You may recall a story we shared back in February about a location we visited with Every Village where the locals were collecting dirty water from a hole in the ground. We shared this: At the second location, we found a hand-dug hole in the ground, with a small pool of water at the bottom. As soon as we stepped out of the vehicle, the smell was overwhelming. The community told us they share this water source with monkeys, resulting in extremely polluted water. As we approached, the women began to sing—praising God that after so many years, someone had come to see their situation. You can read the full story here: [Dirty Water](http://vermeulenswithmaf.epistle.org/updates/69863564529f249799053d92) That village was called Hong Akon, and their only access to water was through this hole in the ground with extremely dirty water. The Every Village team was so moved by the scene at that village, that they immediately committed to drilling a well there as soon as possible. We were just informed that the new well in Hong Akon has just been completed - and the village now has access to fresh, clean water. As clean water flowed for the first time the ladies from the village gathered to sing and praise God for blessing them in this way! We are grateful for the work of the Every Village team, as they continue to serve the South Sudanese people. And we are thankful that we can support them through our work with MAF, allowing them to reach the remote corners of this country. Please continue to pray that God would bless the work of MAF and Every Village, and that He will continue to bless the village of Hong Akon.

30th May 2026 And just like that the month of May has come and gone. I’m glad I took a few photos during the month or I wouldn’t know what really happened. 😊 It was actually a quiet month without many dramas. We had one drama; one of our students, Maiso Jimby, developed a severe case of pneumonia and needed to be admitted to hospital so that his lung could be drained and so that he could have medication administered intravenously. Fortunately we have a “medical reserve” for exactly these situations which allows us to use the private hospital and get attention immediately. The public hospital really was not an option in this particular case. Maiso needed to stay in hospital for 5 days and we were asked to give blood to help boost his haemoglobin levels. So, I took 4 students and we all got checked out to see if we were compatible to Maiso’s blood. Unfortunately, none of us were a match so the hospital needed to use their dwindling blood bank supply. They must have found something because Maiso is now back at the college and in good spirits. We thank God that he blessed the treatment and allowed Maiso to make a good recovery.

“….Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1 : 9 With much love, Mark and Liz You can follow us on Instagram: Liz: liz_mulder Mark: MuldersInMoresby Our mailing address is: PO Box 590 Waigani Papua New Guinea

The internet is multiplying the reach of the gospel many times over. Through MERF online ministries, people far and wide are hearing God’s Word in mother tongue who would otherwise have had little or no opportunity to do so. The internet also provides an economical way to make Christian literature and biblical training in native languages more widely available. INDONESIA Bahasa Indonesian is the common language of the fourth largest nation of the world. The population is spread over a widely stretched out chain of islands. @reformed_indo is the newest addition to MERF’s online gospel ministries. It is a YouTube channel in the Bahasa Indonesian language just launched to provide illustrated short videos of Bible teaching, beginning with a series on the Canons of Dordt. www.ypriministry.or.id/teologi/ site of MERF’s Indonesian daughter organization, the Bahasa translations of helpful Bible study aids are a free download: The Old Testament Explained and Applied by Gareth Crossley and Dare to Be A Daniel by Stuart Olyott. Other Indonesian online ministries that took off during the Covid pandemic have continued to grow and develop. In Malang, Pastor Yonson Dethan’s YouTube channel, @ChristCenteredPreaching hosts livestream panels, who answer from Bible questions sent in by text. The Jakarta MERF team cooperates with a Christian radio station to do both radio and livestream Sunday School at the same time with children participating. (www.youtube.com/live/n6Za-VDPexc) On Fridays, the internet enables the Jakarta team (Java island) to teach the Bible to enthusiastic government primary school students far away at Patumbak, Deli Serdang-North Sumatra island. The Jakarta team also holds online Sunday school teacher training sessions for participants from all over Indonesia.

SOMALI (Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Dijibouti) Gospel radio programs and books for free download: somalforchrist.com AFAN OROMO (most widely spoken Ethiopian language) Gospel radio programs and books for free download: sagaleedhugaaministry.com FARSI (Iran, Afghanistan & Persian Gulf) Farsi Creeds, Catechisms and basic Reformed teaching are labeled in both English and Farsi for free download at Roshdino.org. The new QR code Farsi bookmark links to the gospel YouTube channel @Roshdino-Farsi with short, engaging Bible videos and posts. Print out and share it with Farsi-speaking friends and neighbors or church visitors.

