We are getting closer on the airline tickets. It looks like the total will come in at about $2750 - $3000 per person. That is only about $250-$500 more than we paid in 2004 and we have an extra flight because of the conference. It also looks like our route will go through Australia using Quantas. For those of you who have flown internationally - Quantas is one of the best carriers on International flights. Hopefully we will get this set in concrete next week. I have all the information I need from the team. We are waiting to hear from Aaron Luse who may be returning to the states with us for the birth of their new baby. (Lori will already be in the states).

Airline Flights - the next step is acquiring airline tickets. We are working with Raptim, they specialize in missionary trips and have come up with some incredible rates. They are a great company to work with. Currently - we are scheduled to go through Toyoko, but we have to leave earlier than expected. They are working on alternate routes and we should have a better idea by this weekend. We will then confirm the flights with the New Tribes and the Luses & Kunzers. Once we purchase the tickets - we will be able to focus on conference since most of the paperwork will be completed. We will keep you posted!

Great News - Work Visa issue is resolved. Just got this letter from George Tinker - Keep him and his family in your prayers.

Pastor Jim,
Thanks much for your nice email. It is good to hear directly from you, and to get your good explanation of the situation. That really helps.
I also rejoice that as of yesterday we are now able to contact our Gov't Reps in Moresby both by email and by phone (neither had been working for a while).
So I was able to speak with Steve Westcott yesterday just to get clear on our strategy. It turns out that we indeed cannot use the previous type of Short Term Workers Visa for you folks - and this actually is Good News in the sense that the Immigration head came up with a new and better way lately.
Due to our current situation here with our work permit renewal we have to abandon the other way until further notice, and go with a new way which is actually far easier and faster, and does NOT require you to send your passports away. All we need is a small amount of information from you, and we can charge Luse's account here for the costs, and you don't have to send your passport anywhere. The Gov Rep will write a letter for you to the Immigration Officer at the airport and submit it a day or two before you arrive and get your visas organized. It is all done there at the airport and not at Immigration Dept in town, which simplifies things incredibly. So you get in the line for Arriving Without a Visa and tell the officer that NTM has made arrangements for you, and they take it from there and stamp the entry permit into your passports and give you the previously arranged receipt, etc. It has been working well so far. But anyone helping needs this new type of visa, which is the same price as a Visitor visa anyway (and far cheaper than a Business visa). So yes, even the 17 yr old lad will need an EVP (Easy Visa Permit).
We will need your flight details as best you know them too, esp your date of arrival and departure (this EVP is good for up to 60 days) so we know when we need to submit the letter to Airport Immigration, etc.

Until I can send the next email,
George Tinker

Praise & Prayer

We now have every one's Passport. This is big answer to prayer. Every Passport came in about 2-4 weeks earlier than expected.

The next big request is for the work visa issue. We are still waiting to hear from New Tribes regarding the requirements for the Work Visa's. We cannot proceed any further in the planning of the trip until we have this information. Please keep this matter in your prayers.