Photos of Becky & I's engagement. Also some from the day after on the Skyrail & Kuranda Railway with my parents. Official engagement photos to come in the future.
19 Photos
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12 Jul 2011 / Blog
Since I left Oregon back in the start of February, I knew that Becky was the one. Over our two months long distance stint of our relationship, our relationship grew a lot more than I expected. Before and after her return I was praying about marriage. After her return I knew that we needed time to continue to grow in our relationship, especially as we serve in different ministries and locations. Over our three months together courting in PNG, our relationship continued to grow. In the last month or so before heading to Cairns, we both were ready for the next step and things started to come together. Especially knowing that Becky was God’s provision of a wife and knowing that the time was right.
1. Becky & I before going out
Originally I wanted to propose in PNG on the coast, but it really was not possible without a ring and I didn’t want to do it at the MAF conference. I tried to get a ring made from PNG gold, but in the end that didn’t work out either. I knew that Cairns would be the right place to propose to her. Last Monday evening we arrived into Cairns to meet up with my family. Tuesday I was able to buy a ring and take Becky out on a date. We went to a seafood restaurant on the waterfront, ate a fantastic meal, walked on the Esplanade, ate ice cream and then we drove north to Ellis Beach outside of Cairns. There we went star gazing and I proposed to Becky. It was so special to tell her how I felt about her for the first time without holding anything back and looking back over all that God has done in our lives. She gladly accepted and we both sat there in awe of God’s goodness to us.
2. At Pesci’s seafood restaurant on the waterfront – seafood linguine meal
It was a very special evening and one we will always remember. It was a special day on Wednesday too, as we celebrated our engagement and informed our family and friends in two different time zones. Also being able to celebrate it with my parents. We are very grateful for God’s provision in one another and His work in our lives. We are also thankful for the provision of time together in Cairns. We look forward to what God has for us in our life together. Please continue to pray for us as we consider and make many decisions.
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24 Jun 2011 / Blog
The other weekend Becky and I had the opportunity to visit a place not too far from Kudjip called Banz. We were escorted by Diane and Pastor August who was our wasman (security guard). I have been interested in visiting Banz as it once had a bush air strip there and was the first MAF piloted base in the Highlands. Plus I am sure it was a swinging place back in the colonial days.
1. Shopping at Banz
I was surprised how large the small town is. While Diane and August went to the market to buy fruit and vegetables, Becky and I went clothes shopping. Could say it was a date of some sort. You may wonder how people buy clothes In PNG. There are not too many options in buying new clothes, especially in regional centres. There are some, but it is quite limited. There are a lot of second hand clothes sent from Australia to PNG. These are sold around the country in shops to out on the street laid out on the ground or hanging up on a fence. I have had some experience in Madang and Goroka, but this was a first going to Banz.
2. Masses of clothes
You would be surprised what sort of things you come across. Most clothes are very new or not used. And you can come across well known brands for a very cheap price. Banz is a little more expensive than other places as it is more of a bush place. I managed to get some seamless Rip Curl board shorts for K12 ($4.00 AU), a Billabong shirt for K10 ($3.00 AU) and a Nike Australian sports jacket for K20 ($6.00 AU). I was a big spender, Becky got a bargain, one Espirit shirt for 50t (20 cents). On top of this, I find it fascinating the sort of random stuff you come across. All sorts including a Sydney Qantas Hangar opening shirt. We had a good trip and enjoyed our time together off station.
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16 Jun 2011 / Bible Faith Outreach, Blog
Bible Faith Outreach’s May newsletter is now available. Click here to view or download. Take some time to read about the work that is taking place in this ministry. Please continue to uphold Aunty Rosa in prayer as she continues to serve faithfully in this demanding ministry she has been called to. If you are interested in supporting an Orphan or a specific need at BFO, please check out Orphanlist.org.
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12 Jun 2011 / Blog, MAF ministry team
Friday last week we had a Youth Outreach at EBC Kimininga church in Mt Hagen ran by the MAF ministry team. It was only the second MAF ministry event all year and for me my first. It would also be the first time Becky and I would get to serve together in a specific ministry too. I had not visited this church since 2008, when I was looking for a home church in Mt Hagen. There are roughly fifty six different churches in and around Mt Hagen, which are all mostly different domination’s.
1. Waiting for arrivals
With the MAF van loaded up with the ministry gear, we arrived at the church with Kambowa (MAF ministry coordinator) and his family. We would meet Maipson, plus Nevan and some of his family at the church later on. After being greeted by Senior Pastor Aipe and some of the men. We went straight to setting up the equipment. This normally involves a bit of innovation as each church setup is different. Pastor Aipe and some of the other men helped us with setting up the projector screen onto the church wall.
2. Sharing my testimony
While we were waiting for more people to turn up, we tested out the PA system and projector. Showing a Worship DVD from Fiji. The setup worked out really well. The associate Pastor started off the evening with a worship time, which was nice as those songs that are familiar to me, I rarely hear here. Following this, the ministry team was introduced and other MAF staff present by the associate Pastor.
