God is amazing!!

Good morning!!

It is such a great day!! I am so excited to be here today writing this letter to all of you. I want to say thank you first and foremost for being used by God. I have watched as you all, my family in Christ, have come around me and begun to be a part of shining Christ to the lost in the world. You have all touched my heart and in the end you have touched the hearts of those lost in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as well. Their place in eternity will be different because of these moments., and sacrifices.

Philippians 1:3-5, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

A lot has happened in the past two months as I have finalized a lot of the plans to go to New Guinea. I say the plans because they are definitely not mine but Gods. He has been so evident in all of this is and continually shows me that he knows so much more what my needs are than I even do. He has been bringing many along side of me to do this. Making it a thing of the body and that we will only be able to point to Him in the end. 

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I have had the opportunity to share at over 40 small groups over the past 7 weeks, and it has been encouraging to watch the body yearn to see a change made. I have loved those chances and am hoping for more. I have made a short list of things I need and am selling the rest.  I have also finalized the plans for the yard sale of the century , thanks to a lot of donated items, for next weekend. It has been a stretching process to watch as the last of my personal belongings are sold. I am excited though, the only thing going to heaven with me is the souls of the lost God has used me to impact, making it easier to let go.  

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus

It has been amazing to watch as God has made Himself evident. I have asked you all to be praying for a short list of things to take to PNG. Through a couple of gifts by people in my church He has provided a laptop capable of doing video editing that I will use to keep you all updated on just what God is doing in my part of PNG. He has also provided for a digital camera to be used for the same purpose. I have also been given a ticket to get to PNG with American Airlines by a friend in my church. All I need to do is cover the tax on that ticket. God is bringing it all together and I can’t help but thank Him and point to His  greatness. He is amazing. I also can’t help but thank you for being a part.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For the involvement of the Village Church and the way God is providing there. I have been a lot of great conversation with the Jamie Hipp and Matt Elkins at the church, trying to plan all of this out. I am excited to say that I am officially being sent by the Village. It makes me so happy and proud to be a part of the team there reaching out into the world to shine Christ. We will be working to a point of sending short term trips much like the way the church does the teams in the Amazon. It is my hope that through this opportunity I will have the chance to see many of you there.  That you will have the opportunity to be a part first hand. Seeing exactly what is being done and playing a active role in that.

Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you

Much is left to be done yet though. I still need $1600 a month in pledged support. Please pray with me for Gods provision and guidance, and that God puts it on the hearts of more people to join with me in this way. Please seek the Lord in this as well, and know in the end it will be worth the sacrifice. I also need around $2300 for moving expenses and to purchase that last few things I need before going.  It is down to the finances and people being moved by God to have be a part.. I am excited to see how God brings it in.  This is  His thing and he is doing it, I just need the patience to wait on Him.
 
James 5:16 “ The fervent prayer of  a righteous man is powerful and effective.” 

So many things are coming together in a way I could only have dreamed. I stand  amazed at the path all of this has taken. In spite of a few set backs God has really provided, and worked things out. He is so good. I love how I could have predicted none of this., from the timing on down to those of you who God has brought along side me. None of it is what I expected. All of it is what God provided. I guess what I am saying in all of this is the glory goes to God, and I am humbled by it all. It all points back to Him. I have prayed that God would work it out and He is doing just that. Moving in hearts and bringing exciting things about in my church body as well in myself. In all of this I can’t help but rejoice. Jehovah Jirah has definitely been the provider.

Psalms 138: 8 “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.”

I am so excited to see all of this coming to be,
God is so amazing ,
Thank you for being a part,

Thank God for:
 
The gift of a Mac Book and digital camera, which will help me keep all of you updated in a timely manner.

The gift of my plane tickets.  Thanks to a donation all I have to do is pay for taxes on the tickets.

For the way God has provided so far, and for the way people are getting involved.

For the opportunities I have had to share with people about the value their lives can have and how they can impact eternity for others.

“Strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf”  Colossians 4:12

Please Pray for:
 
That my final work permit would come through soon. 

That God would lay it on peoples hearts to be part of reaching Papua New Guinea.

That God would continue to provide the last things needed for my trip, like a video camera for sharing with supporters.

For the remaining finances to come in and for Gods provision. I still need $1600 a month in pledged support.

For more opportunities to share. I have had many chances to share Gods work and hope for more.

For Gods continued protection and safety. That Gods angels would be watching over me . 

For the $600 to cover some medical expenses associated with my visa, and moving. 

That the last of my belongings would sell quickly and help bring in the funds to go. 

“ The fervent prayer of  a righteous man is powerful and effective,” James 5:16

A life lived in a circle

Ps. 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take  refuge in HIM!" 

I still remember vividly my childhood in Nimo, Papua New Guinea  (PNG) where my parents served as missionaries with New Tribes Mission (NTM). The memory of the people around me, my friends, living and dying with absolutely no knowledge of the cross is forever burnt into my mind. I also remember they way their lives were changed forever by the gospel. It has been fifteen years since then and these memories have affected every aspect of my life to this  day. 

