you always ask for a price fi rst, and then negotiate from there to get a better price. In the end, you may even ask for a “present” from the vendor, and he may pack in an extra mango or orange for you. “Relearning life” defi nitely has its advantages! — Aaron Speitelsbach, Abidjan, Find out now how you can get training and become a missionary: ntm.org/magazine “When the teachers taught on pray the Law, I saw how bad of a person I was for the first *Thailand: Prai people: Two young Prai la- time and saw that I was a very dies, Nok and Nute, bad person before God and full are teaching children and adults to read and of bad ways. Before that, I write in a village where thought I was a good person. there are new believ- ers, many of whom are In the , the blood illiterate. Pray that they from the sheep only covered the are motivated to learn peoples’ sins, but Jesus’ blood to read so that they can read God’s Word for took away my sins.” themselves. Pray for Nok and Nute as they — Jolen, a woman from the Wusuraam- teach. bya tribe of Papua New Guinea Learn how you can “We make a living by what receive daily or weekly we earn; we make a life prayer requests so you can take part in reach- by what we give.” ing tribal people around — Winston Churchill the world: ntm.org/magazine

15 DIFFERENT SHORES, SAME TEAM

Did you hear? Every 45 days a new people group somewhere in the world hears about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ in their own language for the very fi rst time. And for NTM missionaries serving on the tribal church planting team in the USA, the news never gets old. Emails shoot from offi ce to offi ce. “Did you hear? Another tribe heard the Gospel today! Isn’t it wonderful?” Th en back to work they go, encouraged that by the job they’re doing—shoul- dering the necessary, but less glamorous roles here at home—tribes are hearing in 45 days instead of it taking much longer. But since more than 100 people groups (representing roughly 10 million people) have asked New Tribes Mission to bring them God’s Word and are still waiting for available missionaries, the desire is for an even shorter goal. So leadership members in the USA are now working hard to shrink that num- ber to 30 days. All the brainstorming, planning, decision-making, strategizing, preparing, training and equipping to ultimately make that possible, happens here in the USA. And each missionary serving on the tribal church planting team from this side of the ocean, in whatever position they hold, is committed to doing their part in helping those requests be fi lled. Th en someday, the very best news can spread. “Did you hear? Th e last tribe …”

16

photo by Dale Stroud THE UNLIKELY MISSIONARY by Ian Fallis Epaphroditus may be the most unlikely of missionaries. You may not have heard of him, even though Paul told the church at Philippi to “hold such men in esteem” (Philippians 2:29). And at first glance, his ministry doesn’t seem like much. Missionaries serving at NTM Aviation in McNeal, Arizona, train other missionaries to fix and fly aircraft in remote jungle regions.

photo by Dale Stroud

18 “Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me. … Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” Philippians 2:25-30, 4:18

It Takes a Network by Debbie Burgett

People oft en ask, “How do you get the informa- tion for the stories in your magazine?” Missionaries from around the world send their updates and newsletters to a bursting-at-the-seams inbox. Every morning there’s a fresh batch waiting. Waiting for whom?

19 Waiting for missionaries here at He started the very fi rst network in home — missionaries serving on the Garden of Eden. It’s called a fam- this end of the tribal church plant- ily. Later, He instituted the church and ing team — to take those stories and called it a body. God’s plan from the spread the word about what God is beginning is for diff erent people with busy doing out on the far edges of His diff erent gift s and abilities to work to- earth. gether in diff erent roles and capacities But why even do this work? How toward His common goals. does this magazine aff ect the Gospel Tribal church planting is one of being preached? Wouldn’t it be better those goals. But without missionaries if we just closed up shop and went photo by John Pierce overseas ourselves? If we did, that would be the oppo- site of what we know to be true and how we practice in every other aspect of life. To get a huge job accomplished ef- fi ciently and well, it takes a network of people each doing their part. What if your doctor or dentist suddenly decided that he didn’t need Kathy Gwyer makes sure the bills are paid help in his offi ce anymore? What if on time. he decided he didn’t need reception- ists, nurses, hygienists or lab tech- nicians — that he could do it all by himself? Th e results would be chaos. Waiting time would skyrocket, and so would death and decay. What if it was suddenly decided that the only person important to fl ying a plane is the one in the cockpit? What if some offi cial on the ground decided it wasn’t necessary for the pilot to have someone manning the control tower or making sure he has runway lights? Without the critical support team required to do his job properly, the life of every person on board would be at stake. Networks are a vital part of life. We can’t live without them and God never intended us to.