ARABIC (North Africa & Middle East) New QR code Arabic bookmarks are good to share with Arabic-speaking friends and neighbors or church visitors. Dardasha7 tactfully introduces gospel truths via a variety of short programs on popular subjects. Issa-alMasih shares directly the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures.

Sunday April 12 found us on the road to Veifa’a (160 kms NW of Port Moresby). This distance in Canada is not really that far, but it took us 3 hrs 30 minutes to drive each way, dodging deep pot holes all over the road, often Students Clement Pere, Moale Tau, Louis needing to drive on rough shoulders and forever swerving left and right! We Bernard, Joshua Kombra delivering the had to go through about 20 deep stretches of water on the road for the last sermons they wrote. Louis is also a skilled 10 kms. In some places, the mud water actually flowed over the hood of our guitar player, leading the singing for morning; evening devotions. truck. Rita was taking photos but at the worst spot, when we were actually stuck, she just shut her eyes and held on tight forgetting to snap that crucial photo of the water flowing over the hood and windshield of the truck while Henry was rocking the car back and forth until he got out! Henry was very thankful for the difflocks in this Land Cruiser, especially since the water was waist deep! Thankfully we got home again to tell this story! The LORD was good to us and brought us safely through tough spots and to the College! During the second block there was also a classis in Veifa’a. That affected our teaching schedule because Iga Kila, one of our 2nd year diploma students, had requested preaching consent.

We thank the LORD that Iga received permission to preach in the Reformed Churches of PNG!

On Sunday April 19, we had a wonderful time of fellowship with the LORD’s people in Beretete (a place we call ‘home away from home’), with Pastor Nawai leading the service! I was able to finish and handover all the colouring pages for the Kindy Sunday School classes in Beretete. Sunday School takes place before the first service Sunday morning which also includes a few children from the village. The teachers were delighted to receive the material. They are using the Love the Lord Your God Sunday School program in Tok Pisin, originally written by Inge Pol in the Indonesian language. We had planned to travel to Lae, which is about 1 hour flight over the mountains from us, but that did not work out. Therefore, we spent our last Sunday with the 9 Mile congregation. Henry offered to assist Pastor Aisi of 9 Mile Church by leading the first service; Pastor Aisi led the second service.

Items for Praise and Prayer: Praise: - We thank the LORD for a relatively large seminary class this year by which we can prepare many young men for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures. - We thank the LORD that the last classis in Veifa’a could give a positive recommendation for 9 Mile congregation to proceed towards instituting the offices of elder and deacon in their church. - We thank the LORD for a wonderful and fruitful time of service and fellowship with these brothers and sisters of our Lord in Papua New Guinea. - We thank the LORD for the expertise of Australian mechanics in keeping the RCBC vehicles in excellent condition. Prayer: - Please pray that the LORD would continue to equip the leaders of the churches to also give sincere attention to the third mark of the church as there are many members who are straying but not receiving attention/visits. - Please pray for continued harmony at the Reformed Churches Bible College as it is not unusual after a few months to have some conflicts arise as students and families come from various areas of PNG and are now constantly in close quarters for their work and studies. - Please pray for a safe return back to Canada and that the LORD may be gracious to allow us to serve next year again, as the need is still present. We thank the LORD for His gracious care over all who love Him! In Christ Alone! Henderik & Rita Versteeg

Another busy month here in PNG with plenty of things happening. At the beginning of themonth Covenant Christian School (9 Mile, Port Moresby) experienced quite the transition instaffing. Two teachers handed in resignation letters at the end of March for separate reasons. Due to the training we had done last month there were available people ready to step in andthe school board was able to hire two new teachers. We left for Lae around this time andJohan advised the board at 9 Mile not to wait for him but to finalise the hiring of newteachers and the saying goodbye to the old teachers. We are thankful how this worked out asit is easy for the board to look to Johan for guidance during this time and wait for him to sortthings out. They were able to hire an experienced teacher and one who has no experience atall but has completed grade 12 and plans to attend teachers college next year. While the newhire is a younger, less experienced teacher, the head teacher at CCS has been impressed withher willingness to learn and her attitude to her work.

