By Bob and Jacque Harper
Sol 7:10 “I am my beloved and his desire is for me.”
August 2011. WOW!!! Personally we are so excited to have celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this past Saturday the 27th. From Maryland at age 20 to Papua New Guinea at age 70 was inconceivable to Bobby and Jackie Harper at that time of our lives. However, God had given us a desire for each other that has held fast through that 50 years and continues strong as we “grow old along with me, the best is yet to be” (Browning). Praise the Lord for His guidance and wisdom over the years to sustain our desire for one another, putting the joy of the other ahead of self. Business losses and cancer episodes strengthened our pursuit.
Prov 13:12 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”
During our time here in PNG, 2000-2005, Bob began to put down on paper, plans for a desire / dream the Branch had for a building to house and train the National Translators we were working with. Over these years some changes were made and much prayer was offered up but there were only plans and dreams. Within a few weeks of our arrival back in PNG this year, the Branch voted to begin the building, sensing that God wanted us to move forward in Faith and Trust and Obedience to the guidance of His Holy Spirit. We are now watching the “dream” being built daily. We pray that this desire fulfilled will indeed be a TREE OF LIFE for many. View the National Housing webpage: Click Here
Psalm 20:4 “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans”
Our friends and relatives know that it has been the desire of our hearts to be able to return to PNG ever since we left it in 2005. Our aging bodies loved the warmth of the tropics and yet we missed our 3 young grandchildren. Truly knowing that God wanted us back in Grand Junction, CO made the change exciting, though not knowing all of the reasons at the time. We plan now to stay in PNG for 10 months at a time and return to the States for 2 months each year trying to keep our bodies and minds in good health as we age.
Rom 10:1 “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.”
This scripture says it all!!! PBT-PNG is here just for that reason. Literally, people are dying as we sleep each night before they have the opportunity to hear God’s Word of salvation. Please continue to pray with us for the work here and around our planet, as we work with God in getting His powerful saving message to lost people everywhere.
Bob and Jacque are serving in the area of Technical Services and many other support roles for the branch.