The Parker family have lived in Ukarumpa in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea since 2005. Stephen works as a helicopter maintenance engineer and also helps maintain the Ukarumpa centre power system. Paula has a part-time teaching role at the Ukarumpa International School, Primary Campus.

Maintaining a fleet of aircraft has direct implications for the spread of the gospel. The sole reason these aircraft exist is to support the work of Bible translation. There are 839 living languages in Papua New Guinea, with 316 languages that may need translation.

There is still much to do to enable all language groups in PNG to have God’s Word. Transportation is difficult due to rugged terrain, dense jungle and remote islands, which makes the use of aircraft necessary. To quote Cameron Townsend, the founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators, ‘Aviation doesn’t make Bible translation easier, it makes it possible’.

The Parker family feel privileged to be able to support Bible translation in PNG and are thankful for the prayers and practical support of those at home who are sharing in the task.