20 At first glance, Epaphroditus’ ministry doesn’t seem like much compared to that of Paul or Barnabas or Silas — or even Mark or Philip. The church at Philippi sent Epaphroditus to deliver their offering to Paul. He became very ill while doing so, then recovered and returned home. 20,470 Not exactly an illustrious missionary journey. monthly donations So why does Paul tell us to honor people like to NTM ministries Epaphroditus? are processed by the 13 full-time missionaries, seven part-time helpers • I was on my third week in and nearly ready to begin formal Portuguese and three volunteers lessons. I was entering an audio record- in the Finance ing and some photos into CLAware—a program created by missionaries in the and Accounting USA to help with language learning. I was practicing with it for the first time since Department. using it at NTM’s Missionary Training Center about a year earlier. But I ran into a glitch and couldn’t do what I needed to. I got a little nervous thinking, “This is the best way I know how to begin my language learning and it’s not working, and I need it in a few days!” I emailed one of the program’s creators, missionary David Burson, who happened to be online at the time. Using Skype and a program which allowed him to see what was on my computer screen, we figured out what I had done incorrectly. I was thankful for his help and relieved that I was then ready to begin my language classes. — Rachel Ueland, NCLA, Brazil

• The USA Finance Office team is respon- sive and capable, allowing those on the field to rest easy that their finances are in trustworthy hands. Knowing personal funds are accessible between countries is a great convenience and time-saver. — Missionary in Southeast Africa

photo by Dale Stroud

21 photo by Dale Stroud

willing to be responsible for the prac- tical aspects of the ministry here at home on behalf of the tribal mission- ary — such as handling complicated missionary finances, equally com- plex tax returns, medical insurance, providing prompt computer servicing and support, developing specialized tribal resources etc. — the wait to hear the Gospel would skyrocket and so

would the spiritual death and decay. photo by John Pierce No matter how gifted a missionary Alan Foster is a wizard at fixing computers. is, it’s still not possible to fly the plane and man the control tower at the same they need, or feel led to begin giving time. A tribal church planter must de- financially or even be moved to go pend on a strong supporting network yourself. Your involvement can start to bring his village full of passengers a ripple effect across the globe which in for a safe and eternal landing. directly affects tribal souls. This magazine is one part in the net- Why not close up shop and go over- work. It provides the fuel of awareness seas ourselves? Because God’s plan that can encourage hearts, educate is for all of us to work together, each minds and motivate to meaningful fulfilling the part in the network He’s action. Because of the stories in these directed us to and uniquely qualified pages, perhaps you will begin standing us to do, to bring others to Him. with a missionary in powerful prayer, You hold one part in your hands. or become the encouragement support What’s your part?

22 • To Dave and Jill Simpson, Why does Paul tell us to esteem or honor people Connection Center, USA: like Epaphroditus? Thank you for all that you have done in our journey to Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, calls get to Papua New Guinea. Epaphroditus his “fellow worker” (2:25). That’s A week ago I viewed Pre- a term Paul reserves primarily for people such Field Orientation as some- as Timothy (Romans 16:21), Titus (2 Corinthians thing that we had to do, and I wasn’t looking for- 8:23), and Mark and Luke (Philemon 1:24). ward to it. God used that The Bible calls these people “missionaries.” week to work in my life, to give me confirmation that “Missionary” is derived from the Latin for we are where he wants us. “sent one,” so it is the English equivalent of the It also gave me a passion Greek word apostolos, for which most English to do what God has called translations use “apostle.” (See Acts 8:18 and us to. I am grateful to God, 14:14 and Romans 11:13 for examples of places and grateful to you and all the others at the NTM USA apostolos is better translated as “missionary.”) Home Office for the parts That’s also a term Paul uses for Epaphroditus. that you have played in ministering to me. — Missionary enroute to Papua New Guinea

