Coming Home - Prayer Request

Well it is less than a month till Natalie, Tré and I are due to return to the States, after having been here in Papua New Guinea for nine months. This of coarse means “Panic Stations”! Well, not quite, but we will need to grab a hold of every little bit of grace God gives for this time. It only just feels as though we are getting settled and already its time to leave. Our time in PNG has been amazing and a real growing experience, not just spiritually and emotionally, but literally. We now have one extra member of our family. Both Natalie and I are so grateful for this time, for the relationships we’ve made and the time we have had as a family, with our “PNG” family. Its going to be hard to leave.

We have started to refine our wardrobes and cull our belongings, down to bare essentials and items with emotional attachment. The thought of packing up our life here is some what overwhelming, but even greater is the thought of starting again, once we return to the States. Both scenarios amplified by the fact that we are doing it with a three month old. This in itself is a new experience, because we have never moved, traveled, or anything with a baby before. Let’s just say, “The learning curve is steep”.

The thing that weighs heaviest on our minds right now, and the reason we request your prayers, is finances. Tré and I do not yet have airline tickets to get home. We need $2500 (US Dollars) before the end of the month to pay for our airline tickets, and a total of $3500 (US Dollars) before we leave, to cover bills (in both PNG and the US) and travel costs. We know that God is faithful and is more than capable of providing, but it is comforting to know that you are all standing with us to see the provision come about.

We plan to be back in Colorado on the 25^th of February, and look forward to seeing everyone soon. Once again, thank you all for standing with us. We promise to update you on any changes that may arise between now and when we leave. We love you all, and thanks again!

God Bless,

David, Natalie and Tré

P.S - If you feel lead to give financially, please make checks payable to “Solid Rock Foundation Ministries” and attach a note to specify “for David and Natalie Pidik”

Mail to:
Solid Rock Foundation Ministries
P.O Box 2149, Montrose, Colorado 81402

*All donations to Solid Rock Foundation Ministries are tax deductible within the USA.*

Tré David Pidik

Tré is doing really well…Growing like a weed and still just as cute as ever. He is now 13 weeks old (3 months). Time sure flys…even though it was 3 months ago that we were wondering what parenthood would be like. I now, can no longer imagine my life without him and I know David feels the same. He is really chatting and I think we will be experiencing a laugh soon. He is really trying. The morning is our time to play with Tre; before we get on to the days tasks. We sit and play with him until his nap time. It is a highlight of our day. He will sit there and tell us all sorts of things; from his dreams to how happy he is and of course, how much he loves his mom and dad. Not to mention giggling the whole time and smiling his little heart out. We are having a blast being parents and enjoy our times with him.

More updates, but still no photos...sorry!

We are still having trouble uploading all the neat photos...corresponding with the updates below. As soon as we can get them up, we will let you know. Check ou the most recent updates below, begining at "Calling forth the Warriors".

We will also be updating you our plans for moving back to the States...check back with us in the next couple of days! God Bless...

Natalie's Permanent Residency for Australia

Some of you may already know that earlier this year Natalie and I were praying about whether Nats should apply for Permanent Residency for Australia. It’s something that made sense in our minds, but whether or not it was what God wanted; we needed to find out. Both Tre and I are Australian citizens and we thought that Nats having Permanent Residency would be a wise move. As you could imagine such an undertaking was going to cost a fair bit (money we didn’t have), and we didn’t know how long the whole process would take. To be honest, after giving it much thought both Nats and I were a little overwhelmed by the idea and had resigned ourselves to the fact that if God wanted it, He would make it happen.

Much to our surprise one afternoon my mother returned home from work (she works at the Australian High Commission) and mentioned that her boss, after hearing about Tre’s birth, asked if Natalie was an Australian Resident. She explained to him that we had only just moved to PNG from the USA and we would only be here till Feb 07’. He then told mum, that Natalie, being the wife and mother of Australians, should not have any trouble qualifying for Australian Permanent Residency. He then went on to say that we should apply while in PNG, so that when we stop in Brisbane, on the way back to the USA, it would activate her new status. The Australian Gov’t only requires Permanent Residence to make an entry into the country once every 5 yrs (minimum). Again, it all sounded great in theory, but there would still be the small issue of finances. So, both Natalie and I prayed and again gave it back to God.