We arrived in Lae on the 9th of April. It’s only a 1hr flight and we’re thankful everything went smoothly and on time. Because our time was limited in Lae, we were conscious of making the most of our time and not doing things that can just as easily do in POM – e.g. sitting behind a desk. So, our visit to Lae was busy with visits to the Ombudsman Commission to address the ongoing issue of land title for Living Water Christian School (LWCS; Kamkumung, Lae), visits to the department of education to research how we can register our teachers without putting them through 3 years of college, and plenty of visits to the schools for observation and training. On the 19th of April we attended church in Wantun and because it is a 3hr drive we stayed overnight in the church. After church (as this is the only time all the church members are together) Johan presented to them a speech about his role in the school as this was creating tension within the community. His speech addressed their role as parents in the covenantal education of their children and their ownership of the school. We are not sure how it was received as most of the proceeding conversations were in tokples (the language of their village) but we’ve been told it was well received. Pastor Tony was very appreciative of the speech and wants Johan to come back at the closing day of school and reach the whole school community. Being in a village context where most families are subsistence farmers, school fees must be kept low to provide access for children. The school is highly motivated to create alternative local fundraising options that are sustainable, and we’re excited to work with them on this. As you can see in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ picture of the school building below, the school has slowly been building a classroom through local fund raising and some assistance from Mission Aid in Australia. Previously they held classes in a classroom made of bush materials which wasn’t ideal during heavy rain.

The next morning was spent bringing in the new shipment My Father’s World curriculum and observing in the classroom. It was great to sit with the teachers and discuss the curriculum. The teachers at this school clearly have seen transformation in their hearts and lives because of the work of Jesus Christ, and this overflows into their teaching. It was a privilege to deliver a training session on Covenant Education and biblical classroom management in a later visit during that week. A couple of teachers have had this before but it is always good to refresh and have conversations about how they can manage a few challenging situations in their classrooms.

The last week in Lae we spent a bit more time with LWCS. Johan was able to sit in Board meetings and discuss future plans. Johan still helps this school the most with the work he took over from the previous Mission Support Worker and we’re looking at ways to hand this over. In Lae as well, Johan gave a refresher course on Covenant Education and biblical classroom management. We were very encouraged by the Christian character of the school and look forward to developing this more through the implementation of the My Fathers World curriculum.

The last exciting development of the month was that the IPA (Investment Promotional Authority) accepted the Intent to Incorporate application of two of the schools. This is a big step into them becoming a recognised entity. Their names will be LOGOS GLORY REFORMED SCHOOL INC. and COVENANT REFORMED SCHOOL INC.. The school leaders felt it appropriate to make the distinction that our schools aren’t just another one of many Christian schools but also wanted to keep the name that was significant to them. We had to buy an ad in the local paper and have a one-month objection period. Personally, things still continue to go well. Flying to the other side of the country and staying in a different house for close to a month has its struggles but the kids did well. The kids are still unsure what actually is our house-house but they enjoy the travelling. Evelyn brought along all the homeschooling work and we try to keep the main routines the same no matter where we go. We did feel by the end of our time in Lae were very ready to go back home. The house at Lae (pictured below) is situated in the Lae City Mission compound. LCM is a centre that takes in struggling young men and teaches them life skills and presents them with the gospel. Reformed Ministries NE used to be based here before moving up to the Highlands at SIL and we still have one house at the compound that is available to RM members. It is a very big house and the kids love playing hide and seek in it. Throughout the month we were there we hosted a number of people/groups coming and going. The smaller area we are in has an energetic dog. At night it is very much appreciated as it is a deterrent for any curious people but during the day it is a bit of a hindrance as the kids don’t want to go outside and play meaning everyone feels a bit couped up by the end of the day. Thankfully Lae city is not too far away and we’ve found a nice playground where the kids can burn some energy. Lae also has a large main market. Below, right. As you can imagine, going to the market with small children is always an experience and a half. We stand out as it is and the Papua New Guineas love seeing white children as this is quite rare in PNG.

Adaline lost her first tooth. Quite literally, in fact. We don’t know where it is. It was wobbly for a while and then suddenly it was gone one day. She likely swallowed it. A bit of a pity for the first one. She was a bit worried the tooth fairy wouldn’t know she’d lost it or that we were now in PNG so we wrote the tooth fairy a letter explaining what had happened – thankfully in the morning the letter was taken and some money was sitting there for her.