• Communications in the USA provides regular pub- lications that keep all of us encouraged and reminded of the great Body we are part of and how His work is big and bearing fruit. It en- courages us to press on. — Missionary in Southeast Africa

• There are so many op- tions to consider when ordering a laptop: model, price, screen brightness, hard drive size, battery life, backup drive soft- ware, etc. Every time we’ve ordered one, Dave Brendle from Computer Services in the USA has helped us choose the best machine available for our needs and working conditions on the field. His knowl- edge, advice and timely response to questions has Regina Sullivan filming in the Asia-Pacific region. been invaluable. — Josh Dyck, Asia-Pacific

23 God’s in the Restoration by Debbie Burgett Business

With all the enthusiasm of young But after less than one year in Ven- missionaries, John and Lynn Mc- ezuela, 28-year-old Tom Christensen, Ghee set out for Indonesia in 1978 who had an undetected genetic heart with little Sarah. A few months later, condition, died suddenly in the mid- good friends they had met during the dle of the night from an aortic aneu- missionary training, Tom and Linda rysm (ruptured aorta). Christensen, set out on their own Grief-stricken, Linda and little Tim- adventure to with little my flew home with Tom’s body. After Timmy. Both couples were thrilled to many months of adjusting from the finally be doing what God had put on shock and loss, Linda began serving at their hearts—reaching tribal people the Home Office in Sanford, Florida, for Christ. typesetting the Ayoré New Testament.

24 So Paul calls Epaphroditus a “missionary”? Yes. In the same verse where Paul refers to him as a fellow worker, he calls him the messenger of the church at Philippi. The word translated as “messenger” is apostolos, which means someone sent and is often best translated as missionary. Paul uses this term — and “evangelist” (euangelistos), which also can mean missionary (2 Timothy 4:5) — for people who worked with him in carrying out the Great Commission by establishing churches where there were not yet believers. (See Romans 15 for Paul’s strategy.) Paul counted himself among those people, even late in his ministry when he was no longer planting churches.

Linda typesetting the Ayoré New Testament.

Th e Ayoré people were the very fi rst tribe NTM missionaries went to reach in Bolivia. But even as the McGhees’ hearts wrenched for the Christensens, they were facing their own battle. 33-year- old Lynn had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Aft er a valiant two-year fi ght, she went home to be with the Lord. Stunned and a little lost, John spent some time regrouping and then began serving at the NTM Bible School in North Cotes, England, with little Sarah. John and Linda each faced the grieving process and sought the Lord’s guidance in their lives. And He guided unexpectedly. Since the two couples had been friends, John and Linda continued

25 They needn’t have been concerned. They held hands all the way back from the airport. Even without saying so yet, John and Linda knew they loved each other—and the sweet 5- and 6-year-olds in the backseat. The two happy duos soon became a family of four and eventually, two more little boys made six. Now 30 years later, John and Linda McGhee serve together administrat- ing the Medical Plan Office in Florida. Because they know firsthand what it to exchange prayer letters. The only is like to go through a catastrophic personal mail consisted of a little illness in the family, they are uniquely note of encouragement with a poem qualified to help others going through that Linda had sent to John sometime a medical crisis. They count it a bless- after Lynn died. When John wrote to ing to help fellow missionaries find thank Linda for it six months later, medical providers, understand NTM’s he suddenly found himself looking Medical Plan policy, wade through forward to hearing back from her. the forms and process of filing a medi- Linda responded and began to cal claim, and be a listening ear when anticipate his answer as well. That was health issues seem to be overwhelm- the beginning. ing a missionary and his family. And Over the next eight months a steady their joy is never more complete than stream of notes, cards, letters, photos when they hear that someone has been and recorded messages—of them- restored to health and is returning to selves and their children—virtually their field of service. flew across the ocean, seeming to God is in the restoration business shrink the distance with every word. all around the world. And serving Linda and Timmy loved hearing from Florida, so are John and Linda. Sarah’s adorable English accent. John and Sarah loved hearing Linda and Timmy sing together as Linda played the piano. The two little families of two were growing closer together. Finally, John decided that he needed to move to Florida and see what God might have planned. This was very welcome news to Linda. But they both wondered the same thing: What will it be like when we see each other?

