Papua New Guinea: A Christian Nation

August 26 is National Day of Repentance
Prime Minister renounces idolatry and enters into Covenant with the God of Israel

Only time and eternity will tell how significant of an hour this is spiritually for Papua New Guinea (PNG).  The longer I am here the greater sense I get that this is a pivotal time in PNG history and that prayer, Christian workers and resources must be thrown into this harvest field while the harvest is ripe and the doors are wide open for the gospel.

 It seems very odd to me to think that I left the USA, a self-proclaimed Christian Nation (now considered post Christian by many) to become a missionary in one of the least developed countries in the world.  (PNG  is still pretty wild.  Read some earlier blog posts  for different stats on the country.)

The  thing I find so odd is that PNG is also a self-proclaimed Christian nation,  Today is the National Day of Repentance - not National Day of Prayer like in the USA, but Repentance.  It is a national holiday.  It is a day that the government sets aside for the citizens to repent of idolatry and turn to Christ.  Of course for many it is just a day off work,...just like Thanksgiving in the USA.  Many people never bother to give thanks, they just enjoy the holiday and make it about family and food ... and shopping. However many here do take it seriously. There have been reports of whole villages coming together to pray, repent and worship,

A little significant history must be shared. On the 5th of September 2007, then Prime Minister, Founding Father and Grand Chief Michael Somare, prayed and made a public declaration on behalf of the nation:

"I renounce the worship of all idols and evil gods. I renounce all covenants with with evil spirits and demonic powers.  I renounce all their actions and reverse all their evil effects...on this day I pledge our allegiance to serve no other gods but YOU, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit....Lead us into this new beginning to the fulfillment of your plans and destiny for our nation."

Twenty one days later, on the 26th of September 2007 Prime Minister Somare signed a written document entering into covenant with God for the nation.  The document quotes the New Covenant  and Somare wrote:

"I Michael Thomas Somare, Prime Minister do concur with the conditions of this covenant and entreat the Lord on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, that god would fulfill the stated intent of this covenant to become applicable to my nation and the peoples who join me today in declaring that the Gd of Israel is also Their God."

That was a mere 8 years ago.  

The Spirit of God has been moving in PNG for several decades now, There are more Foursquare Gospel Churches in PNG than in America.  (PNG is about the size of California.) Today Christianity has great respect and an open door in most places.  There are few Muslims and homosexuality is still a crime. 

My title as "Pastor Steve" here carries more weight than my title Dr. Steve.  Missionaries are honored and churches are respected because they are not only preaching the gospel but they are genuinely meeting the needs of society by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, tending to the sick and bring education and hope (all that stuff Jesus talked about in the parable of the sheep and the goats) to one of the most underdeveloped nation in the world.  It is a crucial hour for this country.

Today, being the National Day of Repentance, the Holy Spirit is speaking to me that today is the day of salvation for many in PNG,  We must reach this country while the flame is still burning and the harvest is white.  While the door is still open and people are receptive to the gospel. A look back at history will show the sad trail of countries who were once shining lights of the gospel: The middle east, Northern Africa, Greece, Italy, Spain, Germany, Sweden, England, Ireland, Switzerland and others... but those countries have either lost the light or, like the USA, is allowing the lamps to burn out.

But in PNG and other places in the world the lamps are burning bright,  The laborers are few for sure but we have a promise that if we ask God to thrust laborers into the harvest field He will do it, I share this with you today because the need is great and the window of opportunity to impacts the Kingdom of God for eternity is wide open.  We don't know how long it will be open.  Certainly the spiritual battles rages, but satan is on the defensive right now and losing losing ground.  If history repeats itself as it has in the past, the nation can lose that gain and actually become worse off then before, There are reasons for this that I don't have time to go into here.  But suffice to say when the gospel stops changing society and becomes a part of society, the beginning of the end is pretty close.

I would like to appeal to you to consider investing in PNG with prayer, finances, support for workers and, of course, by opening your heart to God to see if His will for your life includes coming to PNG for short-term or long-term missions work.  You can be a part of the exciting and strategic move of God's Spirit in this country.  Albert Einstein once said, "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."  

One thing that is so great about being here is that every little thing you do HAS TREMENDOUS VALUE TO THE MEN WOMAN AND CHILDREN OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Please join us in making a difference in PNG,

PNG Socially Needy and Spiritually Hungry

Time really does "fly."  One year ago we were still in the process of making a decision to sell everything and move to PNG.  Today we've been in the country over 7 months and have settled into live and ministry here.

Even though we are used to Port Moresby and the sights, sounds (and smells) occasionally it still seems very surreal to me that I am living where we are.  It is almost like seeing myself in a movie that was shot in a third world country.

