Staff profile: Pastor Ham, our Security Liaison Officer

Our mission in Papua New Guinea requires many kinds of people with various skill sets. The people who make the day to day operations run smoothly here include not only expatriate missionaries from all over the globe, but also our Papua New Guinean staff. One such person is Pastor Peter Ham, a member of the Security Department who serves as our Liaison Officer with local communities in the Aiyura Valley. Whether it is helping to solve a conflict in the valley, communicating with police regarding a motor vehicle accident involving our missionaries or resolving disagreements between local residents and members of our own staff, Pastor Ham serves as a resource for peace and cultural understanding. In addition to his work for our mission, Pastor Ham is also the pastor of church in the nearby village of Ba’e where he ministers to his congregation and serves as a Christ-like example to many. Scott not only values Pastor Ham’s work ethic, but also his ability to operate between Papua New Guinean cultures and those of the many expatriate missionaries here in Ukarumpa. God has blessed Scott’s security ministry here in Ukarumpa by providing the right people to come alongside him and help him to make improvements. Pastor Ham is one of those indispensable people.  

Above: Please pray for Pastor Ham, as he strives to be a godly mediator and peacemaker in the Aiyura Valley.

Once in a century?

The century plant, a species of Agave, is monocarpic, meaning it will only flower once in its lifetime. That one bloom may not appear for over 10 years, depending on the climate (the tall spike is the flower!). We don’t know the age of ours, but it reminds us that giving thanks should be the exact opposite- something that flowers frequently in our words and deeds and lives. This Thanksgiving, we are so very thankful for you, our partners, for enabling us to continue to serve here in Papua New Guinea. Thank you!

Prayer Points

• Papua New Guinea (PNG: Pray for peace in the Aiyura Valley and through-out the country, especially during the Asia Pacific Economic Summit.

• Bible Translation: Pray for Steve and Debbie McEvoy and the typesetting of the completed Migabac New Testament.

• Our Roles in PNG: Pray for a successful end of Term 2 at Ukarumpa International School and upcoming semester exams. Pray for wisdom and balance for Scott in his two roles.

• PNG Training: Pray for the new Culture Meets Scripture workshop underway in Alotau.

• God's Provision: Praise for our partners supplying for our needs and enabling us to continue to serve here in PNG!

Who we serve in Papua New Guinea...

As Christians, our desire should be to serve those God brings into our sphere of influence, whomever that may be. Typically, that will be those in our community; for us, the Bible translation families and support staff of Ukarumpa. But God also often calls us outside of our comfort zones, to go into the wider community and show the love of Jesus Christ to those in need. Ministering at the local hospital in Kainantu by praying with people, giving out banana bread and clean water is a small thing by the world’s standards, but if done with love it makes a difference in people’s lives. Kathy found the best way to spend her birthday was by praying with the new moms and their babies and offering them food and drink, baby clothes and blankets and feminine hygiene kits. Scott prayed with the men in the wards and gave out water and food as well. Who is God calling you to reach out to in your community with love, prayer and practical needs? Our faith is active when we serve those in need around us with the love of Christ.

Above: Please pray for peace and healing for the patients and the resources needed for the staff at the rural hospital in Kainantu.

Spring has arrived in Ukarumpa...

The purple flowers of the jacaranda tree and blooming amaryllis flowers everywhere remind us that spring has come in the Southern Hemisphere. This is good news for us, as it means the afternoon rains are arriving more regularly. The rain fills up our water tanks (the green cylinder in the picture) and provides us with drinking water that we can filter, and water for washing and bathing. We don’t take our water supply for granted, even if the rain means a bit more mud around!

Prayer Points...

• Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for peace and revival in the Aiyura Valley and through- out the country.

• Bible translation: Praise for the Doromu-Koki New Testament dedication that was held in Port Moresby last week.

• Our roles in PNG: Praise for a successful end of Term 1 at Ukarumpa International School and the start of Term 2. Pray for wisdom and endurance for Scott as he manages two challenging roles and travels more in PNG.

• PNG training: Pray for the participants and facilitators in the Trauma Healing workshop currently underway on center.

• God’s provision: Praise for good health throughout the first school term- no small miracle there!

Ladies Self-Defense Workshop

Scott helped to facilitate another Women’s Self Defense class on August 18. Twenty women came out for three hours of situational awareness, basic defense techniques, and the opportunity to try them out on Scott!