26 Even late in his ministry when he was no longer planting churches, Paul considered himself a • While processing new missionary. Like many of my co-workers in the members, I helped a young USA, he was helping direct other missionaries. man get his ordination cer- tificate legally recognized Are people who do this missionaries? Paul by the embassy of the thought so. And since it’s in the Bible, we know country he is going to—a God thinks so too. Administrators and leaders multi-step process we are are part of the church planting team. able to take care of for our members. This saves them Luke is also on Paul’s list of co-workers. a lot of time and money. Luke was active in one church plant (Philippi, “What a blessing!” he Acts 16 and 20), and we know of one time he wrote to us. practiced medicine (Acts 28). His most enduring — George Heckman, contribution was actually writing. I work among Member Services, USA a group of writers and editors and designers who share stories about what God is doing • Programmers John Oliver and Nathan Whatley today. Missionaries? The Bible says so. Writers on the Information Tech- and editors and designers are part of the church nology team in the USA planting team. have helped Southeast Africa make the bookkeep- And let’s not forget Epaphroditus. He made sure ing processes better able the money given for Paul’s ministry reached to support the teams in the him. That’s the role of the folks in our Finance villages and provide key Office. Missionaries? Yes, if we take the Bible decision-making data to field leaders. literally. Accountants and bookkeepers are part of the church planting team. — Missionary in Southeast Africa So what does it mean to “hold such men in esteem”?

Since January, 100 people who are interested in serving in tribal missions have received help from the ve full-time and three part-time missionaries in the Connection Center.

photo by Dale Stroud photo by Dave Brendle Receptionist Rhoda Johnson answering questions for new associate missionaries Aaron and Mandy Arterberry. 27 • Recently we needed a new windsock for • Thank you, NTM USA Tax Department, our airstrip but were not able to find any once again for being our missionaries to here. We asked Ray Milton at NTM’s Tribal the IRS tribe. We have handled some of Tech Center in Missouri if he could buy one their curios, such as “forms” and “sched- in the USA and send it over. A few days lat- ules.” We understand that they are a de- er he wrote that they were expensive so he manding people, always asking for money was going to make a windsock for us. He and penalizing you if you don’t give them purchased UV-resistant ripstop nylon and what they want by a certain date. We also made seven windsocks for us—and paid hear the tribe has fearsome warriors, for all of it. What a blessing it is to have called “auditors.” We appreciate your good friends and family working with NTM dedication in learning the IRS language in the USA who are willing to sacrifice to and trying to translate it into English. It see the lost reached with the Gospel. must be very frustrating working with a tribe whose language and culture — Jim and Joy Elliott, Asia-Pacific changes radically from year to year. Many blessings be upon you. • Somehow, my computer’s antivirus was disabled. Marty Wilson at Computer — John Pierce, Jr., Member Services, USA Services in the USA came to the rescue! While I slept, he got ahold of my computer remotely and fixed it. I woke up with my antivirus program working again. Vickie Foster teaches art and Bible to — Lance Ostman, missionary children in the USA. the Philippines

• Living and working in Chihuahua, Mexico, often makes filing health claims difficult. We don’t have diagnosis codes, prescription numbers and all the informa- tion required to process claims listed on receipts. John McGhee and Tim Holmgren have been very helpful to us these past few months to get this information to us as we work through the filing process. They reply to our emails promptly and get quick answers from the insurance compa- photo by John Pierce ny representatives on our behalf. We are very grateful for the Medical Plan Office. photo by John Pierce — John and Cynthia Whylings, Mexico

