Update 10/2023Part 2: It’s good to be back to my work in Papua, doing the ministry that God has called me to, seeing His strength at work through my weakness. I went back in January asking God to get me home safely. But before I reached my destination, He provided me with a few connections with people that opened my eyes and my faith to much more. I came home praying “Lord, give me 30+ more years in Papua.”
This arrangement of living in Canada and doing several trips per year (4 per year is the plan) gives me the focused time I need to serve, but also the reprieve to rest and recharge away from the crazy. I’m able to give 300+ hours in a one-month trip and save the ‘home-work’ for while I’m home. I’m working full-time itinerantly by banking long hours on the field and having a lighter load in BC. Unfortunately, this system does not fit the ministry model of Ethnos Canada. Even our field branch has expressed their appreciation for my work and an open invitation to continue serving their team, but both entities agree that I need to find another organization to work with for itinerant support work.
So, I’m moving forward by faith. The needs of tribal church-planters are ‘outside-the-box’ so I need a flexible, ‘outside-the-box’ mission. At Missionsfest Vancouver in January I met The Great Commission Foundation. They provide a ministry umbrella of accountability and expertise that satisfies the needs of CRA and donors alike. As a GCF ‘project’ I have created my own box: Further Fifty Nine. You’re already familiar with church planters bringing the gospel to every tribe and tongue in Revelation 5:9. My part: Helping them go further! Further59.
We have just now resigned from Ethnos Canada, but my ministry is the same. The people I’m serving are the same. I’m still accountable to a sending church. I’m still faith supported by your donations. My budget is the same. The big change is that our faithful supporters who are still with us will need to transition their giving to us through GCF by the end of the year. Everything is set up and ready to go on the GCF website. Giving options are the same. This link will take your there: www.further59.ca I am also swapping from an Ethnos email to info@further59.ca My personal duanebakken1@gmail.com email stays the same. Don’t forget to inform Ethnos Canada when you switch via www.ethnos.ca or 1-519-369-2622 (Ontario). I will try to make contact with each of you who are regular financial supporters individually as well.
Because of frequent border crossings and sensitive areas where I work, I am keeping an online separation between my name and the ministry. Help us keep things operating smoothly by not sharing or posting online about the Bakkens’ ministry. I appreciate your cooperation in this effort. When in doubt, ask – or just delete.
We appreciate your prayers and support as we move onward. Some exciting doors are already opening up! I hope to share them with you in my next letter. Dawn’s leg is still sore but she is strong enough to work and has resumed normal life again. Maybe she’s ready to travel :)
