Greetings Brethren – in CHRIST’S mighty name,

Thank you to those who were for praying for the short trip back to Alotau – it was a wonderful time!

Minutes after we landed – the first heavy downpours started, thankfully the plane managed to leave before the runway was a lake!   The rain was a constant companion until the last day, when a glorious sunrise bid me farewell.

I was able to settle some land issues (where the Church is presently), and locate the paperwork necessary to start the visa process again. Details were clarified when I met with bro Kapi in Moresby, and we now are waiting for our new sponsor to return from the States so we can get things started officially. ( previous one started in 2009 / 2010 )

Bro Barty has returned with his wife Ilene and children, after being in Popondeta for some years. On Saturday after our  discussions for their return to membership, he was able to lead sister Saline’s husband Amos, and his friend to the LORD. This was a particular blessing, as we have witnessed slowly over the years this whole family become a complete unit in the LORD.                   Much brainstorming also took place concerning the start of Bible School, fruitful methods of evangelization used over the years, and practical logistics of the expanding ministry.  This was a very profitable time, and has helped to sharpen our focus as we wrap things up here in Australia.

HOME:

The boat is progressing slowly – encouraging milestones being past daily, praise GOD for strength and especially safety as I usually work alone, and for the knee handling it most days without drama.

Simeon is on a 28 day treatment for Tropical Sprue, with the test results for Lymes due back shortly.   Serena is better, with the tests showing things improving and she has returned to “unstoppable”. Chloe has rashes from an allergy to the epoxies she touched when helping on the boat last week. Stephen is moving in with a Godly PNG family here in Brisbane (getting ready for his Uni course). Levi almost broke his arm in the same spot again, but bounced and bruised instead.

A container + shipping, and many practical areas need to be taken care of before we are on the road again -  waiting for Visas to be processed  (We are due to leave this house in 4 weeks)

What wonderful opportunities surround us!

In CHRIST’S love – Bro Rob for the family  – Jn 17:3

Greetings Brethren, in the name of our great GOD and SAVIOUR – JESUS CHRIST;

As our first furlough draws to a close, three questions that have been asked at nearly every meeting, come to mind:         1) how is the boat going?     (2) When will it be finished?    (3) How will you get it to PNG {Ans = Australia Post!}

But recently the question was raised “why do you even need a boat?”  At first I thought it a funny question to ask a Missionary to the islands of Milne Bay, as it seemed obvious!  But on further thought, perhaps I have been remiss in communicating the motivation (aside from the LORD) behind this “larger than life” project.

Milne Bay is a Maritime province which covers 252,990 km² of sea, within it there are more than 600 islands, about 160 of which are inhabited. The province has over 230,000 inhabitants, speaking about 48 languages. Culturally the Milne Bay region is sometimes referred to as “the Massim,” a corruption of the name of Misima Island. Massim societies are usually characterized by matrilineal descent, elaborate mortuary sequences and complex systems of ritual exchange including the Kula ring. There is a presence from the main religions, but the majority of people are still lost in sin. The community services available in times past, are now almost non – existent, as the infrastructure is rarely if ever maintained.

Transport between islands, and the mainland (where services and supplies are found) is all run on a local level.  Generally it is unreliable, unpredictable, and oftentimes unavailable to those who make a stand for JESUS CHRIST.

Over the years, I have shared the heartache, and disappointments of our Brethren who have no choice but to rely on this inadequate and dangerous transport.  Many times our outreach, and Local Church programs have been either disrupted or cancelled because of transport  issues.

We have Bible School students and their families to get from the islands to town, we have Preachers, Bibles, and study materials to get to the village Churches, and outreaches. If we are serious in our long term commitment to reaching and training the people of Milne Bay – there is no other choice, we must control our ministry’s transport solutions (just like you do).       Again, thank you to those who have had a part in this necessary side of missions, which has occupied so much of our “free time” during furlough – your love, patience, and giving have brought us a long way toward the goal.   (see Galatians 6:10)

Points for Prayer and Praise:

1. Visa’s have to be started from scratch – Trip to PNG to get the original paperwork, and then start the whole process again with a different sponsor. Also land issues that need addressing.
2. Rob is awaiting results from a MRI on his knee (damaged on boat, and at youth camp) – Family health is good
3.  Serena has passed her Tropical medicines exam, and has the last assignments underway
4. Shipping arrangements for the Van (church bus for ABC), study materials, humanitarian aid.
5. The coming trip to Sydney to collect Answers books / Christian resources

In CHRIST’S love

 Bro Rob for the Booy family  (Jn 17:3)

Your Co-Labourers for souls in Milne Bay Province PNG

Seasons Greetings Brethren:

“Wow that was quick!”….  momentarily dominated all thinking, as the onset, and soon departure of the festive season came upon me. It really is true, isn’t it? –  the verse  (James 4:14) that reminds us that our lives are a Vapour ..

Looking back over the year, another Scripture stands out – Psalms 145:9 “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.”  We have enjoyed the goodness of the LORD – directly, and through HIS children, and want to publicly Praise HIM for it, for HE is Worthy!

We also want to say a Big THANK YOU! to you, who have been a part of our lives and ministry over this past year, it has been a  privilege to share GOD’S Word with you,        and to enjoy HIS grace in all that has happened.

Our family health is improving, Serena has completed some very helpful studies, the boat project is well over the half way mark, with most of the materials in hand to complete the hull. We also have the motor back from the reconditioners, and opportunity to move on to the gearbox as soon as we are able. Also a BIG THANKS to those who have sacrificed time and finances to come and help “hands on” with the project.

Bro Hunter, and the Brethren in Alotau are standing firm, with some of the backslidden youth returning to their former faithfulness (Praise the LORD!,) and the visa situation is moving – albeit slowly.

The blessing of the LORD be rich upon you - during this season, and in the coming new year.

In CHRIST’S love

Bro Rob for the Booy Family

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”   (James 4:14)

Greetings Brethren, in the name of our Great GOD and SAVIOUR – JESUS CHRIST, we trust this update finds you in the centre of GOD’S will – investing your “vapour” wisely!

I am Slowly making progress on the boat project in the time between weekend preaching / travelling, and  other commitments – the Hull is getting epoxy, the extra ribs are in, and a start has been made on the decking – thank you to those who have helped physically, and financially to keep the project “floating”.

Serena is now “officially” cancer free, and has also been accepted for a tropical medicines course through Flinders Uni in S.A – thanks to GOD, and the efforts of nurse Jane.    Simeon has an appointment with the infectious disease specialists in Brisbane this Monday to try and fix some of his recurring health issues – We are also planning further testing for the whole family, as soon as it can be organised.

The Visa situation:     we are looking to GOD for a positive outcome when I speak with Pastor Kamilus.

Things in Alotau are progressing well, but some of the youth are struggling in their walk – please pray for Frankie and Jason especially, and that my time with them will strengthen, and encourage.

We are now starting to collect Christian books / Bible School resources, clothing, and blankets for when we return early next year – please pray for wisdom in planning a time of rest and rebuilding, and scheduling the many things yet to be done.    …the night cometh, when no man can work…

Thanks again for your partnership in the Gospel – until HE comes…
In CHRIST’S love – Bro Rob for the Booy Family
Your extension of CHRIST’S love to the people of Milne Bay Province, PNG