Steve & Sharon Hawkins – August Update

Step by Step–that is not just the name of our newsletter; that is also very much the situation we find ourselves in at this point. In mid-July we had a Zoom meeting with our Wycliffe launch coordinator to determine our steps from here. And in short, we are definitely here in the States until at least January.

In June we had opted to take the 90-day special Covid–19 leave with no home assignment, and our launch coordinator has recommended that we continue with that until September, when we will take on some type of home assignment. So at this point we will continue to work on house projects that are important to complete before we would leave again, connect personally with our partners as our current situation allows (think Covid-19), and be involved in what ministries are available. Then in January we and Wycliffe will reevaluate our situation.

While here, Steve is becoming involved with Youth for Christ, working with Umpqua Valley Biking Outreach (UVBO). UVBO works with at-risk teens, teaching them bike mechanic skills and business skills in running a bike shop On Fridays he helps lead discipling groups and on Tuesday and Saturday further builds relationships during bike rides. With Redeemer’s kids ministries currently on hold, Sha-ron’s options are more limited, but she has gotten involved in a women’s Book study that has two other overseas workers displaced by the corona virus.

Outside of the UVBO ministry, Steve had his own little biking adventure—or more appropriately, misadventure—when he decided to have an altercation with gravel at the side of the road. It was a close match, but the gravel won, knocking Steve out for a minute or so and sending him to the hospital with a concussion, some beautiful road rash, and bruised ribs. (Photos available upon request.) But he has recovered well, even doing an 11-mile hike a week after the accident and a 20-mile bike ride the day after the hike.

One of the blessings that came out of this incident was seeing God provide for our needs. The day after the accident, we received a generous gift from one of our partners that should cover most, if not all, of the medical costs. God knew that we would need extra finances for July.

What About PNG and Bible Translation?

Like here in the States, life continues in an altered form back in Ukarumpa. When we left in March, only 4 cases had been reported in PNG. By late June, there were still only 11 cases. Since that time a total of 214 cases have been confirmed, 4 of those in the northern province of Morobe, a location much closer to Ukarumpa than the capital, where most cases have been reported.

This, of course, has impacted the many translation projects in PNG. Translation teams had to return from villages, and a variety of training programs for national translation teams have been indefinitely postponed. And yet translation continues, though at a slower pace. Also the Bible Translation Association of PNG, that works in coordination with Wycliffe, is celebrating their 40th anniversary.

The virus restrictions have impacted other aspects of life in Ukarumpa. The school plans to open in person on August 12, about four weeks later than usual and with precautions. Initially, the on-center produce market was cancelled for three weeks, a significant financial blow to the national vendors who provide fresh produce for those on center. Also, national workers in the various departments were furloughed for a few weeks because of government restrictions. But the market has since reopened with certain restrictions, and many of the furloughed employees have been brought back. One of the unresolved issues right now is the return of a number of essential staff, from administrators to language project coordinators to teachers. The government will allow Wycliffe workers to do the 14-day quarantine in Ukarumpa rather than in Port Moresby, but at least six couples/families have had flights to PNG cancelled twice and have had to reschedule. At this point, when they can return to PNG is still uncertain.

Right now, we are content to remain here. Without going into detail, we are finding reasons that it is good for us to be home at this time. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” So we trust that God will direct us Step by Step.

In His hands,

Steve and Sharon