A couple of months later mum came home from work and again said that her boss asked about whether or not Natalie was going to apply for Permanent Residency. This was coming from a person who I had never met before and had more pressing things to think about. It was at that stage that we had an inkling that this was on God’s heart for our family. But again…no finances! So, again we gave it back to God.

After having tossed the idea around with a number of different people we were approached by a family who felt that they were to pay for Natalie’s application. Talk about out of left field! We were floored. We explained to them that it was going to be a LARGE chunk of money, but they explained they were coming into some money and felt that they were to give it to us. As it turns out the amount they felt to give was 16 Kina (PNG currency) short of the amount needed. This gave Natalie and I the opportunity to sow into the future that God has for us, buy paying the additional 16 kina.

Needless to say, we were on top of getting Natalie’s application in ASAP (with a lot of help from charity who sent us any documents we needed from the states). We again prayed that God’s will be done as we lodged the application with the Australian High Commission, and left it at that. To our surprise we were called on January 5^th, to attend an interview, on the 9^th, with an Australian Immigration Officer. This was to be the final step in the application process. The interview lasted no longer than 20 minutes and at the end the officer explained that Natalie was granted Permanent Residency, and would receive her papers by the end of the week.

We still to this day have no real plans to return to Australia to live, at least in the short term. All we know is that God wanted us to do this, and we were obedient. As with everything in our lives, we have given it back to the Lord.

2 Years and Counting!

Yep…it’s true! David and I have reached our 2^nd Wedding anniversary! Isn’t that crazy! It seems like yesterday we were hauling 100 Christmas tree’s into the church…hahaha! I have to be honest, it kinda snuck up on us…I know that sounds horrible, but we have been so busy with outreach and stuff we almost forgot to celebrate our special day, which is January 8^th.. But don’t worry…we didn’t.

However, we were unable to celebrate on the actual day. Not because we didn’t want to, but we couldn’t. Tre was due for his 2mo. Immunizations that day and I had my interview for Perminant Residency for Australia (more details to come). Don’t worry we only had to wait a day. And funny enough, even though it was the 9^th here it was the 8^th in the USA. So, it all worked out!

Originally, David and I had planned to keep it simple, and go out for a nice dinner, that sort of thing, but that afternoon, David’s parents rang saying they had booked a hotel room as their gift to us. We were so excited! So, we ran home, packed our things and headed down to the hotel. You guys, this place was so beautiful! I wish I had time to explain every detail about this place, but it would take to much time, just know we were extremely blessed. That evening, Liz came to the hotel to watch Tre while we went out for dinner…again very nice. The next morning, we decided to have room service, because I had never had it before and I was hungry. That was a great idea, it was just as fun (and yummy) as I thought it was going to be.

Anyways, all this to say, we had a wonderful day celebrating our marriage. We are continually blown away at all that God has done, not only in David and me as individuals, but as a couple. Thank You all for standing with both David and I throughout the past 2 yrs and some of you even longer. Your friendship and prayers are such a blessing!

Eda Ranu - Our Water

While we were on the Christian Radio Station, an employee of Eda Ranu (translated - Our Water), our local water and sewerage company, called in and invited us to their weekly lunch time fellowship. We said, “We would love to”, and that sealed it. He called us back after the show and organized for the company bus to come and pick us up at 11am the next day. It was a really answer to prayer because as Natalie and I were praying before the team got here, we both really felt that we were to pray and worship at Eda Ranu (over the water), but did not know how to go about it. tNats and I just prayedhat, if it really was on Gods heart, he would make it happen. I guess it was really on God’s Heart. Our time with them was truly a God thing! David Tabor had a word for those in attendance (mostly men), and it was spot on. It was just a really nice time. They treated us to lunch afterwards which was special.