I would never have guessed I would end up in the South Pacific and especially Papua New Guinea. I love the exotic nature of this region.  PNG, as it is called, is the poster child for the wild untamed "ends of the earth."  Eighty percent of the population still live without the basics of running water and electricity,  A large segment still live in tribal conditions and many still live stone-age lifestyles. Even the regional labels are exotic to me:  The South Pacific, Oceania, Melanesia, and The Ring of Fire are all still somewhat romantic ideas to a guy who was born, raised and lived 55 years in the Midwest of the United States, Other labels like ExPat, missionary, working for an NGO in a 3rd world country, are also foreign to my previous experience.

PNG is a country of extreme contrasts.  There is tremendous wealth in natural resources here and ExPats come to PNG to make a LOT of money.  Typical salaries range in the 6 figures with all expenses paid, including furnished housing, utilities, internet, cell phones, vehicles and fuel and security,  Usually the only thing an ExPat has to buy is food and personal items.  Sometimes only 100 yards away are people living in a cobbled shack of corrugated tin and old boards without water or electricity.  The natural tropical beauty is too often overshadowed (especially in town) by the abundance of razor-wire and the endless supply of trash.

One major change for me is my perception of the people.  When we first started talking about coming to PNG we made the typical jokes about headhunters and cannibals (they still have a few).  We were also told how dangerous the country is (not from headhunters and cannibals, but from gangs called Raskols and from general crime like theft, muggings, assault, rape and car jackings, born of illiteracy, poverty and  sheer boredom.  Port Moresby has 300,000 people (and growing) with a 60% unemployment rate.  People have to steal to live and it becomes a way of life.

However we have discovered that the majority of people we encounter every day are extremely friendly when you show them the slightest attention.  The are so used to being ignored, if not treated poorly, by the ExPats that a "hello" or a smile produced a big toothy grin and happy response. Because of the crime, security guards are everywhere.  They are a basic low paying job as mostly you stand around all day inside of a store or outside in the parking lot.  I make it a point to speak to all the security guards and often shake their hand or give them a piece of gum or a couple of cookies (when you make $1.20 an hour you don't often have money for gum or cookies). Now many of them know me by name and make sure I get good parking spots,  :)

Port Moresby has  a bad reputation (and deservedly so). However we believe the city is changing and actually like being here.  All in all it is an awesome time to be in this country as it is certainly in the birth pangs of entering the the the 21st century and we believe that we are statistically placed by God to make a difference in this socially needy and spiritually hungry country,

Don't settle for comfort and convenience  - be willing to get out of your comfort zone - where the real needs are - and allow God to use you.  Whatever you THINK you are giving up will be nothing compared to the life experience and blessing you will get from "Spreading the love of God and meeting human needs." (Our City Mission  mission statement.)


Blessings, Steve

Some Random Thoughts.

We've been in-country for 3 weeks now; enough time to learnt to get around, drive on the left, buy groceries without getting mugged and settle into our new home.

From a spiritual perspective I have felt God speaking to me very strongly at times.  Twice during church services and once this past week as I was praying about what we were really doing in PNG. So what is God saying to me you ask?  I think God might in some ways be saying the same thing to all of us (in context of our specific lives)  Two things.

1.  Remain humble. If we allow God to promote us it works a lot better. When we try to promote ourselves and present "who we are" as a means of gaining favor, position or respect, we are left to our own efforts to make good on the deal.  Frankly every time I have tried to impress people over the years I generally end up making a fool of myself --- lesson learned --- hopefully. My favorite (unofficial) definition of humility is, "having nothing to prove."  How often are we driven to prove who were are, what rights we deserve or what we believe?  By making a conscious effort to eliminate  the need to prove anything we truly pen the door to allow God to supply the proof.  So far this "word from the Lord" has severed me well on a couple of occasions.  The scripture for this is "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and in due time, He will raise you up."

2. God can do more than we ask or think.  I have a strong desire to see lives changed. People saved, healed, delivered and filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God reinforced the idea of obedience as the key to a release of the anointing. This is somewhat tied into humility as it keeps us dependent on God, instead of us just going about seeking our own fame and fortune.  Jesus said, "I only do what I see the Father doing." Jesus never missed an opportunity and he never failed at His ministry to people. God assured me that I would see His life-changing power touch many people if I would commit to obedient service, only doing what I see the Father doing.

I share these thoughts that you might glean something of value for your own lives and ministries,

Well in the "gee that's different" category, we have gotten used to driving on the left, and paying 2-3 times the cost for most items here. a 12 oz can of Coke can cost up to $2. We bought a large, freshly butcher cockaroo (chicken) for 12.00.  However a lunch out ranges from 15-35 Kina (US $6-$15).   It is almost cheaper to eat out.  I mentioned in a Facebook post that only in a country with roundabouts (that drives on the left) do you take the first left to go left, the second left to go straight and the 3rd left to go right.

