ABWE - Association of Baptists for World Evangelism

Papua New Guinea —

Growing up in wonderful Baptist circles of influence, I was taught that true missions was facing the enemy head-on at the frontline of spiritual battle. We came to Papua New Guinea nearly two decades ago ready to do just that: to face the animism, practices of the satanic black magic and witch doctors, and even the “religious” falsehoods of superficial Western missions that came in by the droves once World War II ended. We have seen God do amazing things as He truly has been faithful to His Word and His Church. We have had the joy of practically standing back and watching God work miracles in the souls of people here. We have seen three churches started, grow, and then explode into independent, thriving assemblies of the body of Christ.

Two years ago, however, the concept of living on the frontlines of battle took on a whole new meaning when the neighboring village—literally across the fence from our home—went into tribal warfare. Historically, tribal fighting is a problem here. However, this fighting was more intense than we had ever seen. One tribal group began fighting within its own people after the merciless murder of a young boy we knew well. His relatives killed him, chopped up his body, and threw it into the pit toilet. It was an act of violence that remains impossible for me to comprehend. It was also the start of what would become a true horror for our dear friends living next door.

The Price of War

Additionally, warfare has graduated from spears and arrows to huge guns and razor-sharp machetes. Although we were not in danger, we watched as many of our neighbors ran from gunfire, leaving their children behind because they were too cumbersome to carry. Our family and members of our church cared for these abandoned, terrified kids, taking them in and sharing the love of Christ as they waited for word from their parents.

When we finally saw God miraculously bring peace back to our area, we felt that church planting would resume as normal. God’s idea of “normal,” though, was a bit different than we anticipated.

Soon more gunshots echoed in our valley and surrounded us with agony and terror. It was at this point that God opened our eyes to a unique opportunity. Because the fighting was so intense and people were unable to leave, they were forced to come to our medical clinic for care. Soon we had patients “checking” their guns at our clinic gate. Patients had to disarm themselves of additional hidden knives at the exam door to protect me from cutting myself. Many times these warriors posted armed guards outside the clinic fence. As the fighting came closer, we would help to get the patients out the back door before their lives were at risk.

Trusting Christ in Battle

Our clinic has a purely evangelistic purpose. The murdering warriors came to us because of their physical needs, but they heard the gospel message along with their terrified wives and kids. God was working in their hearts and we have seen some trust in Christ.

Though the war is not over, there has been a ceasefire here for several weeks. The people have not yet been restored to their ancestors’ land, but we know that some will go back with a new hope and the gospel of peace ruling their hearts.

The frontlines of battle, whether spiritual or physical, have become fertile ground for the souls of lost and desperate men, women, and children. God is building His Church here in Papua New Guinea, and the gates of hell, no matter how raging and fierce, will not prevail. To God be the glory!

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