Clay Pots ~ Identity

My Oldest Boy

Identity. We will do anything to gain it, sell our souls to maintain it, and suffer greatly to secure it. And yet we are often rarely satisfied with the identity we possess. Since my family and I have come home, I have had to struggle through this topic in my head. What is my identity? Who is Jason Knapp? Am I a missionary? Is that what I really am? Am I a member of a certain organization? Is that where my worth comes from? Am I a citizen of a certain country? Is that where I find my security? What are my accomplishments? Do I find my fulfillment and maintain my reputation by accomplishing those? What happens if all of that is changed or stripped away? Then what?

God has been revealing to me, in ever increasing clarity, what it really means to be a follower of Jesus Christ... what it means to be a Christian. I know, that sounds so basic and simple. But we humans really are a simple and base people, we often just pretend that we are more than we really are. The Apostle Paul learned this, a man who thought he had found his identity in his nationality, his title, his accomplishments, his reputation... he learned that all of this was but a pile of stinking dung in comparison with his true identity: "Being found in him (Jesus Christ), not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ..." (Phil 3:8-9) And in Galatians, Paul makes it even more clear when he says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me..." His identity was Jesus.

The answer to the identity question is simple yet profound: I am in Christ. He is my identity. I am a Christian. It does not matter what I do, where I am from, who I associate with, what my accomplishments are, what organizations I am a part of, or what I own. What matters is that I am a believer in the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Jesus Christ, and that in him is found freedom, life, security, fulfillment, and acceptance. I will not labor for a position, I will not work to maintain a reputation, I will not struggle for a title, and I will not fight for security because all of this is given to me freely by grace through faith in my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am a Christian, and nothing else! I will only labor to serve HIM, work to praise HIM, struggle to give HIM glory, and fight for faith in HIM! The alternative is not just worthless, but repulsive.

May we truly "know HIM and the power of his resurrection, and may we share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…"

His Clay Pots by Grace,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Settling

We know that it has been many weeks since we last sent out an update and for that we apologize. We desire to keep you all "in the loop" as to what is happening in our lives and yet we ourselves have felt very "out of the loop"… thus we have not had much to say. We have been back in the States for about 8 weeks now after our sudden departure from Papua New Guinea. I believe that we are still in a process of grieving this departure, and yet we are resting in God's immeasurable love and care for both us and the Tobo church. I am not too sure if this hole in our heart will ever be filled until we get to be reunited with are precious friends and fellow believers in heaven! Without internet, phone, or mail, it will be very difficult to communicate with them, but when we do hear from them (or about them) we will be sure to pass it on to you so you can be in prayer on their behalf.

We figure we still have a few good years left here on this earth, and we don’t want to waste them… so we have been earnestly seeking God as to where and how He would like to use these Clay Pots again. We are confident that it was His direction that brought us as a family back home to settle in Waukesha, WI where our families and home church are located. Even though it should feel normal to be here, I think we are still going through some aspects of culture shock and the frustration of transition. We hope that in time it will feel normal to be a permanent American in America again. Kellie is homeschooling the kids (5th grade, 3rd grade, and Kindergarten) to finish out the school year and we hope by the time the next school year starts, we will know where we are living, and they will be able to attend a school. For now we are renting but are dreaming that some day we might own a small home of our own.

As we seek to move forward we have watched God close some doors and yet, ever so slightly, crack open a few other ones. We have timidly walked through one of those doors and at this point in time are carefully pursuing something that we are passionate about: Cross cultural church planting! The foreign population in Waukesha is very substantial. We believe that with evangelism, discipleship and teaching, God could raise up more disciples of Jesus Christ from within different ethnic groups which are living in our own cities and towns. And then, if God so directed, they could in turn take the gospel back to their home countries. I have been asked to "survey” this need as the missions elder for our home church and the more I look into it, the more I am convinced of this need, and the more Kellie and I are drawn to it. Everything is still very much in the "survey" stage and at this time, I have been having many meetings in order to evaluate from all angles what is best and what is needed. We ask that you pray about this with us. That God would give us clear direction as to whether or not this is the direction he wants us to pursue full time. As we see it, like the Tobo people, there are many foreigners who need people to build relationships with them and love on them with the love of Christ.