3. Becky explaining the lyrics of the song
The program consisted of a few things. Kambowa led the MAF awareness time, of explaining to the church what MAF is. Which is great, as most people do not really know and can think we are a business. Plus several MAF missionaries fellowship at this EBC church. I then shared my testimony, how I came to Christ and to serve at MAF. I shared it in Tok Pisin, which was a first for me to share it in that amount of detail in Tok Pisin, it was a big victory. Becky then did an item, explaining and singing the song, “By His Wounds”. We then showed the Jesus film in Tok Pisin on the big screen. Following the movie Maipson spoke and brought a encouraging conclusion to the youth for the program. Pastor Aipe concluded the evening with a good challenge and thanking the team.
4. Maipson preaching
It does amaze me at times the difference in contrast with the reception and turn out you can get with a town church compared to a bush church in PNG. But despite this we were welcomed warmly by the church and we appreciated the opportunity to minister to the youth. We also got to minister to people from the community as well, as people from around the area came to the program, particularly to watch the Jesus film. It was a great evening of ministry and a blessing to serve.
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10 Jun 2011 / Blog
Occasionally in Mt Hagen we go without electricity or town water. The other week we had gone without hot water for over two weeks. Our hot water is produced by heating panels on our roof which are heated by the sun. We do have an electric booster, but it is quite expensive to run, even for short periods. The problem was the panels were leaking. I went the time just having luke warm and cold showers.
1. Solar heating & our new installation
So we were able to have our panels repaired, allowing us to have hot water again. But we were graciously allowed to have a 250L header tank installed too. Previously when town water was off, we would have no running water in the house. For washing up, bucket showers or even flushing the toilet. We would have to fetch water from our compound water tank at our neighbours place. So hopefully now with a simple contraption that feeds water to the house via gravity, we will have enough water for any water outs.
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09 Jun 2011 / Blog, Newsletters
Completing a newsletter is a small thing, but getting one done is such a victory. Here is a brief update on the last three months. You can view it or download it here.
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08 Jun 2011 / Blog
Last Thursday MFU was ready for a return to service flight following it’s C check. We were a bit busy in getting it ready. An aircraft normally requires a check flight after any maintenance that affects the flight characteristics of the aircraft. One is normally done after a C check, especially as a large amount of work is carried out. Maipson and I (both on engines) were the ones who ended up going on the return to service flight to observe the flight.
1. P2-MFU before the RTS
During the flight the Pilot’s put the aircraft through it’s operational limits, sometimes they can pull positive 2G’s and negative 1G. I was sitting in the tail, so you normally feel it more there. You feel positive 2G’s when a tight sixty degree banking maneuver is done. Following the check flight the Pilot’s give feedback to the Engineer’s on it’s performance. Then it is decided what needs adjusting or to be looked at. The flight went well.
2. Maipson up front
It can sometimes be a little discouraging as so much work goes into the aircraft and getting everything right on the ground. But once checked while flying, somethings can require fine tuning afterwards. Friday we did some engine adjustments and other work before the aircraft was taken to another base in the afternoon. After all the work the team had put in during the C check, having our engine out and it disassembled as much as we did. It was great to see the aircraft serviceable and flying. It is always enjoyable to go flying on a return to service flight.
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30 May 2011 / Blog
Becky’s May Newsletter is here. You can click here to view or download it. Praise the Lord for the way Becky has settled straight back into life in PNG, the way He brought everything together for her return and His conformation in many ways this is where He wants her to be serving. Please pray for Becky and her impacting ministry.
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28 May 2011 / Blog
The last five weeks we have had all three of our Twin Otters in for scheduled maintenance. Starting off with a B check (every 250 flying hours) and then an A check (every 125 hours). For the last three weeks MFU has been in for a C check (every 500 flying hours), the biggest check we do on a Twin Otter. I am grateful as for all these checks I have been able to continue being part of the engine team.
1. Hot section inspection
For the A and C check I was teamed up to work with my friend Brad. The previous time I had worked with him was back in 2005 during my short term trip to PNG. So it has been good and a blessing to work with him again. For the C check we ended up working on the engine that had the most amount of work, which is good. Besides the standard inspections there is extra work at the C check, but we had a few extra things on top of that.
2. Accessory gearbox split
During a boroscope inspection, a suspect crack was found. So it was decided to split the hot section (rear of the engine – which is at the front) and do a hot section inspection (done every 1500 hours). This was not due yet, but will see the engine though with the rest of it’s engine life. As we had other big work to do, we removed the engine from the aircraft. Following the hot section inspection completed, nothing found and everything back together. The accessory gearbox was removed and split (something rarely done) to replace a spline that was worn beyond limits for the starter generator, which is a bit of work. Removing all the accessory’s off the engine and splinting the gearbox.
3. Reinstalling the engine with Brad & JK
Having the engine all back together, we were able to reinstall the engine last Tuesday. With the Airframe almost completed and the aircraft tow able. We did engine compressor wash’s and drying runs/leak checks Friday afternoon. So there has been good progress made on the C checkand some big jobs completed. Hopefully the return to service flight can be carried out next week. It has been good getting different ranges off work over the C check, as there were a few systems that I had hours outstanding that I required for my PT6 license. But now should have enough hours to apply for my license. The last five weeks have been busy, but good again to gain more experience and work on something that I really enjoy.
