To view latest photos from the construction: Click Here
“Can I come back to town in a month and finish up my computer work on Acts?”
The question comes from Kamilus, a Papua New Guinean who is translating God’s Word into his own Mum language.
We look at the calendar of current bookings, then deliver the disappointing news. “No, there won’t be any space for about four months. We’re sorry.”
Kamilus, and several dozen other men like him, are key partners in our work of translating God’s Word for people groups here in Papua New Guinea. Without them, the work God has given us to do will never be finished.
Yet multiple times we have had to tell them that though they are eager to work, they cannot because there just is “no room in the inn” here in Madang.
For years, it has been the dream of Pioneer Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea to build suitable housing and additional work space for our national co-workers when they come in to Madang. The work that they do in town cannot be done in their village homes, where they have no access to computers, electricity, advisors, and other resources. Additionally, as a translation team begins the last few years of checking and revising a New Testament to make certain it is ready to be published, the men often need to spend extended blocks of time in town – long enough that we would like them to be able to have their wives with them.
We have prayerfully sought the Lord’s guidance, and we believe that He has led us to step out in faith to build much-needed, long-planned housing for our national co-workers.
Frontview
The finished building will be two stories with a separate structure for toilets and showers.
1st Floor
The lower story will house a kitchen and a dining hall that will double as work space and classroom. It will also house two small efficiency apartments (to allow the men to have their wives with them when they spend extended periods of time in Madang) and an additional handicap-accessible sleeping room.
2nd Flr Bedroom
The upper story will have nine 10’ by 13’ sleeping rooms. Initially these will be furnished for two occupants each. In the future we can expand each room’s capacity by adjusting the furnishings as our housing needs grow.
We wish you could see the looks on our co-workers’ faces when we show them the plans for this building. Their smiles broaden as the reality sinks in: this facility will provide the housing that is essential to the ongoing progress of their work.
We have contracted with a local company to build this 3,300+ square foot facility at a cost of about $276,300, or about $83 per square foot. Work began May 23.
We invite you to pray with us through the entire construction process. We also invite you to watch its progress through updates that will be posted here. And finally, we invite you to prayerfully consider investing in this valuable ministry resource.
Gifts may be sent to:
Pioneer Bible Translators PO Box 380820 Duncanville, TX 75138-0820
Please enclose a note clearly indicating that it is for PNG National Housing. Secure online donations can also be made by clicking here and selecting “Projects” then “PNG National Co-workers Housing” on the subcategory menu.
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“Can I come back to town in a month and finish up my computer work on Acts?”
Lord willing, our answer to questions like Kamilus’s will soon be different. “Yes! Please come. Please continue your work so that someday you and your people will have God’s precious Word in your own language!”
If you have questions about the National Co-worker Housing Project, please complete the form below.