To be honest it would be nice and not as ‘unknown’ if I were to apply for a full-time job, be given a paycheck, and know where my family was headed in the weeks to come. But as we seek to follow God's will for our lives He has given us a peace to wait on His perfect timing in regards to this new adventure and direction He may be guiding us into. To live and walk by faith is a most rewarding but often ‘unsettling’ place to be! Thank you for living and walking with us on this journey. Thank you for your prayers.

Until He closes the door,
His Clay Pots by grace,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

ClayPots ~ Transition

Yes, we have made it safe and sound to the cold and wintery land of Wisconsin. It was a bit of a shock to our systems to go from 100 degree humid weather to 15 degrees and extremely dry, but it is good to be home. What an encouragement it was to us to be greeted at the airport by a loving group of family and friends. We were a little groggy from the flight and overwhelmed to see so many faces, but we were very thankful for the demonstration of grace and love. Thank you to all of you who braved the cold weather and snowy conditions to come and make our return special and memorable. It meant more to us than you will know, and it was exactly what our children needed… they felt right at home as they saw their friends and were able to connect again. Thank you!

Also, when we got back to the same rental house we had last time, there was food in the pantry and fridge, “new” sofas in the living room, beds for all the kids, 2 television sets, desks, dressers, lamps, closets full of clothes for all our kids, and a tree propped up by gifts in the basement which our children opened and found to their surprise that the gifts replaced all the toys they had to leave behind or sell in New Guinea. Not only that, but two days later, we were given a vehicle! How does one show gratitude and say “Thank you” for all of that? Words are not sufficient. Thank you to all the family, friends, and church body who gave of your time and energy and money to help us in this transition. We are truly overwhelmed with your generosity and humbled by your service to us. May God continue to richly bless each of you.

Many of you have asked what our plans are. We ask that you pray for us as we seek the Lord’s will in this transition. Our hearts are to continue to serve our Lord and Savior and to reach the lost. We also still have an undeniable desire to plant churches and see true disciples of Jesus Christ raised up. I am sure you all have experienced this at one time or another, but I told someone the other day that there is no experience on planet earth that compares with watching God save a hopeless sinner and raise him to new life in Jesus. Then to watch the Spirit mature that believer in seemingly no time at all is a blessing beyond compare. It is all to the praise of His glory!

So please pray for us as we wait on the Lord’s direction in our lives. I believe that it is God’s will that we settle here in WI and establish a ‘home base’ for our family. We are encouraged that God is still at work in us and he still desires to work through us. So even in settling here, the sky is the limit at this point as far as ministry opportunities, so be in prayer that God would open and close doors appropriately. We are anticipating that we will be able to share with you what God has for us within the next month or so. In case you were wondering, we are still members of NTM so the financial aspect still remains the same as it was… we are just not in PNG. We greatly appreciate your patience with us during this time.

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, & Malachi Knapp

ClayPots ~ Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS

On Christmas Day we will be starting our travels over the ocean. Our night will be spent in Tokyo and then we will be landing in Milwaukee a day later.
A little late to slide down the chimney, but we might be able to hit the after Christmas sales!

Many of you have asked how the past weeks went, but to write all of that would fill a book.
A picture is worth a thousand words, so here is a small pictorial documentary of our farewell to the tribe:

Our last days in the tribe were filled with…

Soccer Games

Ladies Get-to-gethers

Prayer

Worship

Teaching Romans 8

Guy Time

Hugs

Food

Laughter

Long Hikes to see friends

Family Pictures

Crying

Packing and Selling

Last walks on the muddy airstrip which inevitably ended in star wars epic battle scenes

May you all experience peace and joy knowing that our Savior was born to grant us freedom and forgiveness!
Glory to the newborn King!

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Dates

While out here in Madang town, Malachi came and asked Jason if he would take his training wheels off his bike. First try and he was off totally on his own! He later told us that he talked to God and asked Him to help him learn to do it while he still had his bike. All 3 of our kids learned to ride their bikes on this gravel road here in Madang and all on the same bike. I know it is silly but it sure made this mom’s heart smile to get that little hug from God.

We just wanted to update you a little bit…
~We will be returning to the tribe on Friday to say our goodbyes and pack up.
~We will be selling all that we can to other missionaries to cover moving expenses.
~We are in the process of reserving tickets to return to the States in late December/early January .

