You’re going to get sick,” our field director, Dale Goodson, forewarned us before we departed for Ama. We counted the cost and prayerfully moved forward in faith. When Joella and I arrived in Papua New Guinea and finally met the Ama in April, we were overjoyed. So were the Ama.

Within a few weeks of our arrival in PNG in March, I contracted malaria. Thankfully, with proper treatment, I started to improve in just a few days. Then a few weeks later, I was down with malaria again—and again, I improved after treatment relatively soon. I trusted God through it all.

Then it was Joella’s turn, but by this time we were deep in the jungle—practically the middle of nowhere. Her symptoms seemed characteristic of malaria and other tropical diseases. Malaria treatment did not work, so we headed for a hospital in town. They ran some tests and treated her for typhoid, but she did not respond to that either. What she had was a mystery.

Next came another flight, another hospital, and more tests. Then, in June, we flew to Australia and started the medical process there. Thankfully, a dear friend of Joella’s family kindly received us into their home while she endured another two months of testing. Results pointed to several possible mosquito and tick-borne diseases. During treatment, Joella’s symptoms have, at times, lessened, but they have not gone away. Though her faith is strong, this painful journey has not been without tears and struggle. It has been hard to see her suffer so much.

Concerned that she may have co-infections complicating testing and treatment, our medical consultant advised travel to the U.S. for more specialized testing. As we began that step, we prayerfully sought God’s guidance and Joella’s complete healing.

Is this spiritual warfare? Absolutely! But we refuse to be moved from God’s purpose of bringing the everlasting gospel to the Ama. Jesus paid an infinite price for their salvation. And so we accept “our light affliction” of these trials, knowing that an “eternal weight of glory” also awaits all who yield their whole heart to Him (2 Corinthians 4:17).

A silver lining to this whole trial is that we have become much more aware of the nature and extent of the tropical diseases to which the Ama are exposed every day. As we anticipate our return, we look forward to serving the Ama in many ways, including developing resources to help the Ama prevent illness and learn how to get well once sick.

While Satan seeks to prevent the gospel from spreading to the Ama, the mission house in Ama is currently under construction. During the lumber milling process, a key part of the equipment came off and was lost in the sawdust. In answer to prayer, it seems an angel placed it on top of another piece of machinery where it was found. Praise God!

Joella and I are thankful to use the Bible to learn Tok Pisin. It is neat to compare the English and Tok Pisin passages, and we choose to “Litimapim nem bilong Bikpela” (Praise the name of the Lord) as we learn more. This ministry aspect can continue wherever we are.

Our hearts long to return to the Ama when Joella is again in good health. Although we know this is a spiritual battle, we also realize that God is faithful to fight for us and the Ama so they can be reached. Thank you for being in this battle together with us. Your prayers and support are needed more than ever.

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