I have been given the opportunity to be a part of what God is  doing in PNG. For the next four years I will serve the islands region missionaries  as a mechanic and construction worker.  Doing the tasks for those planting churches that would take their focus from the most important task. The task of telling of our savior, and walking with, and discipling the people there. 

This whole thing is so much bigger than me, and I can in no way do it alone. I need people burdened by God to join me supporting the work God is  doing. Together we can bring the knowledge of Christ to the darkest parts of the world.  It is my hope that God through all of you will provide the $3000 dollars month in support that is needed to do this. I am over half way there with a combined $2007 in pledged support.. 

My departure date is set for Jan 12th, only a few short weeks away. This is however dependant on support coming in by that time.  Many are joining in making this a reality but I am need others to be a part of this  and be a part of reaching the last tribes with the message of Christ.  Finances aren't the only way however, I need people praying on my behalf as well.. If you are unable to help financially please consider being a part in this way. I will be sending out periodic prayer letters and notes on exactly what God is doing. 

 

I am really excited as I have seen God move, the story is so much bigger than me or my life. I would love to have the chance to share the story of my childhood and of the need in places like Papua New Guinea. If there is a time where I can do that with you, your small group, or anyone you may know please let me know. Much needs to be done. I am willing to give my life to that purpose. I just need people willing to send me.  

I look forward to hearing from you, and answering  any questions you may have. I will keep my NTM website updated with prayer requests and news as well. God is moving in hearts, I hope He moves in yours and together we can reach out till the last tribe and tongue have heard the gospel.. Please 

email me or call me, I would love to share with you.

Thank you for your time, and prayers.     

Sincerely,

Please pray for:

For God to be seen in me and for many to share with.

That those who hear  would be burdened to effect change in the world. 

That God would provide the prayer support and financial support needed to allow me to fill the gap and meet the need. 

For a new laptop capable of video and photo editing for support updates and such.

For strength to continue as I leave my family, friends, and the church I love.

Ryan Carpenter

521 Dove Creek Circle

Progress and Prayer

I wanted to update you all on where I am. I have set my date of departure as January 28th 2009. Much needs to be done in that time. I am currently at 50% support and God is providing more. I also still need the funds for my plane tickets and for the tools another things I need to take with me.

Please pray that as I finalize plans to leave for New Guinea that God would bring in the rest of the funds necessary. That he would burden people to be a part of it all. Also pray that things would go smoothly as I pack and prepare to leave.

Being a part and doing what we can is more important than the amount. I have always said that I hope to find 300 people to help with $10 a month. A thing which I know is entirely possible. Thank you for keeping track of me and keeping me in your prayers. I can’t wait to see God be a part of all of this.

Coveted prayers

Many of you are praying and I am very gratefully for those prayers. I realized the other night just how much I covet your prayers. This is a journey I am not strong enough or able enough to walk in on my own. It is by God’s grace and mercy alone that I am able to do it.

Please pray for me continually as I am finalizing many things and continuing on in deputation. Finding your knees on my behalf and on the behalf of those I will be serving. Please pray as I share that many would be excited to be apart of it all.  That in whatever way it is whether by praying, giving, or going, God would move all who hear, to be a part of it all, meeting the need in whatever way they are able.

I am at about 30% of needed support and have a long way to go before all is ready. Please pray as time continues that God would bring in the finances needed to make all of this possible. I am so glad to know that everything is Gods and I don’t have to worry about it.

Please pray that God would open doors for me to share and ears to hear what He is doing around the world. If want more information on exactly here I am financially or other ways you can possibly be involved please email me at ryan.amy.carpenter@gmail.com and I would be happy to send you more info.

Finally it has been difficult as I have shared with churches and people. The economy being what it is coupled with the falling value of the dollar, many churches are hurting as well as the missionaries they support.

Please pray that God in this time would prove He is faithful and those who are already on the field serving him would find their every need met. That the churches who have faithfully supported them would be able to continue to do just that, and more. Meeting the rising need as things continue to change around the world.

A story and a journey

I am so excited to be writing you with all that God is doing in my life and what I hope He is going to do in the near future. I am sittinghere at New Tribes Mission headquarters in Sanford Florida in pre- field orientation, thinking of what to write. I am almost overwhelmed. I can’t do anything but sit back in wonder at Gods hand in everything. I am in awe of how He shows Himself in the most unlikely times and places, bringing  my life full circle.

I still remember vividly my childhood in Nimo, Papua New Guinea (PNG) where my parents served as missionaries with New Tribes Mission (NTM). I still re-member seeing those people, my friends live and die with absolutely no knowledge of the cross. I remember going back to Nimo years later and worshipping with those same friends, the smiles shining on their faces were so different than the fear I had grown used to seeing there. I remember many other tribes then asking for someone to tell them of this “Gods Talk”. Of how they had seen joy and freedom in my friends lives for the first time, and they wanted that too. 