Many of you have asked how you can help us. We are truly humbled. We really don’t know what our next steps are other than to purchase a vehicle and find a place to call home. Our heart’s desire and passion are still very much in sharing the gospel and in building up the body of Christ. We know we are coming home during a hard time in the economy and are very thankful for our churches and supporters who have said they will continue to support us until we are on our feet again. Our position in New Tribes Mission will not change for at least another 6 months until we know what our future holds.

We have a huge mix of emotions but the main one is peace and yet a deep sadness at leaving the Tobo people. These next 4 weeks are going to be extremely hard but we are so thankful for God’s ever loving arms around us.

His Clay Pots,
Kellie for Jason, Micah, Sophia, & Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Change

My desire is to explain to you some changes that God is making in our lives. We have been out of the tribe and living in Madang town for the past 2 weeks. As you all know, we have been struggling a lot these past few years. We felt that God had sufficiently healed us during our time on Home Assignment, but my family has been buffeted by the enemy spiritually, emotionally, and physically even since we have returned to Papua New Guinea, and then these past three weeks were even more difficult. We are in a very real battle, and in this battle, we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but we are fighting against a very real and very ruthless, cruel, and inhumane enemy. As the husband, I could keep “fighting the fight of faith”, but I have come to realize that my family is no longer able. My family has been in the battle a long time and are feeling the consequences… they are wounded and need to heal completely. It is not that we don’t want to continue; we do, but they are injured and the Medic of our souls is taking us back to heal. Therefore, because I believe that God has given me this family to shepherd, love, and protect, I believe that He is clearly directing me to take my family back home to the U.S. We are looking at leaving the tribe and returning to the States in January. We are not quitting the team in Madang, PNG and we are definitely not quitting on God or despairing of Jesus love for us. We love everyone whom we have served with and labored with over the years and will miss them all dearly. We are so very thankful for our mission, co-workers, elder board, churches, friends, and family back home who have supported us and loved us through the years and through this decision making process. They are all in agreement with us that this is a wise and loving decision.

We will be returning back to the tribe to close up our home, sell all our possessions, say goodbyes, and leave the church with encouragement and hope. We rest in knowing that the Tobo church is God’s church and He alone will build it and bring it to completion. The Holy Spirit is working in their lives, and we rest in God’s promise that he will complete the work which he has started in them. We count it a privilege to have planted a church, with your support, and we know that this church will grow, be strengthened, and reproduce.

Pray for the Tobo believers that in the remaining time we have with them that they will understand why we are leaving and learn in an even deeper way, to depend on Christ for their all. Please pray for my family, that we can help our kids through this time as they lose their home and friends and as we have few answers to their many questions. Pray for faith for us as we go back to the States with no home or vehicle, and without the knowledge of what God will be having us do in the future. We are following God’s leading, and although we see how he has been preparing us for this over the past few years, we are still walking by faith and not by sight in this decision. We do, however, have complete peace knowing that we are in the hands of Almighty God and that he has never let us down, and he will not let us down this time either. He isn’t done with us yet, and his plans are far better than we can imagine.

We are praying for you. That you will be encouraged in the work that you were and are a part of, and that in this decision of ours, that you can (as our Pastor said) “Remember you are loved without condition, accepted without requirement, forgiven without limit and served without reward – this is grace.”

We will keep you updated as always,
His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Encouraged

This picture was taken while we were out in the town for a week in Madang, PNG for our mission’s annual conference. The sun was warm, the fresh food was in abundance, and most importantly the fellowship and worship was plentiful!

We have since returned to the tribe and yes, things are still difficult; I think that there will always be heavies to deal with. BUT we are encouraged as we see the hand of God moving in his people. We have seen repentance, forgiveness, and a desire to worship, pray, and read God’s Word together. We have seen the believer’s start praying for the ones who have left and encouraging them to return. We have seen 2 believers return to fellowship this week due to the church’s love and prayers! The men and women have started to meet during the week again to pray and review Paul’s words to the Romans which we learn on Sundays. The Tobo church, of their own accord, has even decided to take up offerings to give to those who are in need! It thrills our souls seeing the believers give what little they have and truly sacrificing to help their brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need. That is what the body of Christ is all about!

God will be faithful to complete the work which he started with the Tobo church. He will do it in his time. And we know that whatever he does will be perfect!