Favorite dish so far...Chinese Clay Pot. A clay dish with broth, rice noodles, fresh vegetables, steamed prawns and chicken. The soup is heated in its own clay pot to boiling and then a raw egg is dropped on top and served.  The dinner mixes the egg in and the broth is hot enough to cook the egg like an egg drop soup.  Hamburgers really are not hamburgers, and a lot of sandwiches get served with a fried egg on top.

In the "I'm not sure why they call it that" category, we live about 12 miles out of town on Magi Highway.  It isn't - well sometimes.  There are no speed limits or stop signs (kind of reminds me of the old AC/DC song "Highway to Hell.")  Max speed possible is about  90 KPH - average speed 30 KPH. 18 mile trip takes about 35 minutes on a good day, due to road conditions and traffic.

Security is always a concern.  So far we have not had any issues but we have to stay aware of where we are and whats going on around us.

Duty calls, more later...

Be blessed, take some time to worship today.

Steve

Life in PNG

We arrived in PNG on Saturday July 19^th, 2014.  It is exciting to be in the South Pacific.  PNG is truly a unique place in the world.  The absolute extremes of culture and diversity are amazing.  Of course there is much need here.  Crime and violence, abuse against women and unemployment are all fueled by illiteracy. 

A recent study revealed:

1.       The median age in PNG is 20. 

2.       40% of the population have no education

3.       About 40% have completed up to 6^th grade.

4.       Less than 20% have finished 7-12th grades

5.       Sexual heath education and STD/AIDS education starts in 7^th grade (do you see a problem?)

6.       PNG has the highest population with AIDS of all of Asia Pacific Countries

7.       Girls 15-19 have 4 times the rate of AIDS as boys in the same age group.

The gospel has made a tremendous impact in PNG and continues to do so, but as Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few."  We encourage you to get involved in the harvest field in PNG in any way your feel led of the Lord.

Many have asked about our daily life here. 

Weather: Currently we are in the winter season which is dry and cool.   This morning I am wearing a long sleeved shirt   Temp low 70s-low 80s. 

Mission Compound and Housing: We have a small furnished 2 bedroom apartment.  Stove fridge, microwave, coffee pot, Sat. TV.  We live on the New Life Training Center compound about 18 miles outside of Port Moresby.  The compound is fenced and gated with 24 hour security  The compound consist of married and single staff housing, dorms for the boys (current population of about 170), the CEO’s house, vocational ed building, kitchen, elementary school and we have a public coffee shop on the highway.  New Life Training Center teaches basic education in the midst of Christian discipleship, vocational training, job skills and has a working farm with pigs, rabbits, wallaby, chickens and a variety of fruit trees and tended gardens, with corn, peanuts, and some other crops for local use.

Church: We also have a chapel on the compound with about 200 in attendance, including the boys, staff and local village people. I will work with the pastor doing services, bible studies and discipleship.

Transportation: I drive a Honda CRV 4WD, a small SUV provided by the Mission.  They drive on the left side of the road-which takes a little getting used to. Mostly roundabouts with very few traffic lights and NO stop signs, very few road rules – defensive driving is a matter of extreme importance.  Driving anywhere after dark is not safe, so we are always home by 6 pm.

My job:  Still a bit unclear.  I will generally drive into the Koki office 4 or 5 days a week.  About a 30 minute drive with road conditions and traffic.  I leave about 7 am, home by 5.  My title is Administrative Manager.  I oversee all the services and staff in Port Moresby including: the Koki headquarters, Haus (house) Ruth, a single women’s hostel, Meri’s (woman’s) safe house, a temporary shelter for abused (or about to be abused) women and the Men’s hostel. I will also provide pastoral care to the men and women in the Koki facilities. Marketing and fundraising will  also fall under my area,  Brooke will counsel the women in Koki a couple of days a week as well as provide administrative services in the realm of grant writing, Human Resources and other duties as needed.

Food: We can get typical food at the modern grocery store but at 1.5 to 2 times the price in America.  We will have to learn how to shop and have already decided to cut out many of the non-essential extras we typically buy in the USA.

Contacting us: We do have cell phones.  Incoming calls are free for us, so you can call our USA based SKYPE NUMBER 417-283-4664 and it should forward to my cell phone.  This should not be an international long distance call for you. You can also contact us via SKYPE and email.  We are also finding that the Internet service VIBER allows us to voice chat for free. You may want to sign up with VIBER to contact us occasionally. For all contact info or in case of emergencies please refer to our numbers on www.stevehighlander.com.

