February 8, 2006	FINAL PREPARATIONS Volume 1, Number 2
PNG: LAND OF THE UNEXPECTED Fast Facts The official currency is the Kina (K) [like dollar] which is divided into Toea [like cents]. Exchange rate: 1 USD = 3 Kina Average rainfall in the region: 58.5 inches Average temp: 80 degrees (monthly averages range between 78 and 82) Time Difference: It is 16 hrs. ahead for those in CST zone. Our Teammates Reese Family Williams Family Donations can be sent to: In Canada: Beamsville church of Christ Attn: Alotau Missions 4900 John St. Beamsville, ON L0R 1B6 In the States: Church of Christ in Champions Attn: Alotau Missions 13902 Cutten Rd. Houston, TX 77069 JUST FOR FUN: Reese’s Mission Page: Newsletters and updates that allow you to read about the work in Alotau since its inception. www.westover.org (click on ministries then worldovermissions then The Reeses picture) Post Courier This is Papua New Guinea’s best selling newspaper. Articles are viewable online. http://www.postcourier.com.pg/ Google Earth This downloadable program will allow you to see the location and terrain of Alotau. It is fun to check out your neighborhood too! http://earth.google.com/ Craig and Jeri Ford 6920 Richardson Rd Houston, TX 77069 Phone (281) 440-5130 E-mail eddieford@hotmail.com	We are now living in Houston, Texas and spending time with our overseeing congregation - the church of Christ in Champions. We are having a wonderful time working with old friends. We were able to spend Christmas in Canada with Craig’s family. In November we celebrated Christmas in Colorado Springs with Jeri’s family. Our families are such a blessing to us. PNG News We are excited to announce that our work permit has been granted! As far as paperwork goes, we are just waiting on a call to send our passports to Washington. We are in the midst of researching shipping options now. It seems as if we will be packing up again shortly, as shipping our belongings to Alotau will take around 3 months. For the first three months we will be staying in Williams’ house while they are home on furlough (May – Aug 2006). This will give us time to look at houses and get everything ready for our own home. We are currently planning on departing between the 9 and 11^th of May. Below: Sunday morning services. The church rents a place at the local school. Our Current Financial Need We have been blessed with most of our financial support. We are very happy to report we have raised all of our one-time set up needs. Nevertheless, we lack about $325 per month. We know God will provide. We continue to seek churches and individuals who will help finance the remaining monthly amounts. We wanted to say a special thank you to all the congregations who have already made financial contributions to our work. Currently we have received contributions from the following congregations: church of Christ in Champions (Houston, TX), Beatrice church of Christ (Beatrice, NE), Cordell church of Christ (Cordell, OK), Cheyenne church of Christ (Cheyenne, WY), Lander church of Christ (Lander, WY), Mountain View church of Christ (Colorado Springs, CO), Riverside church of Christ (Gassville, AR), Beamsville church of Christ (Beamsville, ON), Newmarket church of Christ (Newmarket, ON), Pinehill church of Christ (Sault St. Marie, ON). The Bell Trust Foundation also provided a substantial one-time donation. In addition to this list there are a half dozen families that our supporting us on a monthly basis. We are extremely grateful for your generous support. Keeping in Touch Even though we will be miles away in Alotau, there will be many venues for you to keep updated on our work. o Visit our blog: pngfords.blogspot.com Our blog will focus more on some of the personal joys, challenges, and humorous events regarding our lives leading up to and in Alotau. o Visit our website: www.championschurch.org By clicking on the missions tab on the website of our overseeing church, you will be able to view photos and read updates and articles specifically relating to the progress of the work in Alotau. Expect this section to be updated and developed by late February. o Monthly e-newsletters: We plan to send e-newsletters each month. If you know of someone who would like to be added to the list, please email their address. o Paper newsletter every quarter. Travel Plans: Ø Jan – March 22 - Houston, Texas Ø March 21 - April 7 – CO / WY/ NE Ø April 7-22 – Ontario, Canada Ø April 22-May 4 – back to Houston Ø May 4-9 - Memphis, TN (Craig’s graduation) DEPART FOR ALOTAU Between May 9-11, 2006 ALOTAU