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ more

~ We took Malachi to see the doctor on Monday. Thank you to all who were praying about this decision of ours since we were a little apprehensive as to what we needed to do for him. We were assured that, although he will need surgery again sometime in the distant future, as of right now, there is no pressing or urgent reason for us to take him home for surgery. So we get to stay together as a family!

~There have been 3 more deaths in the past couple days. A pregnant lady went into labor and didn’t deliver her baby right away. Five days later, her family took her to the clinic and her baby had already died. She died a few hours later. It was heart wrenching to see her body lying there with the baby still in her stomach. Another lady, an older one from another village, passed away a day later. People are starting to talk… some have asked, “What is going on? Is this the hand of Satan or is God trying to get our attention?” Pray for the believers as they answer the questions of their clan members and that they would have more opportunities to share the hope they have in Christ. Pray that hearts will be softened and the unbelieving will find the hope (Jesus) that they admit they do not have.

~The past few days, we have been approached by a number of people trying to sell us rocks. Someone told them that we would buy rocks and give them $ for it. It is a thinking and belief most probably associated with the cargo cult. Strange, but still it has been a good opportunity for both Jasons to tell them again that we are here to tell them about Jesus… and ONLY about Jesus, because HE is life and peace.

Some days you go to bed at night and wonder what was accomplished… Only God knows. We have only been back for 6 weeks and I feel like such a failure because I am already spiritually and emotionally worn out. I was hoping it would take a couple years for me to get to this point. But God! I am learning that in him and in him alone I can find joy and peace because I know that he loves me and accepts me.

Thank you for your prayers!
His Clay Pots,
Kellie for Jason, Micah, Sophia, & Malachi

Clay Pots ~ Office

The office will go on that patch of dirt near our house

Jason’s office where he works in is inside our house. The size is 10’ x 6’ and is separated by a thin piece of paneling from our school area and kitchen. When we built our home in the tribe 8 years ago this was a way to save $. But through the years it has become a source of stress. Jason must contend with 3 kids doing school, noises coming from the kitchen, and other noises from the rest of the house when school is done. I try to keep the noise level down, but it is often not very easy with all the kids. Also, I myself have found it difficult to process some of the conversations which I hear from the office as Jason does some discipleship with the Tobo believers in there as well as the translation. And there is the constant interruptions to school with people seeking Jason. In addition, his office can only hold one individual at a time and he needs more space.

So we would like to build an office separate from the house. We have estimated that the cost of materials and flight costs (the expensive part) and we think it will be about $4,000.00 (give or take?). Since it is so soon after our furlough, we are still paying off a few medical bills, but we feel that building this office soon is a priority for our family and the ministry.

We are never sure to what extent we should share our needs with others. Do we let our needs be known? Do we trust God to lay it on your hearts without telling you? Do we ask too much and give missions a bad name? We don’t know the answer to that, but we do desire to be honest with you and to share our struggle in this. We are in constant awe and totally humbled by God’s provision through His people time and time again. We get the distinct privilege of living by faith, something we wouldn’t trade for any pay check in the world. Thank you for your sacrifice to go to work everyday so that we can be here. Thank you for allowing us to share our needs with you.

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Romans 8

When God gives you mud…make mudslides!!!

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your prayers on our behalf. We know that God works mightily through people who call upon him and who live in dependence upon him. These things cannot possibly be accomplished or remedied in our own strength, but only as we rest in God’s grace and the wisdom and strength of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As I have been translating lessons for Romans chapter 8 this week, I have been encouraged with all the results of being in Christ:

1. No condemnation in Christ 8:1-4
2. Alive in Christ 8:5-11
3. Children and heirs with Christ 8:12-17
4. Freedom and hope in Christ 8:18-25
5. Interceded by the Spirit 8:26-27
6. Predestined in Christ 8:28-30
7. Justified by Christ 8:31-34
8. Loved by Christ 8:35-39

And the thing which has grabbed my heart and given me hope is the fact that the Sovereign God who has conquered death and hell and trampled Satan in the mire, this God who is my Father because he looks at the finished work of his Son on the cross and credits Jesus death to my account, this God who loved me even when I was a rebel sinner in opposition to him, will he not also give me all things (v.32)? I trust that God will give me what I need, nothing less (so that I complain) and nothing more (so that I do not turn my eyes on the blessings instead of himself).

