Extraordinary Stories from WA Ambassadors for PNG for Christ

DON FEHLBERG

My preaching site for PNG for Christ was Popondetta. The 16 “Revelation of Hope” Evangelistic meetings were presented at Independence Oval in the centre of town to an audience of around 4,000 people most nights. Five baptisms were held over the two-week period, and 1,012 people were baptized. Twelve prisoners from the local Biru Prison were baptized on the last Sabbath.

I was impressed by the total commitment of the pastors and many of the members to Jesus, the message of the Bible, prayer for the meetings, and their focus on soul-winning. They made huge preparations for the meetings, conducting thousands of Bible studies with friends and contacts, distributing thousands of personal invitations, and attending the meetings faithfully even when it rained. They also erected massive screens and a preaching platform.

They prayed, planned, and worked for success, and the Holy Spirit abundantly blessed.

MAUREEN MERRITT

I was so emotional (crying) haha, to watch and be a part of these beautiful people surrendering their lives. This was special for me, having dreamed of witnessing such baptisms. God had given me this experience. Another highlight was meeting and having lunch with our world Seventh-day Adventist Church President.

DARREN PEAKALL

During PNG for Christ, I was stationed in the very remote village of Aniafe, which is next to the main village of Itokama. Local Seventh-day Adventist Church Leaders had approached the Itokama leaders, requesting that they host the PNG for Christ program. Initially, they agreed, and planning moved forward. Shortly after, the leaders changed their minds and revoked their permission.

Just a short walk away, the much smaller village of Aniafe opened their arms and welcomed the program. They worked tirelessly to prepare the site, and God blessed us with a beautiful place to host the program. Many people came from far and near to camp and attend, including more than 800 Seventh-day Adventist Church members who travelled from all over the district to take part. It was amazing to witness so many people come together and work cohesively to make the program a success.

By the time I arrived, the leaders of Itokama had regretted their decision as they saw the impact it was making on the surrounding area, and they publicly apologized for revoking their permission. I had the privilege of assisting with the baptism of 166 precious people, and I will forever remember the wonderful way the people welcomed me into their lives for such a short time.

BENJIE HORNALES

Six of us Avondale students (master’s in ministry) and three lecturers professors did our ministry externship in PNG. After divine intervention, I was asked to preach at the Agarabi school site in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands.

I conducted health talks in three villages, visited sick community members offering hydrotherapy techniques, anointed them with oil, and prayed for their recovery. Engaging with children, I shared stories highlighting God's love. My evangelistic preaching integrated personal stories and emphasized relational evangelism.

The Holy Spirit's outpouring led to 283 baptisms at my site and around 80 people returning to church. This reinforced the need to follow God’s method in the farming-cycle discipleship model.

SAIA VEA

Geoffrey was among the notorious men ordering hits and robberies on local boats. The police had these men on a “blacklist” to shoot on sight. A week before I arrived at Esa’ala Station, the police shot two men from the list. Geoffrey, constantly on the run, attended our church’s preparation for PNG for Christ, where he gave his life to Jesus and isolated himself from his piracy group.

When the police learned of Geoffrey’s location, they planned to collect him. The Pastor, understanding the situation, spoke with Geoffrey, who bravely said, “Pastor, call the police and tell them I am here. I am not afraid of death because I have accepted Jesus.” The police arrived, but instead of executing him, an officer said, “Son, your faith has saved you today. Go and don’t do it again.” Geoffrey was baptized and committed to spreading the Good News.

The Surrender Program helped men on the police’s “Most Wanted” list. They surrendered stolen goods, attended daily devotions, and followed strict guidelines. At the end of the program, 15 men accepted Jesus, with 11 baptized.

Additionally, two young girls suffering from witchcraft were healed through prayer. Their transformation from torment to peace highlighted God’s power over evil. These experiences showcased the profound impact of faith and the transformative power of God’s love.

MAL GREEN

I spent a memorable time in Rabaraba, a coastal village in the Milne Bay Province. Reaching this village involved a one-hour flight from Port Moresby, a road trip over the mountains, and a three-hour boat trip. It was worth it. I met wonderful people, enjoyed great hospitality, and shared the story of Jesus. The church leaders in Rabaraba invited people from nearby villages to turn the program into a camp meeting. On the middle Sabbath, we baptized 72 people, and on the final Sabbath, another 142. Praise God.