During PNG’s remembrance day this year I realised that this September will be the 65th anniversary since the Japanese surrendered at Wewak, ending WW2 in PNG. My Grandfather was at the surrender or in Wewak at the time. I am not sure if he was there or not. I believe he was part of it and possible there as he was a Corporal in the 2/3 Battalion Intelligence Section during the Wewak Campaign. I did quite a bit of research to see if there was a memorial service at Cape Wom memorial park where the surrender took place before going to Wewak. I contacted the PNG ministry of defense, the Australian High Commission, talked to  Wewak locals in Hagen and in Wewak, Wewak and Sepik council’s and even asked an Australian defence force personal. No one had any idea and even knew about the anniversary. It does fall three days before PNG’s independence day so that’s possibility why and remembrance day is when all conflicts in PNG are remembered.

1. Myself, Dan & Timon at the surrender point ( I had to run a distance and up stairs to get in picture)

2. Lt Gen Adachi signing the unconditional surrender before Maj Gen Robertson after surrendering his sword

So on the 13th of September, Dan, Timon and myself left the MAF Wewak compound (where Wewak airfield was once, where Lt Gen Adachi arrived to be drive to Cape Wom) in the old column shift MAF van. I had no idea if there would be a service or not, but assumed there wouldn’t be. I wanted to be there before the surrender time of 1015. That night we had heavy rain and driving out of town it was a surprise to see the road flooded with fast flowing water. At first I thought maybe we could not get through, but I was able to drive through the fast flowing water across the road. It was shallow enough in places to drive through slowly. We arrived at the memorial park around 0930 with no one else there, including no locals which I found quite disappointing. So just the three of us, representing the  countries of Australia and Switzerland, and their High Commission’s, there at 1015, 65 years on.

3. One machine gun I found, possibly a cannon out of a Japanese Zero

4. Intelligence section of the 2/3rd Battalion during the Wewak campaign, my Grandfather is the one pointing at the map

After time in the memorial park, we did some exploring around the area. Timon and I did some last time we visited, but this time we found several old Japanese tunnels around the place or gun emplacements. All of them have been filled in with water and have collapsed, some are even now fish ponds. I found two machine guns, quite big. I wanted to pick one up for a photo, but they had been filled in with concrete, so they were quite heavy and I didn’t want to get Tetanus. After spending sometime looking around and in the memorial park, we headed to the beach. The weather was great and we enjoyed the water. Dan and I went snorkeling on the reef and the visibility was good. I wished I had a spear gun at the time as we saw some big fish.

5. Cape Wom memorial park

6. View from in the ranks at the surrender

In the early afternoon we were all getting quite hungry. We didn’t take any lunch out to cook on the beach, so we headed back into to town to grab some lunch. After getting lunch we sat on the grass at the town beach to enjoy the view of the water. We werent there too long when two guys walking past stopped and started hanging around behind us. I knew straight away what they were up to. There is a sign across the road that says that if you walk over or on a flower bed there is a 20K fine. We were sitting exactly on the grass just like everyone else there, but we were at the quiet end of the beach. These two guys were behind us for at least five minutes not saying anything. Starting on our right hand side and ended up on our left side. Without them saying anything after making eye contact with them, we just ignored them, all knowing what was going to happen as it wasnt the first time. Finally one of them spoke to us in English, saying “he would like to explain something to us”. Straight away Timon replied in Tok Pisin, with a soild tone (something that he does well), something along the lines of ”mipela i kam hia long malolo gut, kaikai na sindaun isi”. In other words, we have come here to relax and want to eat in peace. The guy was so shocked, he stumbled to say “you want to eat” in shock and they both walked away. We looked back on that event quite a few times which was quite funny, Timon ripping a greasman (Liar or conman) in Tok Pisin. There aren’t too many white skins in Wewak and when you are new in a place. Most people think you are a tourist or new, and sadly a few people try to take advantage of you. This poor guy met his match with Timon’s Tok Pisin.

7. Wom beach

8. One of my Grandfather’s maps of Wewak he drew up for Intelligence

I can’t remember if we went swimming at the town beach that afternoon. We did have dinner at the Boutique that evening. The Wewak surrender anniversary was my main reason and purpose for going to Wewak. I found it very disappointing that the anniversary passed without people knowing about it. I could never of imagined when growing up and hearing my Grandfather tell some stories from the Wewak campaign that I would one day visit that place, let alone be living and serving in PNG. It was great and special to be there for the anniversary, even more so that it was just the three of us.

9. Order of the Day 15th August 1945 – The Japanese Surrender (most members of the 2/3rd signed this copy, click here to view)

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Bible Faith Orphanage newsletter for March to August is now available. This is just a snap shot of the challenges this ministry faces, some heart breaking stories of individuals and the work God is doing. Please click here to view or download. September’s newsletter  is coming soon. Thankyou for supporting BFO.

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Last month one of our GA8 Turbo’s had a heavy landing on a bush strip. This caused mainly some cosmetic damage to the skin around the main landing gear area. Whenever an aircraft has a heavy landing, an inspection is required of certain components and structure of the aircraft. I don’t recall doing a heavy landing inspection before, but have done similar inspections before for other types of incidents. It took me about a week to carry out different inspections and some rectifications, while someone else took care of writing the report.

