TRANSITIONS
Transitions are not always easy. They involve learning new people, new places, and new ways of doing things. There was a day when those things seemed romantic, but now—not so much.
On the other hand, in the last four months we’ve seen the Lord work as we’ve ministered in different places around PNG, India, and Australia. Believers have been helped, unbelievers have been challenged (and some saved!), and we’ve had specific answers to prayer. So all in all, we praise the Lord for His goodness!
…IN THE CLINIC
Since our last letter, we’ve had a lot of transition at Kunai Health Centre. Emma Stout and Marie Bell have returned home to the US after completing their time at Kunai. Chelsea Moorman, Danya Counts, and Kyle & Lauren Murphy have joined the team. We are grateful for each one of them, and only eternity will reveal the full impact they make in the lives of our Kamea people. Fully investing themselves in the medical ministry, they also are acutely involved in Kotidanga Baptist Church and with our people.
Reports from the team include the salvation of Yaniamo, a mom who was medevac’d by helicopter earlier this year. She returned to the village recently, and has since put her faith in Christ.
I never want to forget the great work our PNG national staff does at Kunai. We rarely mention the opposition any of us face on the field—but these faithful believers stand strong and are exemplary in their walk with the Lord, regardless of the troubles they face. Praise the Lord for them!
…IN BIBLE TRANSLATION
Checking on the revision of the book of Luke in Kamea resumed today. It was the first book we translated back in 2014, and having learned a lot since then, Pastor Ben and Bro. Yali wanted to work through it again. I’m grateful for Laura-Lee Alford being on the ground at Kunai to walk through the revision and back-translation with these men.
Last month I was able to begin our translation work on the Gospel of John. It is a wonderful book (aren’t they all!) and seeing its truths with fresh eyes is such a blessing!
…IN OUR LIVES
We are thankful for the gifts God gives to men, and even more for those who use their gifts faithfully. Dr. Mitch reviewed Lena’s MRIs and CT scan, and he says she does not need surgery for her neck pain. Dr. Nathan and Dr. Lewis were able to give her increased mobility and some relief from the pain with physical therapy and chiropractic care. We ask that you continue to pray with us for her healing from the constant pain.
In a couple of days we get to drive down the bouncy Highlands Highway to Lae and back for a supply run (3rd trip there in three months). The road is physically rough on Lena, but she needs to hold face-to-face meetings with medical officers there. When we return, amidst our other duties, we will pack up our boxes again as we prepare for our move to Port Moresby later in May. Sarah Glover is out of the village on a break, and we’re glad she’s here to help us.
It
certainly isn’t the romantic part of missions, but it is needful nonetheless in
order to transition to the ministry the Lord has for us. We are learning that
the best way to lighten our own load is to help others carry theirs. God is
always in total control, and when we cast our care upon Him, He gives us His
yoke. And as we learn of Him, we find that His burden is easy, and His yoke is
light.
All glory to Christ,
John & Lena Allen
2 Thessalonians 3:1
Following are photos of happenings in the last couple of months. (Photo credit to Lena Allen, Marie Bell, Mary Beth Snyder, and historical photo archives)
This young wallaby hung around the house where we stayed in Australia. 
Another baby helped through the Baby Milk Program. 
Lena was interviewed by Alice Ashwin of NBC (PNG) about the Baby Milk Program. 
Chelsea and Danya, ready to fly up to Kunai! 
It was a privilege to attend the ANZAC Memorial Day services at Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby. I’m standing next to Phil Parry, one of the deacons of Capital City Baptist. Phil is a highly decorated Australian war veteran. 
One of the ANZAC Day remembrances each year is the work of the “Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.” 
During WWII, especially during the battle of Kokoda Track, these Papua New Guineans bravely carried supplies to the front… 
…and carried the wounded out to safety. 
This iconic image of their sacrifice to help the soldiers reveals the heart behind their mission. 
Michelline Rausi, TB coordinator for World Vision. TB is rampant in our area, and Michelline is a great help in obtaining what we need to treat the patients as we work toward eradicating the disease. 
Sarah and Lena flying back to the Highlands. 
Enjoying a free day in Australia! 
…In case you needed a reminder.