The fevers are all gone as of this (Friday) morning. The boils are gone and antibiotics are finished. There was not a death this past weekend, which was a ready relief to everyone here, and the sun has been shining every morning for the past week. We will be flying out in a couple weeks to have Malachi evaluated by our mission Dr. in town and will make a decision based on his evaluation. Thank you for your prayers, they have made a difference. But please do not cease to lift up especially the believers to the throne of God. Many are still in the midst of persecution, heavies and difficulties, concerns and worries. And some are still dealing with the aftershocks of death and sickness. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ… that as they begin to hear all the results of being in Christ in Romans 8, that they will be encouraged and strengthened in the grace that is found in Christ Jesus. We all need these encouraging words, and our Tobo brothers and sisters are no different.

Thank you for your part in this work,

Jason

Prayers Needed

Could you pray for us?

~ We have had 4 people die in the 3 weeks we have been here. A young man (who left 3 kids and a wife), a 1 year old girl, a young girl (in her 20’s), and just last night the baby granddaughter of one of the believers. And from what we can tell, there is no real reason other than the powers of darkness love death and are hitting the un-believing community. The causes of these deaths, in their minds, range from people working poison on them to someone talking bad about the other person. They need the truth in their lives.

~Jason and Malachi are both trying to fight off boils right now on their skin and Kellie, Micah, and Sophia have been fighting a fever and a headache for over a week now.

~ The Tobo believers did not meet this past Sunday due to the extreme rain and mud. We have asked them to pray and seek God on what to do about a building to meet in. We missionaries have many ideas, but we want to see them seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in this and come up with a culturally appropriate way to meet.

~ Remember Malachi’s 2 surgeries while we were home? This past week we have seen the symptoms starting to reoccur again in that area and it is swelling up. We consulted our mission Dr. and he told us Malachi will need another surgery soon if things don’t change.

~ And both of our co-workers, Mankins and Williamsons… they are struggling with various issues… so our whole team is getting attacked in different ways.

I am glad that the powers of darkness think we are worth annoying but it can still be discouraging. We are in a battle here and we believe that the prayers of the saints make a huge difference. We ask that you pray for the community that they will see their need for a Savior. For the believers, that they would rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance in direction for the church and for boldness in demonstrating the love of Jesus as they talk to the different families that have lost loved ones. For us as a family, that God would intervene and (we do not see this as a coincidence – happening immediately after our return) choose to heal Malachi himself so that we don’t have to try to figure out where and how to get another surgery done. And pray for our whole team, that we would be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus so that we can endure with joy.

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, & Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ The 12 Days of Christmas

Tingong and his wife had a baby boy (Caleb) while we were gone and she brought him for me to see as soon as we got back.

I keep humming the 12 days of Christmas song in my head except my version sounds more like this…

“On the first month of tribal living the Good Lord gave to me…6 layers of mold , 5 cockroaches, 4 earthquakes, 3 muddy kids, 2 leaping rats, and 1 (hundred) maggots”

Did I mention the spiders? Despite the cold, rainy world we now live in and our very limited access to communication. I am SO thankful! Thankful to be back with our co-workers, the Williamsons. Thankful for my ever-loving and gracious husband who not only kills all the things that try to live with us but he is also doing all that he can do to make this an easy transition for me. I am thankful for our kids who find the fun and laughter in all of this (“Hey, mom if the cockroaches eat crayons they poop different colors!”). And I am so very thankful for the Tobo people and our ministry here with them. We met this past Sunday for church. There were about 12 people there, and as I sat there I said to myself; “if God has decided to send us here so that 12 Tobo people can be in heaven with Him then so be it, I will do it.” I have been reading Jeremiah and God asked him to go and warn his people and then told Jeremiah “oh by the way they wont listen to you and you won’t do any good”. (Kellie’s version) So I am thankful for these 12 growing and maturing believers. Jason told them that God started with just one man and one woman. He can do mighty things here as well. So they are encouraged and we are praying hard that maybe God will choose to do something even bigger here.

