I have never regretted coming to Papua New Guinea. I believe God used this experience to make me a better person. If my parents had not chosen to follow God’s leading to the mission field, I would have missed out on the pleasure of serving Him in a foreign country. As I prepare for the next phase of my life, I really desire to continue serving Him.
During my childhood, I was always fascinated by mission stories, especially the ones by Eric B. Hare. I wanted to win souls for Jesus. Eager to witness, Johanna and I would stand on our driveway shouting to cars that whizzed by our home in Michigan. Unfortunately, I doubt the people in the cars could hear me reciting John 3:16. Little did I know that God had bigger plans for my family and me, way on the other side of the world!
Six years ago, when I was 13, our family launched on a mission that would change my life. I was excited to live in PNG. Before we launched, I tried to imagine what life there would be like. People warned us about the heat and the cultural adjustments we would have to make. I expected we would have more physical work to do, like carrying buckets of water from a well during dry season. These expectations were correct, and I relished the adventure. Johanna and I got malaria our first month here, but we got better. Since then, I have been very blessed to have gotten malaria only once more!
Not only did I enjoy the Adventure of PNG, I was excited to serve God. Looking for ways to witness, Johanna and I discovered many opportunities. We made friends with other young people and prayed that we would be good examples to them. God became more real to me as I began to seek Him more through prayer and Bible study.
Connecting with girls our age was hard sometimes due to the language and cultural differences. But Johanna and I found that they really enjoy singing, so we started teaching them meaningful songs hoped would encourage them on a Christian journey. Through this, we also developed some good friendships.
In Kewa village, our family has had the joy of nurturing a small group of believers. My dad preaches on Sabbaths, and my mom, sister and I lead song service, share object lessons, read mission stories, assist in children’s Sabbath School and pray for the church. Whenever I noticed a person missing from church, I would pray they would return. My faith was strengthened as I saw many of my prayers answered. Often I was delighted to discover that my mom and sister had been praying for the same people.
One of the highlights of my time in PNG was getting to know Elsie. She has become like a sister to Johanna and me. Several years ago, she had appendicitis, and we took her on the plane with us to Port Moresby for surgery. As Elsie recovered in our home, she joined our family worships and attended church with us. She loved it! I prayed that, through our example, she would come to Christ. Spending time with God first thing in the morning became her habit just as it was ours. Then, to our joy, she decided to be baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church! Later, Elsie told us that before we brought her to Port Moresby, her life at boarding school was going in the wrong direction. Now she is so thankful that God connected her with us. She told us, “Because of the example of both of you, I am a better person!” I know I was definitely not a perfect example. Actually, I feel Elsie is often a good example for me to follow.
Now, I’m preparing to start a new chapter in my life. In August, I’ll be attending Andrews University in Michigan where I believe God will still use me in His service and prepare me for greater service and possibly a return to the mission field someday. It will be a change for me to be apart from my sister, mom and dad. I would appreciate your prayers for me as I make this adjustment. I am going to miss the beautiful tropical surroundings I have become accustomed to in PNG—the palm trees rustling in the wind, the lagoons and river, and the clear, heart-piercing melodies of the many birds. More than this, I will miss the Gogodala people and their friendships. Many times I have watched the deep colors of the sunset paint the sky, and I have felt the presence of God. At this sunset of my time in Papua New Guinea, I look forward to a new day of opportunities to serve God in other ways. Thank you for your prayers.