Thanks again for your ongoing love and support. Johan, Evelyn and the kids Prayer Points: - Thankful – our visit to Lae could be productive and relationships strengthened. - Thankful – we can start the process of renovating ‘our’ house. - Request – the preparations for renovations may go well. - Request – a continued blessing on the teaching happening in the schools. Keep in Touch! Email: johanlvdd@hotmail.com, evelynjvdd@icloud.com Facebook: JohanEvelyn van den Dolder Instagram: @evelynjvdd Whatsapp: Johan (+61 420926345), Evelyn (+61 457211881) Website: www.vddpng.com

We praise God for enabling MERF to bring life-changing biblical content 24/7, in Arabic, online and by radio across the Arab world and beyond. This touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of Muslims. For several decades the efforts of MERF’s Arabic Media Ministry team, staff and volunteers, have been blessed with steadily growing interest in the gospel of Christ. Many have come to saving faith. The team prayerfully work together to write and produce engaging scripts and short radio and video programs sharing the Savior. In the last three months alone, the team has produced more than 60 new episodes along with daily posts. They have also introduced many new AI-animated videos. Over the past year, interactions across various social media platforms have continued to steadily increase, reflecting a growing desire for spiritual guidance. Past gospel programs remain available online. New episodes are regularly recorded. New gospel programs are always being developed and produced. The team takes a 3-pronged approach to reach three different target groups at the same time. The newest website provides solid biblical literature for Arab Christian leaders and others interested in serious Bible study. The other two sites appeal to the young Arab Muslim majority who have never heard the gospel

MERF-ArabicLibrary.com offers valuable resources to Arab Christians for personal and group Bible and theological study for free download or in print form. New materials are regularly introduced. The website and social media pages regularly introduce new Arabic books and materials freely offered for download or in print form. This has dramatically expanded access to solid Christian literature across the Arab world. The books and articles are received with joy. MERF-ArabicLibrary.com not only gives Arab churches and seminaries much needed resources, it also inspires individuals to learn and grow in faith. Praise God for this vital tool which equips Arab Christians for service. In contrast, Dardasha7.com (Chat 7) reaches out very very widely, drawing the interest of hundreds of thousands in the young Arab majority by a variety of engaging short programs. The programs gently weave quotes of Christ’s sayings and Bible teaching into compelling drama and interesting discussions on various topics relevant to youth. They stimulate meaningful conversations about faith and daily struggles. Direct engagement is growing, with thousands of comments and messages. Some take serious interest in the gospel and inquire in private chats. Please pray for them. Issa-alMasih.com (Jesus the Christ) is specifically directed to the growing numbers of Muslims who actively search for more information about Issa-alMasih. It focuses on the teaching of Jesus and biblical truths, with clear and accessi ble resources. There are hundreds of direct inquiries from serious seekers. By God’s grace, many are encountering the love of Christ, asking deep spiritual questions, and wanting to learn more. Some express the desire to follow Him. Please pray for the Lord’s wisdom and grace to those who follow up contacts and provide them with confidential personal care.

Ramadan Programs Last month was Ramadan, the lunar month of Muslim fasting from sunrise to sun set. It provided a spring board to share the gospel. MERF’s Arabic Media Team made Ramadan relat ed episodes in regular pro grams and even prepared a special program on fasting. Rather than belittle the four weeks of daylight fasting, the radically different gos pel perspective of Christ’s teaching on prayer and fast ing in the Sermon on the Mount is presented so that the purity, wisdom and love of Christ clearly shine the gospel far above all forms of man-centered and man made religion. The program “Fasting is Our Right” was promoted on various social media platforms by short videos, with this description in Arabic: A spiritual journey during fasting that moves us from form to essence, from habit to true mean ing. It explores how fasting provides the opportunity for self-examination, a genuine recognition of one’s sin fulness and need for divine redemption. Fasting is not just abstaining from food; rather it develops a desire for a transformed life. During Ramadan, there were about 800 thousand views of the program and about 10 thousand reacted directly. Some reactions were negative and even included some name-call ing. Such receive gentle and polite responses and invita tions to seek after Christ’s saving grace. Others with partial knowledge, seek to know more. For example: During Ramadan, there were about 800 thousand views of the program and about 10 thousand reacted directly. Some reactions were negative and even included some name-call ing. Such receive gentle and polite responses and invita tions to seek after Christ’s saving grace. Others with partial knowledge, seek to know more. For example: - Was the Christ who came in the flesh God or the Son of God? How did the Christ take the form of a dove? REPLY: “The gospel does not say that Jesus did that. Jesus is God in the flesh and as such he is called the Son of God.” -As Muslims we believe that Jesus the Christ (Issa alMasih) is God’s Word and Apostle. Is it true that he is God’s Son in the flesh? REPLY: “John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. “ Praise God for: • Open doors to reach new audiences through different platforms and formats, especially in seasons like Ramadan. • Clear signs of impact, as content continues to resonate deeply and spark meaningful conversations. • Faithfully sustaining the ministry despite challenges and changing circumstances. • Creative growth and collaboration in the team, leading to more diverse and relevant programs. • Encouraging responses from viewers who engage with the gospel message behind the programs. Please Pray for: • Deeper impact, that con tent would not only be viewed, but truly trans form hearts and lives. • Guidance in developing new programs to address real questions and struggles people are facing today. • Open doors for wider reach into regions and communities that are still difficult to access. • Protection over digital platforms and communication channels, ensuring continuity and effective ness. • Continued provision of resources to sustain and expand this vital ministry.