His Clay Pots,
Kellie for Jason, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Everlasting God

I could feel a change in myself. With Kellie and our two younger children safely resting in the guesthouse in town, Micah and I were flying at 9,000 ft. above a sea of endless clouds. It was 6:30 a.m. and off to my right there was a huge thunderstorm, underneath us I caught a glimpse of a huge waterfall surrounded by steep white cliffs, then quickly shrouded in clouds again. As this amazing panorama was unfolding beneath me, my mind went back to the past year and what it was that God had taught me. The first song I had heard at church after returning to the states last year was “Everlasting God”. Little did I know then that that song would encapsulate my whole experience while stateside. “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord… You are the Everlasting God, you do not faint, you won’t grow weary. You are the defender of the weak. You comfort those in need. You lift us up on wings like eagles.” I am weak, but God the Father has been my defender. I am a very needy person, yet God patiently comforted and strengthened me, and he has changed me and lifted me up again to soar upon his grace.

You see, a year and a half ago, while sitting in a little plane looking at endless clouds, not knowing what was going to greet me on the ground, and carrying the burden of a young church, I would have had a pit in my stomach, shivers from the nervousness, and my mind would have been racing with scenario after scenario of what to do in each and every circumstance. But not so this time. I could feel a peace from God and a confidence in Him like I have never experienced before. I sat there in awe of his creation, the cloud formations, the incredible expanse of jungle, the waterfalls; and I thought back to how faithful the Father had been to me over the course of this past year. Here I was again, going back to this little corner of the world where only He could give me a desire to live and serve him and I was impressed with the fact that he doesn’t faint and he doesn’t grow weary. In fact, he patiently, lovingly, and graciously continues to conform us to the image of our Savior and hero, Jesus Christ. He did this for me, and he has done it in the lives of the Tobo believers too. Though their numbers are fewer, I could see growth and maturity peeking out of the lives of those I have seen.

After a huge embrace, the first words out of Tingon’s mouth to me were, “I continually thank God for our brother-brother relationship. I had lost hope and then God sent you to tell me of Jesus. While you were gone I have seen God meet my needs and care for me. Oh, I have had heavies, but he has helped and guarded me through them all, and I am doing well. I praise Him.” At this point in time I did have shivers… but they were not from nervousness. They were shivers of awe at how great and awesome God the Father is… how he can minister to me, as I wait on him, in the crazy and hectic pace of America, while at the same time he can minister to Tingon in the jungle mountains of Papua New Guinea. Wow! He is the Everlasting God! The defender of the weak!

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for us and have supported us this past year. Thank you for not giving up on us and allowing us the privilege of representing you to the Tobo church.

His Clay Pots,
Jason for Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ the eagle has landed

We made it to Papua New Guinea after one of the most uneventful and smooth flights we have ever encountered. Thank you for your prayers! All our luggage was accounted for and we got through customs without even having to open a single bag! 36 sleepless hours later and we arrive to speaking a different language, eating totally different food, and living with a new standard of cleanliness. When we got off our last plane there were people screaming and whaling. One of the passengers on the plane was obviously coming back for a funeral of a relative and it is the way of the people here to show how sorry they are. We aren’t in Kansas anymore TotoJ.

We are at the mission base in town and Jason flew out with Micah this morning to go into the tribe. Monday morning I fly in with Sophia and Malachi. For the next 4 days I have different meetings in order to catch up with the newest tax laws, home school, computer set up for e-mails from the tribe, buy supplies, etc.

Thank you for all your love and support this past year. We were given an undeserved “heroes” farewell and we will cherish the memories forever.

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

(we are now 15+ hours ahead of you – go to the website www.claypots.org to see exactly what time it is here)
((That's on this page, in the upper right!))

Clay Pots ~ Kidney Stones? Why now, Lord?

Last night Malachi complained about sharp abdominal pain a couple of times. Right before we went to bed he came and told us his pee was pink. We called the clinic and they asked us to take him to the nearest emergency room. We were there until 2am and then they sent us home to get some sleep and told us to return for further tests this morning. When we left the ER Malachi’s urine was mostly blood. However, all his blood and urine work came back with no infection and his vitals were doing great.

This morning after an ultrasound, x-ray, and more tests the doctor’s preliminary diagnosis is that Malachi, our little 5 year old, had a kidney stone! We are hoping/assuming that it has already passed but we will know for sure in the next couple of days. The doctor is running his findings through a specialist right now just to make sure, but we are thankful that everything else is fine. Even though our hearts are heavy with the knowledge of how severe and rare this is for a little guy and that this will be a frequent occurrence in his little life, there are also many things to be thankful for. We are so thankful that God brought this on now and not 5 days from now on some airplane in a different country! We are so thankful for doctors and hospitals. We are even thankful for hospital bills because it means we had a place to go!

