Noel and Kathy and their four children Megan, Amy, Kyle and Matthew, were an active part of Big Woods while they were in training at New Tribes Jersey Shore. They were also part of a missions project with our CBC two years ago. Noel was able to visit with our church family this past summer. They returned to Indonesia this month and are busy moving from the interior to a new location and new assignment. Among other duties, they will be running a guest house for missionary R & R and overseas visitors. We continue to pray for their settling in to a new place and and for what the LORD has for them.

noel_carpenter@ntm.org  

August 2009

Hello Friends,

 It’s been a long time since we last updated you on our lives. We hope this letter finds y’all not only enjoying beautiful summer weather, but sensing God’s real presence in the good times and hard times all of us face.

 I’ve been getting into the book of Job lately. Many have said that this book addresses the problem of evil, or “why bad things happen to good people”. Those ideas are somewhat true, but it seems what Job is really seeking in the middle of his enormous grief is God Himself (thanks Steve Baker). Isn’t that really true for us too? More than getting all our questions answered, we want to know there is Someone out there to answer the questions (or be the answer to them), even if that answer is simply, “I’m here, it’ll be all good.” When you think about it, the only path that’ll lead us through a suffering experience must be one that goes through God’s existence and His love for us. His love, the hope of a reality greater than the often-miserable one we experience, are reasons to hope in the here-and-now.

 You probably think I’m leading up to an announcement of something tragic. Fortunately not. We’re doing okay here on the north coast of New Guinea. Here are a few basics on the latest for our family:

 - Megan – Just completed her Sophomore year of high school! We already need to start planning for Megan attending college in the States! But we’re glad to know she seems grounded and ready to take on the challenges. During her summer “break”, she has been studying Geometry on her own several hours a day so she will have enough credits to graduate on time.

 - Amy – Is also growing up fast. She will attend 8th grade this fall. Amy has given a lot of her “summer” to watching the kids of another missionary family here while the adults got themselves ready to move interior. That servant heart and pleasant attitude continue to bring lots of joy to our family!

 - Kyle – Is into several sports, especially basketball and riding the ripstick (a 2-wheeled skateboard), playing on the computer, and reading. When we discuss missions work or the Bible, Kyle often shows great understanding and passion for the truth of the Gospel. He enters the 4th grade in August.

 - Matthew – Will enter the 2nd grade later this month. Matthew loves telling jokes and playing family games. He really knows how to celebrate winning by dancing around the room! In addition to hanging out at home, Matthew has been great with little kids who visit the mission home. These kids are often visiting from interior and longing for other kids to play with. Despite the activity not necessarily being his idea of a good time, Matthew plays with them with a great attitude.

 - Kathy – Keeps very busy handling many responsibilities at the mission home, helping me with supply buying and teaching our kids while they’re at home. If it wasn’t for her servant’s heart and organizational skills, we would never be able to do the tasks our job requires!

 - I (Noel) – Am buying heaps of supplies! This involves going to many different shops (hardware, grocery, electronic, etc) in Sentani and the greater Jayapura area looking for just the right items to meet the needs of a number of interior families. Doing this job enables these missionaries to stay longer in the villages where they are teaching the local people God’s Word, giving medicine, or learning the tribal language. When not supply buying, I’m helping at the mission home trying to do basic repairs (not my strong suit!), meeting the needs of guests, and occasionally preaching at a local fellowship.

 This month we will attend a regional conference for business and fellowship. Almost immediately afterwards, the kids’ school year begins. We have those feelings of life flying by that I suspect many of you know all too well!

 Thank you for all your faithful prayers and support. I’m sure some of you are giving despite feeling the effects of difficult economic times – thank you for giving sacrificially. Let us know how you are doing so we can stay connected with you and pray for you too. We miss you all!