News From The Home Front
    This month was the first time that we have gone to a settlement area to do a ministry of some type.  For the most part, PNG children are not taught the Ten Commandments or basic morals in their homes.  Hence, we prepared ourselves with the thought that any supplies we brought in might be stolen.  However, the attitude of the people was totally different from what we expected.  They truly appreciated our coming and not one thing was taken.  All our supplies were returned to us and we were asked to come back and teach them as soon as we could.  This was a rebuke to me not to be judgmental or to think I know more about people than I really do.  In the settlements, there is more neglect and
suffering compared to life in the village areas.  Thus, the people seem to be thankful for any kindness shown to them.
    Stephen can speak Melanesian Pidgin, so he helped Frank teach the older kids and adults.  It was sort of surprising at how popular he was with the kids.  We are guessing because he is 19 years old and can relate to them in a different way than we can.  As we got ready to leave, the kids walked right by us and gathered around him to shake his hand. (ha)
    It has been a sad time here for us here at Olmstead Baptist Church with the loss of Brother Harvey.  We all greatly miss him, but know the Lord does all things well and trust in that.  The flight from Australia to California is quite long.  It usually varies between thirteen and sixteen hours.  As we traveled, I kept thinking about a sermon of Brother Harvey's that I heard recently called, "The Master of the Wind," and wrote a poem about it.
The Master of the Wind
    All praise and honor, to the Master of the Wind; Who created all things hellip mankind He did send.
    This perfect creation, in transgression did fall; Darkness and depravity, became the love of us all.
    The Master in pity, made a covenant of grace; In eternity past, to redeem His lost race.
    We know not this Master, but come at His call; To willingly worship Him, Who redeemed us from the fall.
    How humbling to ponder, the eternal debt we owe; To the Master who loved us, and saved us from woe.
    He gave His life-blood, as an atonement for sin; He suffered at Calvary, and the victory did win.
    In times when we feel, our trials we cannot bear; Remember this Master, and His merciful care.
    No problems or sorrows, are beyond His great reach; The Master watches gently, and uses these to teach.
    To glorify our Master, is to be in His will; We must die to ourselves, only His work to fulfill.
    In pleasing our Master, joy and peace will abound; No greater comfort, on this earth can be found.
    What is difficult for us, is easy for our Friend; So put your trust, in the Master of the Wind.

                A friend in Christ,
                Sister Cyd James

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