Dear Huikala Family,

We write to you once again with heavy hearts to update you on the situation in our village and to thank you for your continued prayers and faithful support. It has now been almost six weeks since the tribal fighting began. During this time, our communities have experienced tremendous pain and loss. Because so many families have been forced to flee their homes, we have been unable to gather together for worship and have now missed four consecutive Sundays as a church family. The situation became even worse over the past week. More than 50 additional homes belonging to one of the tribes were burned down, bringing the total number of homes destroyed to well over one hundred. Many families have lost everything they owned. I have spent countless days and sleepless nights meeting with leaders from both sides, pleading with them to choose peace instead of violence.

Today, more than 2,000 people are displaced. Mothers, fathers, children, and elderly people are now living in temporary shelters or with relatives in nearby villages. They are in urgent need of food, blankets, clothing, cooking utensils, shelter materials, and other basic necessities. For my own safety, I have travelled to Port Moresby. It is currently not safe for me to remain in the village. Our family home, the rural health clinic, our church building, and our school are all located in the area affected by the conflict. We have received reports that some individuals are planning to burn these buildings. While this news is heartbreaking, we have chosen to place our complete trust in the Lord. I have instructed my family and fellow believers that if these buildings are attacked, they should not risk their lives trying to defend them. Instead, they should flee to safety, forgive those responsible, and continue trusting God.

Although our church family has been scattered across different villages, our believers continue to gather in small groups for fellowship, prayer, and encouragement. Even though we cannot meet together in one place, the church continues to stand strong because God’s people remain faithful wherever they are. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has prayed, given financially, and encouraged us during this difficult season. Your kindness is making a real difference. We are preparing to distribute much-needed relief supplies, including blankets, cooking utensils, clothing, canvas and tarpaulins for temporary shelters, food, and other essential items to families who have lost everything.

Jay & Tiffany