photo by Dave Brendle

Left: Guest Hostess Gwen Kreider also cares for the flowers and bushes at the USA Home Office. Above: Judi Nordaas along with volunteers Alec and Sylvia Harwood and Donna Sandahl 28 preparing magazines for mailing. Paul tells us to honor the people who, like Epaphroditus, work behind the scenes so disciples can be made in remote places. But what does that mean? The word Paul uses in Philippians 2:29 is found photo by Dale Stroud only five times in the New Testament. Twice it’s translated “precious” in reference to Jesus in 1 Peter 2:4-6. It’s also the word for the place of honor at a feast in Luke 14:8. Perhaps the most telling usage of the word occurs in Luke 7:2, when Luke relates the story of the Roman centurion’s servant — actually, slave — “who was dear to him.” The word translated “dear” is the word Paul used in Philippians 2:29. When this valued slave was deathly ill, he sought out help. In fact, the centurion — a professional officer — so valued this slave that he was willing to humble himself and go to the people he ruled over, the Jews, and ask them to appeal to Jesus for him.

Each tax season, ve full-time missionaries and seven volunteers in the Tax Department prepare 700 to 800 tax returns for NTM members. Because of the complex rules for missionaries, the average return is 15 to 20 pages long.

photo by John Pierce

Brian Snyder leads the Tax Department.

29 What line of work are you in? Chances are, there are NTM missionaries, many serving in the USA, who are doing the same job that you do every day. And because of it, tribal churches are being planted all over the world. Do any of these sound familiar?

photo by John Drobnick Marketing Shipping/Receiving Customer Service Web Development Graphic Design Soft ware Developer Human Resources Tax Preparer Teacher/Trainer Electrician Accounting Video Production

But for the missionary in the USA, there are no “bells and whistles” associated with doing these Debbie Burgett, Joel Potter, Chris kinds of jobs. If he has never served overseas, he can’t Holland, Cathy Drobnick, Dena McMaster and Ian Fallis working impress you with the strange sounding language he on this issue of NTM@work. knows. He can’t awe you with exotic pictures of the places he’s been and the people he’s met. He can’t thrill you with exciting tales from the jungle. And instead of a salary, he must also work diligently to raise awareness of what God is doing through his role on the NTM tribal church planting team and give people opportunities to become fi nancial supporters. But by faithfully doing both aspects of his job, he is helping other missionaries to not only go, but stay gone—teaching God’s Word to tribal people. And to him, that makes it all worthwhile. Why not connect with a missionary who does the same work that you do? He would be honored and encouraged to hear from you. Or fi nd out how your skills can be used in NTM today. Go to ntm.org/magazine.

Connect. Go.

photo by Dave Brendle Above: Phil Burns and Tim Cain hard at work sanding cabinet doors. Right: Sharon Goodman, serves in the Member Care Department and care is 30 exactly what she does. photo by John Pierce Precious, honored and valuable — those words describe someone who is “esteemed.” So what do you think the Bible means when it tells us to “hold … in esteem” the missionaries who serve on the tribal church planting team in the USA? What will you do to obey God’s Word and treat such people as precious, honored and valuable?

Among the responsibilities of the Information Technology Department are storing and backing up more than 12 million l e s on NTM servers, and maintaining a secure photo by Dale Stroud email system that carries 20,000 to 30,000 emails daily.

After 28 years in Brazil, Les and Debbie Bowden serve • We have two children retired missionaries at NTM living in the USA while we Homes. are serving on the other side of the world in Papua New Guinea. It is very hard having our family split up but phone calls make it easier. Stan Skees in Communications has helped us every time our children have had issues with their cell phones. We are very thankful to have someone to help our kids when we are not there, keeping our ability Above: Jon Frazier to communicate with our works the digital kids working. The Lord press which prints is good to give us faithful a variety of NTM missionaries in Florida literature. and technology that even Left: Luke Myers reaches to a remote helps care for the Pacific island. grounds at NTM Homes, a mission- — Ned and Linn Beal, ary retirement Papua New Guinea photos by John Pierce community.

31 “Jesus said to go into all the world and make disciples. I can do that using the skills He has given me by serving as an associate missionary.” — Patrick Hatcher

Find how you can use your skills as an associate missionary, serving six months to four years supporting church planters: ntm.org/associates