The Clock Started Ticking Today

Monday, April 21, 2014 is a day that will live in infamy (at least for me).  Today we sent off the visa application and related paperwork for the move to PNG.  Literally the clock started ticking for our pending move.

 

I have had many changes in my life over the years, changes like: jobs, careers, spouses, geographical locations.  There was a time when everything that defined me was gone.  However I can truly say that I have yet to have the "life as you know it is about to change" experience that looms on the horizon for us.  We will be selling most of our possessions, leaving jobs and businesses, friends and family and moving to a totally different culture. 

 

People have started asking us "how do you feel about the move?'  I share the following from a perspective of what it means to follow the Lord. 

 

We are excited about this new (ad)venture in our lives.  We are not naïve enough to think there won't be faith issues and problems along the way.  A lot of things have to happen, including raising around $5000 in upfront money for the move.  This includes tickets, and things like medicals, physicals, immunizations, background checks, photos, etc.

 

Another issue is selling our stuff.  The rubber really meets the road when you start to divest of stuff you just knew you had to have 5 years (or more) ago.  One very strange feeling is to have no reason to go shopping.  Typically Brooke and I might make a trip to Wal Mart or, if we are in another town, we usually stop in at a local store or flea market. Now we look at each other and realize we have absolutely no need to buy anything - even if we wanted to.  Honestly as I began to go through things to sell or give away, I haven't had an significant sense of loss or sacrifice.  The thing I will miss the most (of my stuff) is my dog, Sam.  He's been a great friend for 8 years - we're buds.  :(

 

People say things like, "I just can't imagine leaving the USA and living in a developing country."  Leaving the USA is not really an issue for me or Brooke.  I love the USA and, with all its problems, still think it is the best country in the world, however when God calls there is also a grace for the change.  Frankly I am looking forward to living overseas.  I'm sure there are things I will miss, however the trade-off is the significance of the Lord's work.  There are so many needs in developing countries around the world. While we have needs here too, the felt needs are much more urgent in the areas of extreme poverty and hopelessness.  It takes a lot to make a difference in the USA, while every little thing you do can make a difference to someone overseas. 

We are looking forward to be able to concentrate on a single ministry.  I have almost always been a bi-vocational minister.  I have maintained my career in multi-media  areas while I was ministering.  First newspapers, then Cable TV and finally the Internet.  It is really hard at times to give multiple tasks your best.  About the time you want to pour into ministry the job calls, and vive versa.  Accepting the position with City mission will allow us to concentrate more fully on the ministry. 

When people understand the conditions in PNG they sometimes wonder if we shouldn't be scared to go.  Truthfully, the conditions are rough.  The climate is tropical (read that hot and humid) and poverty, violence and crime are significant social issues.  Throw in 67 active volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons and the largest crocodiles in the world and it is not the safest place on earth.  However we are firmly convinced that if comfort, convenience, security and safety is our first concern we will never doing anything significant for the Lord.  I like to say that the Gospel was wrought in sacrifice and will be perpetuated in sacrifice.  Again we are not naïve, but we know that we have to trust the Lord no matter where we are - missionaries just have to trust a little more.

My biggest thing to overcome is my loathing of hassle.  Making the decisions, getting the paperwork in order, spending time and effort going through stuff and having garage sales, worrying about selling cars and  (possibly the house), are the things that occasionally pop into my mind as reason not to go.  However they are small things and very temporary - after all in a couple of months all those things will over and we will be in PNG. 

I encourage you, my friend to resist the urge to embrace comfort, convenience and security to embark on a spiritual quest of your own.  I have often said that God doesn't live on the edge, He lives 5 feet on the other side of the edge and if you want to see the power of God in significant and consistent ways, you need to be where He is.  We covet your prayers and appreciate any encouragement and support you many give.  May the Lord richly bless you as you seek and serve Him, Steve

 

 

Faith of the Heart

Following God has never been a straight path.  There are usually many twists and turns along the way.   In the fact the Celtic Christians had a pet name for the Holy Spirit - they called him the "wild goose."  Ever chase a goose?  They don't run in a straight line.  I have found the Spirit to "blow where it wants," in my life.

 

This year the "wild goose chase" will lead Brooke and I to Papua New Guinea.  It has been a long time coming.  For the 18 years we've been together we have longed to go to the mission field.

Being a Star Trek fan, we've watched almost every episode of every show.  This past year we watched Enterprise again.  The theme song speaks volumes to me and the words resonates strongly in my spirit.  We too have waited a long time, have endured setbacks and disappointments and have continued to try to balance being faithful in patience and dreaming of the future.  So, if you want to know what's in my heart right now, just listen to the word of this song and you will get a real glimpse of what I am feeling.  I have "faith of the heart, and strength of the soul," through Jesus Christ.