These memories have affected every aspect of my life to this day, causing a deep desire to show Christ to those around me. Even in this my passion for international missions and reaching the un-reached has always been a secondary thing in my life. That is no longer the case. I was recently told of a need in PNG for support workers. Particularly, someone to serve the islands region as a mechanic and construction worker, who would faithfully assist the families planting churches in that region. Someone to do the tasks that would take their focus from the most important task. The task of telling the lost there of our savior. I applied with the mission praying that Gods hand would be evident in it all. As of May 4th 2008 I have become an official member of NTM and I will be going to PNG later this year. God has been faithful and is showing Himself in so many ways. I can only thank Him for being so gracious as to use me in this way. 

It is my hope to share with you just what God is doing around the world, and how vast the need is for workers to bring in the harvest. It is my hope as well that I will find many who are excited to see the work go on, and partner with me to see this through to completion. Together we can reach out till the last tribe and tongue has heard the gospel. If there is a time where I can share with you, your church, or anyone you may know I would love that opportunity. Many things can be done when we seek God and are faithful to His call on our lives. Let’s join together and effect a change in a place that is dark, shinning the light given to us by our savior to the world. I look forward to hearing from you, and answering  any questions you may have. I will call later to touch base with you or feel free to call or email me. I will keep my website updated with prayer requests and news.

Ps. 34:8 "Taste and see that
the Lord is good. Oh, the
joys of those who take ref-
uge in HIM!" 

Please pray for:
Safe travel between Texas and Michigan .

For God to be seen in me and for many to share with.

That those who hear  would be burdened to effect change in the world. 

That God would provide the prayer support and financial support needed to allow me to fill the gap and meet the need. 

That the last moments with my family before I leave would be precious as I will miss them greatly. 

Ryan Carpenter

Christ, Classes, and Manatee

Psalms 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in HIM!"

I am so excited to be writing you with all that God is doing in my life and what I hope He is going to do in the near future. I am sitting here at New Tribes Mission headquarters in Sanford Florida in pre- field orientation, thinking of what to write. I am almost overwhelmed. I can’t do anything but sit back in wonder at Gods hand in everything. I am in awe of how He shows Himself in the most unlikely times and places, bringing  my life full circle.

How is it I have come to be here? God truly is amazing in the way He works in our lives. Every day that goes by I am more and more excited at what He is doing. I have spent the past several days going through courses to prepare me for the ministry that I will be moving into this fall. The days here have been beautiful, and the classes informative, the food amazing, and the people wonderful. Oh yeah did I mention the manatee. The head quarters sits on Lake Monroe in Sanford and in that lake there are manatee, and alligators. It is almost too good to be true; I am sitting in a wonderful place getting ready for my new life in Papua New Guinea and I couldn’t be happier.

As I sit here and listen to the testimonies of different ones I can’t help but exclaim that my God is awesome. I keep seeing and hearing of ways that He has faithfully moved "mountains ". He is proving himself faithful in the lives of those who are serving Him around the world and in the lives of those preparing to go . It is so exciting to see Him moving in my life as well.

I am truly enjoying all of what God is teaching me here, as many are coming and teaching what we will need to know to fit into the ministries we will be a part of soon. It is almost information overload, but in a good way. My mind is being stretched as we look into issues from culture shock, international life factors, to ministry quirks for our specific countries. It is a great experience seeing so many who are faithfully serving in so many different capacities around the world and hearing their stories.

Please pray that my mind would soak all of this in and that I would get as much as possible from what is being shared with me. I am so excited to be preparing for this ministry but much has yet to be done. Please pray also that God would continue to bring people to me as partners in ministry. I have a long way to go yet in raising support and a short time to get there.

God is faithful and I am excited to see Him moving. Please pray for timing as well. I have been asked by the administration in PNG to try and get there in August. It is my hope to be able to do just that. I am also waiting for my work permit and visa as well please pray with me for that process to be swift. God is so good and faithful, I am passionately and patiently waiting on Him.

Catching the vision

Please pray that God would speak through me as I share with people what He is doing in me and on the feild. It still amazes me how little is know in my community about the lost state of the world. I hope that my testimony stirs the hearts of those around me to the point that they can’t help but be involved. That the world beyond their community becomes a priority. That people no matter where they are in life, will be seeking how to shine Christ to the whole world in one way or another. Please pray also that I have wisdom in everything I say and do that nothing in me would hide my savior.

The Begining

It is amazing to me to see how God brings our lives full circle at times. I lived for a time in the jungles of Papua New Guinea where my parents served as missionaries with New Tribes Mission. As a child there I saw a world that needed to, almost begged to hear of a God I almost take for granted. After nearly fifteen years God has opened the door for me to return. I can hardly contain my excitement.

It amazes me to see God provide and bring things about in such a way that I will be a part of the team in PNG. It is almost overwhelming to think that my savior sees fit to use me. That He will allow me to help others bringing the message of Christ to people who have never heard His name.

I used to think that I had so much to offer Him. Life and Gods hand has slowly taught me otherwise. The only thing I can give Him that is not already His is my heart and life. These I give hoping that He works in me to give me the strength to give them even more every day.

Please pray with me as I am sharing what God is doing both in me and on the mission field. That God would soften the hearts of those who are listening and that they would become burdened in such a way that they can’t help but be a part of showing Christ in a hurting world. I am excited to see God provide in such a way that only He could have done it.