Stephen - Papua New Guinea Updates

Behind the Scenes, but Not Behind the Mission

By on October 20, 2024 Track: STEM Region: Asia - South East

At the moment, ministry looks different than I expected. I’m on a medical ship that’s supposed to sail to isolated villages in Papua New Guinea, offering medical care and gospel outreach. But the ship has been stuck in harbor for years, undergoing extensive repairs. Instead of direct ministry, I spend my days procuring parts and coordinating maintenance. It’s easy to feel like this isn’t "real" ministry. But God has been teaching me that this behind-the-scenes work is still valuable to His Kingdom. Without a functioning ship, we can’t reach the villages. Every part I secure and every repair… Read more >>

The Invisible Wall

By on October 20, 2024 Track: STEM Region: Asia - South East

My greatest desire in missions is to form deep relationships with the locals. Relationships that leave a spiritual impact. However, I’ve quickly realized how challenging this is going to be in Papua New Guinea The locals tend to be very shy. When we invite them to join our gatherings or activities, they often decline, choosing instead to keep to themselves. It feels like I’m on the outside looking in, and breaking through that barrier requires persistent effort. It’s a stark contrast to my past experiences, where forming connections often happened quickly and effortlessly. The language and… Read more >>

A Crazy Experience

By on October 20, 2024 Track: STEM Region: Asia - South East

“We want you to have a reconciliation ceremony for us.” As he spoke, the village elder revealed a shocking chapter of the village's history. Around 80 years ago, German missionaries arrived in this village, hoping to share the love of Christ. Tragically, they were not welcomed but instead murdered and eaten. Yes, you read that right—eaten. Hearing this was surreal, and while I felt no fear, an eerie chill ran down my spine as I stood before the man whose grandfather had participated in such horrific actions. Over the years, the village has grappled with the shame of their ancestors' deeds.… Read more >>

Holy Spirit Side Quests

By on October 20, 2024 Track: STEM Region: Asia - South East

We spent two days in a village named Benching. Honestly, our team had a poor mindset on our way there. We had been focusing on serving a different village nearby, and this side quest to Benching felt like a distraction from our main goal. But little did we know what the Lord had in store for us. Upon our arrival, the village gave us the biggest welcoming ceremony we've ever received. A large group of people, all dressed up, danced around us as we walked through the flowers and palm leaves they had spread along the ground. They prepared a feast of chicken, fruit, and cakes in our honor. After… Read more >>

Listen for the Music

By on October 20, 2024 Track: STEM Region: Asia - South East

“What time is it?” I asked myself. I was seven days into my stay in the village of Wampan, and both my phone and watch had died. I had no way to check the time. But then a thought hit me: “Does it even matter?” It’s a tricky concept to wrap your head around when you’ve lived by the clock for 30 years, but here in the village, time is largely irrelevant. The locals don’t pay much attention to it. When we arrived, we asked when church would start. Their answer was simple: “When you hear the music, you come.” We asked about meals, and they replied, “When we’re hungry, we eat bananas.” As for… Read more >>