Delays, Closed Doors & Providence

dsmith484
4 days ago
4 min read

I should be writing this update from Papua New Guinea! I prepared for weeks to teach a course at the Simbai Baptist Bible Institute and to preach in the annual Simbai missions conference. My two suitcases were cram packed with materials, gifts and necessities for staying 2 weeks in "bush." I was eagerly anticipating a sweet reunion with our many Simbai friends and reconnecting with the churches. I was even looking forward to "unplugging" from email, media, news, etc. However, as I began my trip, nothing went "right." One delay turned into a 2nd delay that led to my flight being rerouted. I ended up spending nearly 7 hours on a plane that was supposed to be a 2.5-hour flight, and still never reached the first destination, Dallas. I overnighted in Houston and the next day continued with more delays. In time I realized I would miss critical connections in Doha, Singapore and PNG. As I was seeking the Lord's help, I paused and prayed, "Lord, if for some reason you don't want me to go now, I'm willing to wait." Later it was confirmed that I would have to cancel the trip, return home, and reschedule for another time.

Invitation during a Missions Conference service in Simbai, PNG

Trusting in His Ways

Serving as the Director of Open Door Baptist Missions, I like open doors not closed ones. Yet we know that God's ways are higher and beyond our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that in directing the Apostle Paul and his missionary team, he would close doors and open others. (Acts 16:6-10) We can always rest and trust in our Lord's grace and providence that He is always at work building His Church and accomplishing His purposes for His glory. (Matthew 16:17-19) While it was very disappointing to postpone the trip and not see our Simbai brothers and sisters, we have far more joy in the ongoing work God is doing through them.

God's Providence in Simbai!

The Gospel impact and transformation among the Simbai people for almost 40 years is staggering. God graciously allowed us to live and serve among them. Prior to the introduction of the Gospel, the Simbai people lived in fear and darkness with no hope. While little has changed physically, everything has changed spiritually. They still live in primitive villages and face many challenges, but countless lives have been transformed by the power of the Gospel. Today, indigenous churches exist in nearly 40 villages with born again believers worshipping their Savior and proclaiming His Word. Instead of living in fear of spirits they have the Holy Spirit indwelling them giving the peace that passes understanding and they have an assurance of eternal life.

We're thankful that since we and the other American missionaries have left, the Simbai churches have remained faithful to God's Word. We rejoice that God is daily receiving glory from the Simbai. Below is a summary of the Gospel impact today demonstrating God's great providence.

Gospel Impact in Simbai

1.	Churches	Nearly 40 churches have been established in 40 years. These are the foundation of the Gospel ministry in Simbai. They faithfully preach God's Word, make disciples and reproduce in spreading the Gospel and planting new churches.
2.	Bible Institute	The Simbai Baptist Bible Institute has been established to provide critical theological training for future church leaders.
3.	Christian Education	The Simbai Christian Academy has been established and is operating in our former house to train children with a Biblical worldview.
	Youth Ministries	The Simbai churches launched the Simbai Baptist Youth Fellowship to disciple and build up their young people.
5.	Missions	Indigenous missions is a great indicator of church health and maturity. One of our greatest joys was to assist the churches in establishing their own small mission agency to coordinate church planting efforts among neighboring language groups.

While much has been accomplished, there is still much to be done. Please pray with us for the following needs and requests:

Pray for the Simbai pastors and church leaders to be faithful to God's Word.
Pray for the Christian school and for the Simbai youth to be loyal to Christ.
Pray for building project needs for the Bible Institute, school, and new church plants.
Pray for God's wisdom, provision and fruit for their missionary teams among other people groups.

Simbai Missions Survey Trips among other Language Groups

We trust that this rehearsing of God's providence and great work among the Simbai is an encouragement and blessing to you. Your prayers and partnership with us have been vital. We're thankful we can stay in touch and follow-up with them like the Apostle Paul did with many churches. God sovereignly closed the door this time, but we look forward to returning soon to encourage the churches and help equip their leaders and laborers. Moving to Asia will make this easier going forward. Thank you for your prayers and partnership with us!

Give to Help the Simbai Churches & Ministries in PNG

Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise the Lord for providing nearly 90% of our support. Pray for the remaining 10% needed.
Pray for wisdom as we begin the visa process and prepare to move to Asia early next year.
Pray for God's provision of a new Director for ODBM to replace Dave.
Pray for open doors of Gospel ministry in both the US and in Asia.

Praise the Lord with us,

Dave & Shawn