Hula or Bust

The Team was also able to travel about 2 and a half hours by road to Hula; a village down the Central Province coast, and spend the night. The team stayed with Jaga’s family, and had times of ministry with the Four Square Church in the village, and an open air outreach. The next morning some of the team jumped in a boat and traveled to Geoff’s village to see his Grand Parents. It was a really eye opener for the Team, I think?

High, High Places

The Teams stay in Port Moresby also consisted of times of strategic Prayer and Worship; targeting high places and areas that God had laid on our hearts. It seemed the airwaves were on Gods heart too because we were also invited to be on the Christian Radio Station. The Station broadcasts nationwide so it was a great opportunity. We were able to share what was on our hearts for Papua New Guinea and Papua New Guineans, and our vision for “Calling forth the Warriors”. After the initial interview we were invited back to do a “Live on Air” worship time and talk back show the next day. During that time, people were calling in crying, saying they were encouraged, asking where they can buy our CD…..it was really encouraging to us, and another God ordained time.

Worship Together

Since Natalie and I moved to Port Moresby in June of 2006, we have been involved with our church Worship Team and Youth Group, so it made sense that, whilst our Worship Team from the States was here, we should all get together. I mentioned it to both Worship Leaders and the idea was met with enthusiasm. Having the go ahead, we set it up. We ended up meeting at our house for a worship time which started at 7.00pm and went till after 11.00pm. Needless to say, it was an anointed time.

Both Worship teams met again the following night at Boroko Baptist Church for a worship time that was open to anyone. It was again, a really great time. I think the thing that struck me the most, was the time both teams spent just relating. The SRFM Team came to PNG, not necessarily as “missionaries”, but as members of the body, to hold up the arms of the body here and encourage them to rise up; and I know that it was received in that heart too!

Man shall not live on bread alone…

During their time here we had the opportunity to come along side the Boroko Baptist Church (the church Natalie and I attend), to assist with an outreach they have to the AIDS ward at the Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH). The Church provides lunch for the patients in the AIDS ward every Wednesday, so we went to help prepare the food, after which we all jumped in the back of the church truck and took the food to POMGH. We distributed the food whilst also taking the opportunity to ask if we could pray with the patients as well. After giving the food out we were able to have a time of “worship” in the ward; putting God in his rightful place and proclaiming “LIFE”. It was an exceptional time, with patients and staff from other wards coming to join us.

Calling Forth the Warriors

The Solid Rock Foundation Ministries, “Calling Forth the Warriors” Outreach team from, Montrose, Colorado, have come and gone in a flash. They are currently in Lae, after being here in Port Moresby for 2 weeks. The Team arrived in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Monday the 1^st of January 2007, and left for Lae on Saturday the 13^th. Sadly, Natalie and I didn’t feel that we were to continue with the team to Lae, which was really difficult. Natalie and I, as a lot of you know, are “Die Hard” “Outreachers”, but this time, after much prayer, discussion and council, we felt that we were to stay in Port Moresby. That aside, our time in Port Moresby was really good, and we believe God’s purposes were accomplished.

Photos and Updates to come...

We had a little bit of trouble uploading all the neat photos...corresponding with the updates below. As soon as we can get them up, we will let you know. We will also be updating you on Outreach and our plans for moving back to the States...check back with us in the next couple of days! God Bless...

Gomo gomo

A Gomo gomo is a traditional Tolai (my fathers people group) ceremony, during which the first born child of the families first born son, is brought out of the family home and presented to society. It is a celebration of the child and the continuation of the family line. It is also significant because when the child, in this case Tré, is presented to society as a member of the family, in this case the Pidik family, the child is seen to have the authority of the family and entitled to the family inheritance. Tré’s Gomo gomo was especially significant because he is the first born son, of the first born son, of the family patriarch (my father); which means Tré is in line to be Chief.

On the morning of the Gomo gomo, the stage was set for a pretty big occasion, that is until it began to rain. Thankfully by the time the Gomo gomo was due to start, the rain backed off considerably to a light sprinkle. In hind sight, the rain was a probably a blessing because it cut down on the number of those in attendance; which had the potential to be overwhelming.

