(Elna)

In 2016 our music team introduced our church to the Getty’s remake of the hymn “Facing a Task Unfinished”; it has been my favourite song ever since. I first heard it around the time Ryan and I decided to go to Papua New Guinea to share the gospel.  And I cry every time I even think of it. What a joy it has been to prepare for the field, to answer the call!

Then, early in 2017, Matt Dodd was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The Dodds would not be able to return to Maweroro. They had undertaken the task of bringing the Good News to the nDo people – and God changed their plan. So we’ve taken up the baton and we’ll keep running!

Yesterday, Matt finished his earthly race. And he finished well. I’ve seen many people suffer, but very few suffer as well as Matt and Cameron – they were joyful, peaceful, patient, kind and content. Their desire remained to glorify God. At this task, Matt excelled. And Cameron still excels. The task they set out to accomplish in PNG had to be entrusted to others. But through God’s grace, Matt was faithful to complete the ‘whole duty of man’. He feared the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (ESV)

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

As to the ‘Task Unfinished’ in PNG, Dodds, we gladly keep running. As to living for God’s glory, your faithfulness inspires us, encourages us, challenges and convicts us. May we all endeavour to finish this task as well as Matt did.

You can read an interview with the Gettys on their reintroduction of the hymn at: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-the-gettys-are-reintroducing-the-greatest-missions-hymn-ever-written

Lyrics available on the Getty Music website: http://www.gettymusic.com/facing-a-task-unfinished/