Hi I’m Erin!
I’m a 31 year old stay-at-home-mom and homemaker, and bush-pilot-wife, living in highlands of Papua New Guinea serving church planters. I like to make home, make yummy food, be present for family and friends, love on whoever crosses my path, and drink coffee on my porch swing.
My family
A brief history:
- Josh and I were high school sweethearts, married at 19 in 2011.
- We worked and trained for about 4 years; Josh gaining fixed-wing flight time and experience, and me teaching elementary reading. We also received some specialized training with Ethnos360 during this time.
- We moved to Papua New Guinea in 2015 to serve with Ethnos360 (formerly New Tribes Mission), supporting church planters and Bible translators.
- Josh worked as a fixed-wing line-pilot and check-and-training manager. I worked as an office administrator and medical clinic office manager.
- We had our daughter, Lucy Mae, in 2017.
- As of June 2020 we are back in the states for a much-needed home assignment, with an extra helping of further training. The end goal is to return to Papua New Guinea to continue supporting the church planting effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you live?
What language do they speak there? Do you speak it?
Do you get paid?
What is your house like? Do you live in a hut?
How can I help and/or be involved?
Where do you live?
We live in Papua New Guinea; the eastern half of the island just north of Australia in the Southern Hemisphere. We live on the largest support center for our mission organization. There is a small supply store, a small medical clinic, a boarding school, a business office, an IT office, administration, ground maintenance, and we house about 100 families from about 10 different countries.
What language do they speak there? Do you speak it?
There are over 880 different languages in Papua New Guinea, but there is a single trade language that is widely known: Tok Pisin. Josh and I both speak this fluently, and Lucy Mae is learning.
Do you get paid?
Nope! Josh and I are supported through individuals and churches who give tax-deductible donations. Click here if you have more questions!
What is your house like? Do you live in a hut?
No huts here! Our house is very similar to your house. We have wood-framed houses, tin roofs, electricity, indoor plumbing, running water, solar panels to heat the water, washer and dryer.
How can I help and be involved?
PRAY
We are firm believers that prayer works, having seen the way God has answered prayers in the past; and we invite you to pray with us for the furthering of His Kingdom!
MINISTRY UPDATES
One of the best ways to stay up to date with what we’re doing is to subscribe to our email updates. You’ll receive updates with pictures, prayer requests, and praises. Never spam.
GIVE
Our ministry is fully funded by churches and individuals like you! If you would like to be involved in supporting church planting through aviation, use the link below.
Get in Touch
…in Papua New Guinea:
c/o New Tribes Mission
PO Box 1079
Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province
441
Papua New Guinea
If you are interested in sending a package; please email us and we can get you more info!
Josh
Erin
Erin Verdonck 