By Eunice Herchenroeder

We are currently on furlough from our ministries in Papua New Guinea. A generous gift enabled my husband Mike and me to spend several days in Arizona. I don’t think I could ever tire of seeing barrel cactus, prickly pear, and – especially – the majestic saguaro cactus that is unique to the Sonoran Desert. Yet as I reveled in the beauty of the desert’s varied plants, I was also keenly aware of how very arid this place is. Visible indications of spring and of fresh new life were pretty much absent from this beautiful desert.

Except in Sabino Canyon. The streambeds there were lush oases teeming with a seemingly endless variety of green plants. In stark contrast to the arid desert, Sabino Canyon exuded life.

The difference? Water! The continuous living water making its way through the canyon.

I thought a lot about Papua New Guinea while we were in Arizona. The Sonoran Desert is physically dry; Papua New Guinea’s desert is a spiritual one. I saw how living water transformed a small part of the desert; I have also seen how the Living Water transforms lives in this place where God has called us to serve.

I pray for – and work toward – the day when every Papua New Guinean man, woman, and child can hear of this Living Water in the language that speaks most clearly to their hearts and minds. I long for the transformation of the spiritual landscape of this entire nation.

Eunice provides administrative support services and assists in the development of mother-tongue literacy materials for children.