Church Members 18 and up JULY 7-14, 2026 John Calvin Centre Larnaca, Cyprus Biblical Missions Retreat MERF provides Accommodation & Food Email merf@merf.org : SUBJECT: July Missions Retreat • name, date of birth, church • church leader recommendation • completion of the following as 4 short sentences: The Bible impacts my daily life by ….. Christ is precious to me because ….. I serve Christ by ….. I share the gospel by ..

30th April 2026 We waltz into their lives wanting to help and as we do so we start building a trust environment with our national brothers and sisters. Slowly, over many years, they open up more and more, revealing deeper personal thoughts as they see you’re here for the long haul. We become as much a part of their lives as they become a part of ours. And then it happens, the decision is made to go back home. It hurts. It’s what we experienced this month as we informed the Board of Governors, workers, students and church community that this will be our last year. It’s time for us to leave and hand over the reins to someone else. Though tears were shed, there was understanding of our decision. We have the rest of the year to say proper goodbyes. As our dear friend, Apa, said, “We know that all missionaries will leave.” We’ve been asked what we’ll be doing next year, the truth is we have no idea, and that’s ok. God will provide and the beauty of not knowing means we can focus on our current work without being distracted by a new position elsewhere. So; we have work to do and it’s a privilege to be allowed to do that. Here’s a snapshot of the events in April.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29 : 11 With much love, Mark and Liz You can follow us on Instagram: Liz: liz_mulder Mark: MuldersInMoresby Our mailing address is: PO Box 590 Waigani Papua New Guinea

On a recent Friday I was scheduled for a charter flight up to the North-East to a town called Maban. Maban sits close to the Sudanese border, making it a hot spot for Sudanese Refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. So on this particular flight I loaded up over 700 kgs of RUTFs. Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic-Foods are small packages of a highly nutritious paste that is fed to malnourished children. This food was going to be used in refugee camps to help those who are displaced from their homes and have little to no nutrition. Also on board were two translators who were going to work amongst the refugees to help ongoing translation work. After the three hour flight north I off-loaded the RUTFs and picked up a missionary family. This family had previously lived in Maban and are now working in another African country. They came back for a visit and to help the current team with their work of Bible translation and community projects amongst the refugees. It's special to hear about the ongoing work, and to see the dedication that these families have living in such remote parts of the world - all for the furtherance of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God! After loading up it was time to head back South to Juba. Along the way we dodged some growing thunderstorms, and flew threw some rain. After 4 months of dry season - these were some of the first rains that we've seen. The new season means big storms, heavy rains, and wet runways - but it also brings cooler days and smoother flying! Storms avoided we made it safely back home to Juba - all in a typical day! Thank you for supporting this work, allowing MAF to serve the remote areas of South Sudan!

Wound care has been a bit quieter recently, which has helped make the weekly patient load more manageable. Even so, the cases we are seeing have been more demanding—both physically and emotionally. This past month, a young boy named Moses came to us with a wound caused by abuse from a family member. It was a deeply traumatic experience for him, and we were so thankful that a friend encouraged him to seek help from our team. Due to the severity of his injury, we began daily cleaning and dressing of his wound. Sadly, Moses suddenly stopped coming for treatment. As days turned into weeks, we grew increasingly concerned for his safety and the risk of infection without proper care. For three weeks, we had no sign of him, and we often prayed that God would protect him and sustain his health. Then, just a few days ago, we saw an answer to those prayers. Moses returned earlier this week. His wound was significantly smaller, with no signs of infection. He shared that a neighbour had taken him into her home and cared for him during his absence. She is a trained nurse and had been treating his wound with the supplies she had available. The improvement in his condition was clear evidence of her compassion and skill. Because of her care, Moses has been able to return to school without needing to walk over 30 minutes each day to receive treatment. He now visits our compound on weekends for continued care and to receive dressing supplies and creams. Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on Moses’ story and the reality that situations like his are far too common and often normalized for many children in this country. Please continue to pray for the people of South Sudan—that they would come to know the life-changing love of Christ and, in turn, reflect that love to one another. The wound care ministry in South Sudan provides essential treatment for superficial wounds, ensuring they don’t worsen for those without access to medical care. By offering wound dressing, infection management, and referrals, the ministry serves the sick and vulnerable with compassionate care. Support for this project will help provide a steady supply of medical resources, allowing the team to continue meeting critical needs in the community. Donate here: [Wound Care Ministry](https://maf.ca/donate/help-fund-the-wound-care-ministry)