All in all, it was a great day. The Solid Rock Outreach Team was here, so it was neat that they were able to be a part of all the festivities. We had all the girls in “Meri Blouses” and the boys in “Lap laps” and carrying Tolai baskets; which we had flown over from Rabaul (where my father is originally from; an island off the coast of the mainland). My family was excited to be able to honor them as representatives of our American family, which they did in our traditional way, by giving them all “Tabu” (our traditional shell money).

It was also a great opportunity as Tré’s parents to pray blessing over Tré and declare the inheritance he has as Gods son. As in most cultures, the day culminated with the sharing of food; in PNG a “Mumu” (food cooked with hot stones in the ground).

It is traditional in Tolai culture that after everything has taken place, the hosts show there appreciation to all those who made the occasion possible, again by distributing “Tabu”. Nats and I did this the following night.

New Years 2007

Our New Years Eve this year was pretty tame. We went to bed early and when the clock actually did strike 12.00 am, and triggered celebration throughout the city, Nats and I found ourselves wishing everyone would keep it down so that they would not wake Tré. Oh how things change, with children.

New Years day was fun though. We went to lunch with Mum and Dad and my younger sister Katherine at the Airways Hotel. After lunch we went for a swim and hung out by the pool. It was nice.

Christmas in the Tropics

As I am sitting here I have to giggle, it would seem that I am the holiday queen. Again, I am sharing about another holiday, Christmas. The good new is, I love it and love sharing with all of you…I just had to chuckle.

Christmas was great! It actually snuck up on all of us. Once Tre was born, days just seemed to fly by. The next I knew it was December 25^th, and I couldn’t believe it! I really hate to repeat myself, but again, Christmas was a whole new experience. It was the first Christmas that I wasn’t home and with my family, it was Tre’s first Christmas, our first Christmas as a family in PNG, and then there was no snow… it was the opposite, extremely HOT!!! Talk about everything being new! And this comes from someone who hates change, but I can honestly say, that in the midst of all this, it was absolutely wonderful.

This holiday, it was David’s family turn to shared there traditions. Such as decorating the house and Christmas tree, watching “Carols by Candlelight”, on Christmas Eve, going out for Christmas lunch and just spending time as a family. David’s younger sister Katherine came up from Brisbane for both New Years and Christmas, and as always it was good to see her. We even slipped in a pedicure, which for girls, is always fun. Tre took to the “present” thing well…being the newest addition to the Pidik family he was adorn with gifts galore. I must say, It was more fun to help Tre with his presents than receiving them. We loved it! The whole day was restful, and joyous. Even though I was thousands of miles away from the familiar, the best part was not only to spend it with David and Tre, but to focus on one thing, the birth of Christ.

Thanksgiving in Papua New Guinea

As we have mentioned in past entry’s this was a year for changes. Some were big, and others were a chance to experience things in a new way. That was the case for this past Thanksgiving. As American’s I think we forget which holidays are strictly American and those that aren’t, Thanksgiving is one of those holidays. However, I love thanksgiving! And it’s not just because it’s fun, or that we get to watch the parade on TV, football in the afternoon, and getting together with friends and family to eat, which is always highlight. I love the fact that a whole day is set aside to reflect on all that God has done, and what we are thankful for! I know that so many times throughout the year we forget to take the time.

All that being said, this thanksgiving was a new experience. Not just for me, but for everyone here. We decided to do a traditional thanksgiving dinner. Liz wanted me to so things just like I would if we were home. She had said, “I’ve always wanted to experience a real ‘Thanksgiving Dinner’” So, I obliged. We did the whole shebang…even my family’s famous green jell-o salad. It was a blast, we decorated the table and reflected on all that we were thankful for. It was also Tre’s first Thanksgiving, but he never made it to the table…he was wiped before it even began… oh well… there is always next year! Finally to wrap up our thanksgiving, it was the hottest thanksgiving ever, and after spending all day in the kitchen, both Liz and I were dripping with sweat, but the experience, food and fellowship was great! One I will always remember…