1. P2-MFM up on jacks

Some of the work involved included removing the main landing gears and having NDT (Non Destructive Testing) carried out. Also carrying out different inspections of structure and NDT of components after removal, for example wheel assemblies and landing gear fittings. We have not had to have a GA8 up on jacks for a long period of time before. So a Senior Engineer and myself had to come up with a way to trestle the aircraft in a way that we and the manufacturer were satisfied with. In the end the decision was made to return the aircraft to MAF’s heavy maintenance base at Mareeba for repair. So I spent some time getting the aircraft ready for the ferry flight so it could be returned to Australia. It took another week roughly to get it ready with the help of others at different stages, including waiting for parts and working on other jobs. The aircraft was able to depart last week Wednesday, it was rewarding seeing it flying again. For me it was a good experience, despite a few dramas along the way and a bit of work involved. I have said it before, but I’ll say it again. I really like the GA8 and working on it, I think this was the first time all year I had worked on one.

2. GA8 with retractable undercarriage?

Flying in PNG is one of the most high risk countries to operate in. Not many people know how high risk it is. I was recently told that one North American Defence Force has a flying risk assessment calculation program. When you put all the data of operating aircraft in PNG such as weather, bush strips, terrain etc it calculates that every flight is a high risk flight. That includes if you have perfect maintenance and pilots, so it doesn’t include human factors. Despite MAF having such high standards in operations, every MAF flight in PNG is a high risk flight. I am quite amazed that we don’t have more incidents like this heavy landing more often and really believe it is by God’s grace that we don’t. With different aviation accidents taking place around the country recently, I have been reminded how much we need God’s protection. Please continue to pray for safe operations in the air and on the ground for MAF in PNG.

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You may wonder what there is to drink in PNG. There may not be a large variety of options at affordable prices like in Australia. But there is still a range of drinks you can purchase. Most of the time I drink filtered water. Besides water there isn’t too may cheap options. You can buy juice but it is mostly imported so it is expensive. There is obviously PNG coffee, which is very good. Most missionaries make some sort of home made beverage. But as cold drinks is concerned, there is another option, Coke! Believe it or not, Coca Cola make a range of drinks in PNG. From different Coke varieties to an energy drink called Bu. It is affordable for many people, a can being K2.50 (2.50 Kina which is 95 cents Aussie). It is highly advertised, signs in plenty of places, would have to have the most expensive made ads in PNG and there always competitions on with big prizes. Mt Hagen not being a big place has it’s own depot even. Coke would have to be the most consumed drink in PNG. Plus you can get one almost anywhere. I have been on a hike out bush and even in a small trade store in a village in a remote place you can buy a Coke (not cold though).

1. Nick buying Coke out bush at a village trade store during a hike back in 2008

For myself water is what I drink all the time. Normally drinking Coke once a day at work or going out on the weekend. But come an afternoon smoko break in the hangar your after a refreshing drink and  you are normally tired. You want something that will give you a little lift. Our Coke fridge at the hangar does some business. There have been quite a few times where the holder of the Coke fridge key has been away or the fridge is empty. I have joked about the need of a stop work meeting due to the issue. At times I have come close to cutting off the pad lock with bolt cutters out of aviation stores. Believe it or not, PNG made Coke is sweeter than other Cokes I have had and some what addictive for some and most of all not good for you. Last week on Thursday night while out for dinner with Timon for his birthday. I made a vow not to have any more PNG Coke. I have fasted Coke before, but I have not set a time period on this fast. I will see how long this time I will go without Coke. So far it has been nine days.

2. There are two types of Coke ads, one about Coke (which I couldn’t find) and one about a competition like this one

Here is the 2010 Fanta ad click here.

OR another competition earlier in the year, to win a Coke brrr Bus click here

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1. Help Martin

Besides praying for BFO and the children, you may have wondered what other ways you could help practically. You can now give directly to the ministry as a bank account is now setup. You could also send needed items too, but a new website has been setup by Dave Schreier in America to help raise money to buy specific items for the children, OrphanList.org. Items for BFO are not listed as yet, but will be soon. Please check it out to get an idea how you could help practically meet the basic needs of the children at Bible Faith Orphanage.

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Bible Faith Orphanage’s third newsletter is in the process of being edited. Hopefully it will be sent out and online soon. In the mean time here are a few extracts from the newsletter by Aunty Rosa.

“The children are fed two times a day now! (previously fed two times a week) God’s provision is seen everyday, through Christians both in MAF and the Community. Some children and widows arrive before feeding time at the care centre and wait. They have rice with soup, fruit and juice. Sometimes sweet potato (kaukau), soup and water.”

1. Feeding now daily!

“In March, God provided the resources from several supporters in the USA for school fees. All fees have been paid for the entire year; except for the new ones who have joined us in May. Enabling 61 children to attend school. We were also able to purchase shoes and school materials for those attending school.” (Paying for children’s school fees is one of the biggest hardships for parents in PNG. Many battle to pay and some are unable to, meaning plenty of children miss out.)