This month it has been great to get stuck into some training in the schools. At the beginning of March, we went up to Beretete (a village about an hour drive into the mountains) and did some board training as was requested by them. There are a number of people willing to serve in this capacity but they lacked the confidence to do it. We’ve made a very simple “Board Handbook” in Tok Pisin, which the training was largely centred around. The topics in the handbook include: • What is reformed, covenantal education? • What is the structure and role of a school board? • How to handle finances transparently and responsibly, including how to make a budget.

We were able to make use of a battery powered projector for Johan’s presentation and walked them through the handbook. After this we had opportunity for discussion and had some fellowship over lunch. Writing a handbook in Tok Pisin and delivering a presentation in the language was certainly a good challenge for Johan. The kids also nicely played with some friends in the classroom next door (see picture below) which freed us both up for this presentation.

Johan understood from conversations that they hope to formally elect board members soon. Once this has been completed, Johan is planning to do some less formal follow-up sessions, depending on their needs, to walk them practically through diOerent elements of the handbook. On the 26th and 27th March we held an Introduction to Reformed Education conference here at the Bible college. The idea was to run a one-day workshop, giving new teachers the foundations and confidence to step into the classroom. Due to the interest of so many people, the conference turned into a two-day conference. However, all went very well and we learnt a lot about how we can serve the people here better. There was a good number of people in attendance and the topics were very well received. Even though some may not become teachers, the idea of ‘…teach them diligently to your children…’ (Deut 6:7) was strongly communicated. Our prayer is that many of the parents in attendance will have received a greater understanding of covenantal theology, and be encouraged in their task to raise up their children to know and love the LORD. We would like to also say thanks to the Bible college for allowing us to make use of the classrooms and the resources inside and also for helping look after the visitors overnight. It was much appreciated.

Initially, the conference was to introduce the My Father’s World curriculum to this group of new teachers, as it is largely used in our schools here. We had planned to use a new shipment of materials in this conference. Unfortunately, the shipment was delayed and nicely arrived at 10:00 am on the last day of the conference. Because we were expecting it to have arrived already, we had to scramble a bit of a backup plan. It all worked out well and we are thankful it has all arrived.

Personally, things have been going well. We did all have a bout of sickness this past month which seemed to get to some of the other college families as well. Little Matthew copped it the worst – he also got sick, completely lost his appetite, couldn’t sleep properly from his cough. He also got an ear infection to top it all off. The national ladies at the college were very concerned about the weight he was losing. Overall, he’s doing well and he’s still a happy kid. He’s learnt to say his sister’s name (Fee-bee) which is very exciting for her. Ada’s arm continues to heal very well. Although she still has a long bruise down the inside of her arm, she was taken to a check-up where the doctor said everything looks great. She is beginning to use it as she once did – hanging on bars, jumping off her bunk bed and climbing. What a blessing from our heavenly Father that all has gone well.

Evelyn has been enjoying homeschooling and the kids are responding very well. Yes, we say ‘kids’ because, although Ada is the only school age student, they all had to be involved. Including Matthew. It took a while to figure out how to structure the homeschool day so that all the kids felt like they were a part of it, but this has made us realise what a blessing it is to teach all our children about God’s world. Ada is beginning to read well and sometimes gives reading to her siblings a go. What is being confirmed to us is that there are so many opportunities outside of the set school time to continue teaching children about God’s world.

