Washing the Balus
There are 2 aircraft based at Telefomin, and with the majority of the Bush airstrips that we serve being grass, the planes often get muddy, which keeps the base staff busy washing them.
Welcoming friends home
When we visited Goroka last week we were fortunate to be there when 2 MAF families returned to PNG.
They were flown home by a Mt Hagen based plane, we had one of the Telefomin planes and Goroka has 2 planes of their own, so we had 4 MAF Caravans in Goroka at the same time (for about 30 mins), a very rare sight.
We love living in PNG…
This is a beautiful country with friendly people, majestic mountains and a rich variety of cultures. We consider ourselves privileged to serve the remote people of this country. But sadly, every country has its problems and today Shiv came face-to-face with one…
Sadly, PNG, like every other country in the world, has problems. Today, whilst in Mt Hagen doing our 3-month grocery shopping, a young man, armed with a small Bush-knife, tried to steal my handbag. This is not the first time this has happened in my almost 8 years of living in PNG, so I knew what to do. It was in a crowded street, so I shouted to attract attention and shame the young man. Not the correct response in every circumstance or in every country, but in a crowded PNG street, it was the right thing to do. Ryan was in the car, right behind the man, and almost immediately a security guard from the shop I had just come out of came to my aid, along with several men nearby. The young man realised I was not a good target and walked quickly away before he could take my handbag.
I was a little shaken up from up the experience but extremely grateful that I was unharmed and for the several good PNG people who were willing to help me, a stranger. Please pray for our daily safety as we live & serve in PNG.
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ ... He will cover [me] with his feathers, and under his wings [I] will find refuge; his faithfulness will be [my] shield and rampart.”
Psalms 91 vs 2 & 4
Tari Base Visit
On a recent visit to Tari base, Henry, our night guard who had a serious motorbike accident back in August, popped in to say hello!
Mushroom Mushroom!
I found this massive Mushroom at Mt Hagen market just after our holiday. I bought it just to try it as you don’t often find fresh mushrooms at markets in PNG and I haven’t seen this large variety before.
Farewell Alex
The Hagen Base recently said farewell to Mr Alex Lewa who, after many years serving as the Base Manager, has been asked to step into the new role of Community Liaison.
COVID Protocols Reminder – PNG style!
Just in case you couldn’t remember the basic principles behind COVID prevention, just follow the instructions painted outside a compound along the highway heading into Mt Hagen. :-D
Kiunga Base Visit
Recently I (Shiv) popped down to visit our 2 members of staff at Kinga Base to check on them. I was pleased that the team there have made a few improvements to their base recently. Way to go team!
Ryan flew the American Ambassador
After we got back from our holiday in East New Britain Province, Ryan’s first flight on his first day back was to fly the American Ambassador!
Holiday on New Britain Island
We couldn’t make it all the way to Britain this year, or even manage to leave PNG, but our holiday on New Britain Island was so much better than we expected.
We snorkeled, walked on a volcano, visited Japanese military sites from World War 2, drank fresh Kulau (young coconuts), relaxed loads and even swam with dolphins!
Holiday Starts Today!
We’re heading off on our holiday to Rabaul on East New Britain Island, off the north coast of PNG!
Bible Sales
Shiv got the opportunity to sell Bibles to some bush people whilst covering at Telefomin base. This lady wasn’t quite sure why a phone was being pointed at her, but when she asked for the Bibles she was very pleased to hear we had them in stock again!
Building a Fence
Ryan’s been using his “office” days recently to build a new fence next to where we store our fuel drums and park our aircraft. Safety First!!!
Mama Nunta & Papa Markis
Meet Mama Nunta & Papa Markis. Shiv and the Ladies’ Fellowship at our local Church visited them after Markis had been unwell for some time.
Papa Markis is one of the earliest converts to Christianity in the Telefomin area. He suffers from pain throughout his body as a result of a beating he received about 5 years ago because he was accused of witchcraft. Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) is a big problem still in PNG…
July 2021 Newsletter
Our July Newsletter has been in inboxes for a week, but here is a link to it and our video Newsletter, in case you don’t personally receive it yet…
Weekend up the Mountain
After a busy month of May, preparing the house next door for our new neighbours, we were really grateful to get away for the weekend with some of our friends in Mt Hagen.
Vanimo Base Visit
Shiv did her first ever Base Visit to Vanimo, on the north coast of PNG, about an hour’s flight from Telefomin.
May in Telefomin
Walking around Telefomin in May is so beautiful as the red grass is in bloom all over the valley.
New Neighbours!
We spent a lot of May preparing the house next door for our new neighbours, so it’s great to have them here!
Click on the picture, left, to watch a video of our friend, Nurse Rhema, one of the local health care workers who MAF supports and we fly out of Telefomin.