2. Supplied uniforms

“In the month of May, we received lots of goodies! There were two boxes of used school boys’ and girls’ uniforms sent from Mentone Grammar School, Victoria Australia through Missionary Home in Port Moresby. Praise God that MAF was able to fly the boxes to Mt. Hagen and  have them delivered to our doorstep. As seen in the pictures, all the children are happy wearing the supplies. They wear the clothes to church and to school.”

3. Carmon & Bradley

“These two boys are from a remote place in the middle of Ramu, in the coastal area. They heard about BFO and traveled up the Highlands Highway. They are from separate parents, but of one biological Grandfather. Their Grandfather who is in his late 60s decided to bring them to BFO. Now we pay school fees, provide clothing, school materials and meals for them. They also attend Sunday school with the rest of the children. Unfortunately, they don’t know who their biological fathers are. The one in red is Carmon (11yrs) and in blue is Bradley. Brad is Grade 3 while Carmon is elementary.”

4. Diane & Ruth

“On the other hand, more unfortunate children are coming into BFO. In April we had twin sisters from the Northern coastal area of our country, Popondetta. They were abused and neglected after their late father, died on job transfer. Their mother deserted them and remarried another man. The girls were abused so badly and were chased out of their mother’s new home and new marriage. Then Diane and Ruth begged for a ship fare from people in the public streets of Popondetta and were able to travel to Lae. From Lae, they got on a Public Transport to the Highlands and re-united with their Grandmother, who is very old. Their uncles have been killed in the on-going tribal fights in the Nebilyer Valley of Western Highlands. When the girls heard about BFO from a village pastor whom we support, the girls decided to come and join BFO. Because they were so eager and interested in education, BFO was able to provide for their school fees and other needs. They have  struggled abit with the culture and language difference between the coastal and highlands cultures. But both Diane and Ruth are doing well with their Grandmother in the village.”

Please continue to support and pray for the children and ministry of Bible Faith Orphanage.

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Last month I was very much in need of a break and time away. I burnt out at the end of the C check and hit the wall pretty hard. I really struggled with fatigue and sleep deprivation for three weeks before going away. It had only been three months since leaving Sydney, but I guess I did not rest too much while in Australia and it’s something that I don’t find easy to do, even though it is so good. Originally I was planning to get down to Wewak for the 65th anniversary of the Japanese surrender, ending WW2 in PNG and where my Grandfather was at the end of the war. This plan was for a long weekend, but due to flights became a week and while down there became ten days. Every time I get to a point of not being able to continue without having time off, God creates and provides an opportunity like this and restores me.

1. Our accommodation – Wewak compound the nicest MAF compound in all of PNG. You wouldn’t even have to ask me to be based there, just tell me.

I am someone who can travel and holiday by myself.  But I am at the point where I chose not to anymore, but this would be different as I had to be at Wewak for the anniversary. At first it looked like it would just be me, but Dan and Timon were able to come, which was a huge blessing. On the Friday I flew from Hagen via Goroka, meeting up with Dan and flying on to Wewak as we had planned this a week earlier. Timon came last minute and caught a flight to Madang and then the overnight ferry from Madang to Wewak, sixteen hours, arriving on the Saturday. Dan and I were really keen for the ferry, but we couldn’t forfeit our airfares on the way down and wouldn’t want to travel that way on our way home.

2. Eating out at the Boutique, the best food in PNG (value and quality)

We stayed in a vacant house on the MAF compound in Wewak. It was a very relaxing atmosphere in Wewak, always different to the Highlands and even other places on the coast. I think it has something to do with Wewak being a bit more cut off from the Highlands, only means of travel by sea or air, no PMV’s. We were able to get up to a lot while there, daily swims at the beach (body surfing in 1-2ft surf), visiting Wom memorial, snorkeling at Wom beach on the reef, exploring to find WW2 sites that we had researched (one of our main activities), eating well (each second night eating out, mostly at the Boutique) and cooking well at the compound, sight seeing, spending time with Mathias and Mandy (pilot couple based at Wewak) and visiting Pasim Falls. We had a really good balance of going out, doing a lot. At the same time relaxing and taking it easy at the house or at the beach. Which was good as I normally have to do and see as much as I can when visiting a place. The only thing making it a great trip and not making it an awesome one, was my continual problem of not sleeping well (including two nights of being eaten alive by bed bugs).

3. Passam Falls – Ludmer near centre, Dan and I on the right

Timon and I returned to Hagen on the Wewak GA8, flying up for maintenance. While Dan was able to get a direct flight back to Goroka. Both flights working out very economical.  I am really grateful for God’s provision, the way this trip came about and the way He continues to sustain me. To spend it with Dan and Timon was real special. Thanks must go to Shannon for releasing her husband for the trip. Hopefully next time the whole family can come. I really love Wewak and am amazed that it is the one place in PNG where I can really relax.  To discover, learn and experience more of Wewak this time round was great. I will try and post some stories from the trip shortly.

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