During the month of April, we hope to go to Lae and do similar training on that side. Although we have been to Lae many times already and stayed in the house there, this will be the first time we fly across as a whole family and stay there for about a month. We’re looking forward to it, but we’re praying that we’ll be protected from sickness and that the kids will settle there quickly. Thanks again for your ongoing love and support. Johan, Evelyn and the kids Prayer Points: • Thankful – We were able to begin some training this month and it has already borne fruit • Request – our first family trip to Lae may go smoothly. Keep in Touch! Email: johanlvdd@hotmail.com, evelynjvdd@icloud.com Facebook: JohanEvelyn van den Dolder Instagram: @evelynjvdd Whatsapp: Johan (+61 420926345), Evelyn (+61 457211881) Website: www.vddpng.com

March is historically the wettest month in Port Moresby and certainly this last month we have had a considerable amount of rain. One of the prime reasons we got so much rain is because tropical cyclone Narelle formed just south of Port Moresby and rather than head south it tracked in a westerly direction. Though we didn’t cop the wind, we sure got the rain. The campus is very soggy at the moment, and no matter where you walk, you end up with a nice pair of black mud socks. The rain also played havoc with the roads turning small potholes into driving hazards, which in turn meant that a 30 min drive into town became a 60 min test of patience and endurance. The first block of teaching is now done and it’s on to Block 2. During the block break the diploma students needed to write out their sermons, while the certificate students needed to give a presentation about Christian marriage to people in their village, and lead a discussion on how God’s Word defines marriage. With both classrooms being free, Ps Tim organised a church leadership training event over three days. This was well attended and many good discussions were had. The following week, Johan van den Dolder organised a teacher training event over 2 days, which was also well attended and much appreciated. The RCBC, then, was a busy place even during the break. It really is a blessing that we have this establishment that can be used to train leaders and strengthen the churches. May God bless our work.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5 : 6 - 7. With much love, Mark and Liz

It is amazing how time flies when one is busy! Greetings once more from PNG! The first 4 week block seemed to fly by, Henry with preparing and teaching & myself with working on making collages from older photos we like to keep so that all the extra photos can be deleted! This way my computer will have more space again! The highlight of these last 4 weeks for Henry was that the students surprised him by doing better in their sermons than he expected, particularly because they had been struggling with the various steps of exegesis (interpretation of a Bible text). Once they finished these steps, they realized that these various steps did benefit them in writing a fairly good sermon! Henry says he is looking forward to hearing all 10 students delivering their sermons for morning devotions during the coming 2nd block! He finds that often the sermons are still better than what they have written on paper (once they have taken into consid-eration the remarks he made on their written sermons! :) Henry will be teaching Christian Doctrine for the Certificate Class and Dogmatics and Liturgics for the Diploma class this coming second block. Henry did some work on the Liturgics Course a number of years ago but has never taught it. He is looking forward to teaching this course this coming block, discussing the history, background and Biblical foundation of worship. The churches are becoming more self-sufficient and mature, so Henry says he has to get used to sitting in pews a lot more! But it is a good thing, even when he hears one of the pastors preach a sermon Henry made 12 years ago! He did well! Apparently he wasn’t aware Henry might be in church! But Henry did enjoy the sermon! I was at home nursing a fever and nasty skin infection on my leg. (Thankfully this is healing with the help of antibiotics!) Henry did preach in Beretete on March 8.

During the break between first & second block, a Leadership Conference was organized by the national pastors on the topic of Doctrine and Life of Church Leaders. Unfortunately the Diploma students could not attend be-cause it was their sermon writing week! But there were up to 24 other national participants! Henry led the opening session, a general overview by power point presentation. The discussions were far more lively than in past years, showing more confidence of the elders and deacons in leadership and wonderful fellowship times!

I found a project to work on! :) The Sunday School teachers of Beretete have asked me to extract drawings from a book that Inge Pol wrote for use in a Sunday School program in Indonesia (now also in English). This way the Sunday School teachers can supplement their Sunday School lessons with colouring pages for the children. With Inge’s permission I am printing colouring pages for Sunday School use for the churches here, extracting the drawings and using the Bible texts of the Love the LORD your God Sunday School book. We are thankful for God’s goodness to us and the work here at the Reformed Churches Bible College and in the Reformed Churches of PNG! To Him be the praise and glory! I