I would say we are living out of our suitcase, but in reality everything is kind of strewn all over the place waiting it’s turn to be put in a suitcase. We had dear friends and family come and help us move and clean the last two days, and on Sunday we had an un-believable blessing happen! We went to visit one of our supporting churches in Baraboo and we stood up to ask for prayer concerning the many things we will be facing once we get back to the tribe (more to come on that). Well, as a family we had been praying for $2400.00 to pay for the flights back into the tribe. This was not a number or need which we had shared with the church. The church did an impromptu love offering for us at the end of the service, and do you want to guess how much we were sacrificially given? Yep, $2400.00!

We are convinced that God is working in the heart’s of His people and is in charge of all the little things in life, even kidney stones and mommy’s emotions!

Love,
Kellie for the family

Clay Pots ~ 2 weeks

Our Home in the Tribe (the one in the middle)
Williamsons live on the left and Mankins behind us to the right.
The Tobo village is on the hill from where the picture is being taken from.

When do you leave? In 2 weeks!

Do you have your plane tickets? Technically yes, in that the commercial airline tickets are paid off, but we still need money for the three flights it will take to get us and all our supplies back into the tribe. God, as always, is faithful and people have given towards this need… thank you for being sensitive to His leading! If God is prompting your heart to support us in this ministry, you can go to www.claypots.org and click on the “give towards our ministry” tab to see more info.

How long will you be gone? 4 years

Where are you going? Back to the isolated Tobo tribe of Papua New Guinea.

Why? To continue to disciple men who, in the future, will shepherd the church; and to continue the process of translating the Word of God and corresponding Bible lessons.

What are you taking with you? 10 suitcases in which we are in the process of trying to stuff 4 years worth of everything! We have about 8 small boxes of books and things (i.e. chocolateJ) which we just can’t fit… so if you are interested in helping us out and mailing a package, we would love it if you sent one of these boxes for us! They are already packed and would cost approx. $40.00 to send one box for us.

What about your house here and can we see you before you leave? We have been renting half of a duplex and our lease ends the end of July. We are storing some of our possessions for when we return again, but the rest we are selling. So please come to our garage sale July 23-25th. In addition, we will be attending Walnut Hill Bible Church in Baraboo next week and then Waukesha Bible Church the week after that. We would love to see you there as well!

Are you ready to go? Jason and the kiddos would answer with a hearty “yes”. Jason is anxious to get back to continue discipling the believers and the kiddos can’t wait to have the rain forest as their back yard again and see their dear friends. As for me, well my feet are ready with obedience and I have peace about going back, it is just my nasty flesh that is taking a little longer to catch up. I am excited to see what God is going to do in the next 4 years, not only in the lives of the Tobo people, but also in our lives and yours as well!

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, & Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Drying Out

One of the things on my “Bucket List” was to learn how to throw a pot. So for my birthday, Jason surprised me with a date night lesson. They take couples at night and teach them together how to make a pot. When the pot is done being shaped and molded it has to dry. An interesting fact, which struck Jason and I, was that the pot cannot dry alone but has to be surrounded by other drying pots (in a small room or covered with plastic) so that it will prevent it from drying out too fast. Our instructor showed us this gorgeous bowl that had completely cracked because it had been left out to dry alone and uncovered. But when pots are drying together they balance out the humidity so that they all dry evenly and at a slower rate. It is curios how it is much like us Christians. We need fellowship with those of like faith so that we are strengthened under trials… if left alone, we are prone to cracking under the pressure. We need the church body surrounding us so that we won’t dry out and crack. Although we are all different sizes and shapes and temperaments, Jason and I have been learning not to take other pots surrounding us for granted. God put each of us specifically in our local assemblies for the strengthening and building up of the body of Christ.

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Ps We are off on the road traveling for the next couple weeks to visit friends and to attend a mission refresher course. When we get back we will be starting to pack, then head out west for a week, and then finishing packing… the first of August is coming up fast! Maybe it will actually get warm in WI before we leaveJ.

