VOLUME 7; NO. 7 JULY 1984
Dear Brethren;
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who continues to equip us with the graces to fulfill the work He has blessed us with.
DID YOU KNOW ?
I never knew a missionary is a policeman, doctor, marriage counselor, mechanic, father, mother, adviser, problem solver and friend.
I never knew a missionary is a rich white-skin with barrels of money, but is stingy because he won't give away his clothes and food whenever they are asked for.
I never knew a missionary is supposed to fix broken guns, radios, machetes and the neighbor's truck and who cares about the broken heart.
I never knew a missionary is supposed to be ready to meet airplanes bringing important people who never come. And when an unannounced airplane arrives he's suppose to be at the airstrip to pick up the people he didn't know were coming.
I never knew a missionary is one who is suppose to always be cheerful even when his funds are late in arriving (or even having supporters not send support without explaining). Being cheerful even when he hasn't heard from supporters either by mail or telephone for several months. So now I know why missionaries have stomach problems ! It's from feeling the undercurrent of trouble among people while on the surface all is calm. (You want something to happens so things will be in the open, but there is nothing to do but wait.) You seem to be the last to know what everyone else in the congregation already knows, but have been unwilling to initiate an action.
It's from wanting to share the Gospel- but who is eager to live that life? And from wanting to teach literacy- but who wants to finish the course?
It's from wanting to love the people and be friends with them- but who cares if you love them and who wants friendship? (They do want the clothes, food and special favors.)
These things I know now. And of course, there are many things I don't know yet. One thing I still don't know is what it will take to make these people hunger and thirst after God's Word and live a Godly life. We could be discouraged as so few are truly converted. There is much outside influence encouraging these people to keep their old ways and not to change anything. God tells me, "let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season We shall reap if we faint not." Galatians 6:9.
PRINTDATE: JUNE 84
During the month of June over 63,300 pieces of literature were cranked out of the presses. This included several reprints of Bible Class quarterlies and several new Bible Class series for our children's classes.
I'm in the process of reprinting the Topical Index and the Pidgin English song book.
During June I read in the paper here an ad selling a 1250 Multilith press. I called just to see what they wanted for it. It is less than 18 months old and they were selling it because they had bought a new bigger press. I was able to go to the banker here and get an over draft for just under $3,000. to buy the press and pay for shipment here to Goroka. It is located in Port Moresby. The press is due up this week and I am looking forward to a newer model in the printroom to help with the upcoming printing.
During June, perhaps thinking subconsciencely (surely not in my right mind) that my left index finger might look better a bit flatter, I got my finger caught in the gears of the press while trying to free a paper jam. The gears pulled the finger in so quick that I didn't really know what had happened. It did jam the machine thought and I 'was able to shut it off with my right hand. There really wasn't that much room between the meshing teeth of the gears. I had to roll the gears back out (not as fast as going in). It did a wonderful job. The next 16 hours were made bearable with the use of codeine medicine. Nothing broken but I did lose a hunk of skin and the nail was bent in half the incorrect way. Now almost two weeks after the fact the finger is healing very well and I have even been able to play golf again.
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT ?
During June the kids had a few days out of school and Lae was hosting the annual
Lae Open Golf Tournament so we went to Lae.
I had never played in a major tournament (over 120 players) before and David
Lock and I entered the competition. (This was before the pressed finger incident).
Kathy and I played in the PNG mixed foursome competition on Saturday. We thought
we had last place sewed up but lost by 1/2 a point. Sunday afternoon and Monday,
David and I played 36 holes. After the round Sunday I was in 6th place in the
nett (gross minus handicap) with a 73(98-25). Monday I finished with a nett
69 (94-25) for a total of 144. This was the course stroke total. This total
put me in a tie for runner-up nett only 1 stroke behind the winner. I ended
up with 2nd runner-up. Not bad for a first time out. David finished in 13th
place. The Goroka Open is being held in July and I am hoping to be able
to play in it.
VISITORS FROM ABROAD
During June we were visited by Joe Gray and several of the people who had come
from David Lipscomb College. The group was here holding a campaign in the capitol
city of Port Moresby.
We received word that Kathy's folks and another elder from the congregation in Joplin, Mo. will probably be arriving in August. Needless to say spirits are high around this household.
GOROKA CONGREGATION
For some time now the receptivity to the Gospel of the Goroka area town people
has been declining. This has also affected the local congregation. Our Sunday
attendance has averaged 68 with 35 Christians. Thursday night we average 52.
When one considers that there are over 200 Christians living here in Goroka
these figures don't look good. We have been having a real problem of gossip
lately. Lots of things are going on and the white-skins always seem to be the
last to know. Then when things comes to a head we are the heavies. Lots of grudges
are held against others.
At present I am trying to come up with a program which will help us meet some of these problems face-on before rifes are created.
COMING SOON
In July David Lock's family and our family will be hosting the first "English
Bible Camp for Children" here in PNG. It will be out at the Boy Scout camp
and we are expecting over 30 in attendance. This camp is on an invitation only
basis. We are hoping to use it as an incentive for attendance of English speaking
school children.
It is summer back there we know, but please remember us in you prayers and support.
Your servants in Christ service
the Huffs