In Christ alone, Henderik & Rita Versteeg

A missionary brother who became the director of his organization, approached me with heart-felt concerns soon after retirement. Unlike some career mission executives, this brother had proven missionary experience. He had learned a difficult language, done fruitful evangelism and church-planting and trained local pastors and elders. He did the same in his own country before becoming a missionary and after retirement. This godly man was deeply concerned about the inability to recruit new missionaries and the difficulties of raising sufficient support for elderly retired missionaries. Why so? Pioneer missionaries had little concern about retirement. Some served in the fields until death. Most who returned to their homeland at an advanced age shared an important common objective. While faithfully immersing themselves in the field language and culture for daily evangelistic outreach, they also focused on raising up well-trained local spiritual leaders (evangelists, pastors, elders, deacons etc.) to lead new converts. Such efforts produced abiding fruit in Africa, Asia and Latin America, enabling even wider outreach in our time. Similarly, biblical training of indigenous spiritual leaders is the backbone of MERF ministries. Fruitful Service Pioneer missionaries with such priorities left healthy indigenous mother churches with godly, well-trained leaders. First, their strategy focused on providing the Scriptures in major languages understood by the largest sectors of the populations. Learning such languages readied them to communicate the gospel widely. Likewise, MERF radio and online gospel ministries focus mainly on languages understood by large populations, including Arabic (22 nations of the Arab League), Farsi (Iran, Afghanistan, Persian Gulf & neighbors), Amharic, Oromo & Somali (Horn of Africa), Nuer (South Sudan) and Bahasa Indonesian. Faithful pioneer missionaries distinguished themselves by identifying closely with the people whom they were called to serve. Yes, pioneer work was about “service.” Many were inspired by Christ’s words– “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) Old Testament preparation for the Messiah’s mission described him as “servant.” He came to us as “the suffering servant.” The very act of accepting to add to his blessed Almighty divine nature, our lowly human nature was an expression of “servanthood.” Gospel ministry is about embracing Christ’s attitude of servanthood. Sadly, it seems that this has been broadly lacking for several generations. Pioneer missionaries who viewed themselves as “servants” did not isolate themselves in comfortable missionary compounds. Rather, they humbly lived among those to whom they were called to serve, sometimes even in life-threatening situations. Likewise, MERF supports and enables the witness of indigenous Christians living among their own people.

Sovereign Calling Thankfully, even as spiritual standards of missionary service, and pulpit and pastoral ministry, severely declined for several generations, the Lord has graciously and sovereignly continued to call and prepare those who give their lives to Christ-like servanthood in the indigenous churches established by faithful pioneer missionaries. So, we need to think the Lord’s thoughts after him regarding foreign missions today. With the establishment of faithful local churches and English as a global language in Arab and Muslim lands, and most places, career missionary service requiring language learning for church-planting is no longer practical or relevant. The same sovereign Messiah Savior King who called and used faithful missionaries in the past, now in his divine wisdom has allowed this change to happen. The apostle Paul, writing to his beloved disciple Timothy from prison provides us with such wisdom. He impressed on Timothy two things (2 Timothy 2:8-13). First, to remain faithful to the Christ-centered saving gospel and second to realize that the free proclamation of God’s Word does not depend on his own bodily freedom. No human attempt to hamper the advance of the gospel will succeed. Clearly, Paul’s mind was set on teaching all to know that the sovereign Lord does not “leave Himself without witness” (Acts 14:17). Gospel Partnership The book of Acts tells us how in the early church in largely Gentile Antioch, gospel ministry led to a mature and fruitful partnership with the mother Jewish church in Jerusalem. Today such partnerships exist with churches in former mission fields. MERF gospel ministry is carried out by biblically trained indigenous servants of Christ who know the languages and cultures of their own people. Requiring neither visas nor work permits, they wisely, relevantly and cost-effectively serve their own people. Praise God for: - IRAN After 43 years of faithful ministry in Iran, missionary William M. Miller had seen only a few converts when he left in 1962. Yet, the spiritual leaders he trained continued generation after generation training others. - Nuba Mountains, SUDAN “Our congregation started with the conversion of my grandparents more than 80 years ago, [my grandfather] became an evangelist. Later, my father was also converted and became an evangelist...” HTI - Sulawesi, INDONESIA “Christ-Centered Family” March 2-5 MERF training of evangelists. MERF-Canada Board of Directors Lammert Jagt - chairman John Krikke - vice chairman Jon Bax - recording secretary Jack Kingma - treasurer Ingrid Knol - corresponding secretary Rev. Jan de Gelder - director Donations Thank you for your faithful support! Please make cheques payable to MERF-Canada and send them to the contact address below. Online donations can be made to Middle East Reformed Fellowship (Canada) Inc. through www.merf.org/support e-transfers: merfcanada@gmail.com New address: 607 Dynes Rd, Burlington ON L7N2V4 merf@merf.org