Clay Pots ~ Selflessness

“Dear Knapps,
I had a birthday party on November 7th.
Instead of presents we raised money for diffent things.
I chose a missionary and it is you.
I raised a hundred dollars.
These money is for any thing you would like.
Love: Riley Kenyon”

I found this letter today as I cleaned out my desk. I have been really struggling with maintaining my faith as I have prayed this past week for God to provide the $ for our plane tickets to return to the tribe. Why do I so easily forget God’s provision for my family and ministry? Not only that, but I was humbled by Riley’s selflessness and my selfishness. Have I been selfishly trying to look out for good ‘ol #1 or selflessly giving of my own life and resources?

In regards to my faith in God to provide for our needs, I was encouraged with an e-mail from my co-worker, Nisae, who is in the tribe ,… “Janeene and I are doing a little Bible study thing on Ezra… it is amazing all the stuff we can relate to in that book- crazy! Like the Lord wanted the Israelites to rebuild the temple and then used a pagan King to give them everything they needed, all the $, animals for sacrificing, food- anything they needed for what God wanted them to do. I guess He’s the same God today and will provide what we need for things He’s asked us to do!”

Know any Pagan KingsJ? Just kidding, but the point is that my faith needs to rest not in humans, but in the Almighty, All-knowing God to provide for our needs. I am very thankful for the community of faith that surrounds me, encourages me, and challenges me to grow in these areas.

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Ashamed?

In the past months, I have been greatly challenged and encouraged by Paul’s second letter to Timothy. As I endeavor to apply these truths in my own life I also greatly desire to impart these truths to the Tobo disciples and see them embody it. In 2 Timothy 1:8-2:7 Paul is encouraging Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel, but to stand strong in it, to guard it, protect it, and to proclaim it. He didn’t want Timothy to be like Phygelus and Hermogenes who were ashamed of Paul and the gospel that he preached and thus deserted him in one of his greatest times of need (while he was in prison). Paul told Timothy to be like Onesiphorus, who shared in Paul’s suffering for the sake of the gospel. Paul was encouraging Timothy to stay the course, to continue to participate in spreading the gospel and making disciples, even if times got tough or if he was threatened with prison or even if he didn’t have some of the nicer comforts of life.

My very loose paraphrase of what he was saying would go something like this, “Don’t give up! And don’t be ashamed of what you believe! What we believe is the only truth, and if we who believe turn tail and run because of a little discomfort, then there is no hope for the world. We are soldiers of Jesus Christ, ambassadors for his kingdom, and witnesses of God’s grace displayed through Jesus Christ. Be strengthened in this grace and share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ!” This timeless plea applies to us even today. We who believe in Jesus Christ are Christians. Our life is Jesus Christ, our Father is God Almighty, our hope is heaven, and our ministry is reconciliation. May we, like Paul, not be ashamed of what we believe before our unbelieving acquaintances; may we be convinced and proclaim to all an unashamed belief in the gospel of Jesus!

Thank you for your continued partnership in spreading the gospel,
His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Spring Break

Wow, we had an eventful spring break! Here is the synopsis: Sophia sang in her first quartet, lost two teeth, and announced that a boy likes her (gasp!). We got to see our adorable new niece, Lani. During Easter, we came to the conclusion that the Easter bunny must be wealthier in America, that Grandma Steck makes the best ham in the world, and that the free zoo in Madison is awesome. During all of this, we had my Chicago college dwelling sister and then the Deering family spend the night at our house for a couple days. After which we spent a couple nights at Wisconsin Dells as a family and then went on a road trip to Chicago to visit some dear friends. Then we got to visit our church in Baraboo. Thank you Walnut Hill Bible Church for those special hugs and words of encouragement!!! And, the kids were gone for a couple days and got to fish and canoe with Grandpa and Grandma while mom and dad had a few nice days alone. Oh yeah, and Jason made me a baker’s rack. Not bad for a week and a half, hey? The conclusion to this wonderful break is that we got to hold our adorable nephew today! Samuel Pederson was born this morning via c-section weighing in at 9.6 lbs! Mom and baby are doing perfect!

We are cherishing our time here which is going by quickly, and yet preparing and waiting for the day when we will be reunited with our co-workers and the Tobo church in Papua New Guinea…

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Baby Lani

Easter Morning

Baby Sammy