The other weekend Becky and I had the opportunity to visit a place not too far from Kudjip called Banz. We were escorted by Diane and Pastor August who was our wasman (security guard). I have been interested in visiting Banz as it once had a bush air strip there and was the first MAF piloted base in the Highlands. Plus I am sure it was a swinging place back in the colonial days.

1. Shopping at Banz

I was surprised how large the small town is. While Diane and August went to the market to buy fruit and vegetables, Becky and I went clothes shopping. Could say it was a date of some sort. You may wonder how people buy clothes In PNG. There are not too many options in buying new clothes, especially in regional centres. There are some, but it is quite limited. There are a lot of second hand clothes sent from Australia to PNG. These are sold around the country in shops to out on the street laid out on the ground or hanging up on a fence. I have had some experience in Madang and Goroka, but this was a first going to Banz.

2. Masses of clothes

You would be surprised what sort of things you come across. Most clothes are very new or not used. And you can come across well known brands for a very cheap price. Banz is a little more expensive than other places as it is more of a bush place. I managed to get some seamless Rip Curl board shorts for K12 ($4.00 AU), a Billabong shirt for K10 ($3.00 AU) and a Nike Australian sports jacket for K20 ($6.00 AU). I was a big spender, Becky got a bargain, one Espirit shirt for 50t (20 cents). On top of this, I find it fascinating the sort of random stuff you come across. All sorts including a Sydney Qantas Hangar opening shirt. We had a good trip and enjoyed our time together off station.

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Bible Faith Outreach’s May newsletter is now available. Click here to view or download. Take some time to read about the work that is taking place in this ministry. Please continue to uphold Aunty Rosa in prayer as she continues to serve faithfully in this demanding ministry  she has been called to. If you are interested in supporting an Orphan or a specific need at BFO, please check out Orphanlist.org.

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Friday last week we had a Youth Outreach at EBC Kimininga church in Mt Hagen ran by the MAF ministry team. It was only the second MAF ministry event all year and for me my first. It would also be the first time Becky and I would get to serve together in a specific ministry  too. I had not visited this church since 2008, when I was looking for a home church in Mt Hagen. There are roughly fifty six different churches in and around Mt Hagen, which are all mostly different domination’s.

1. Waiting for arrivals

With the MAF van loaded up with the ministry gear, we arrived at the church with Kambowa (MAF ministry coordinator) and his family. We would meet Maipson, plus Nevan and some of his family at the church later on. After being greeted by Senior Pastor Aipe and some of the men. We went straight to setting up the equipment. This normally involves a bit of innovation as each church setup is different. Pastor Aipe and some of the other men helped us with setting up the projector screen onto the church wall.

2. Sharing my testimony

While we were waiting for more people to turn up, we tested out the PA system and projector. Showing a Worship DVD from Fiji. The setup worked out really well. The associate Pastor started off the evening with a worship time, which was nice as those songs that are familiar to me, I rarely hear here. Following this, the ministry team was introduced and other MAF staff present by the associate Pastor.

3. Becky explaining the lyrics of the song

The program consisted of a few things. Kambowa led the MAF awareness time, of explaining to the church what MAF is. Which is great, as most people do not really know and can think we are a business. Plus several MAF missionaries fellowship at this EBC church. I then shared my testimony, how I came to Christ and to  serve at MAF. I shared it in Tok Pisin, which was a first for me to share it in that amount of detail in Tok Pisin, it was a big victory. Becky then did an item, explaining and singing the song, “By His Wounds”. We then showed the Jesus film in Tok Pisin on the big screen. Following the movie Maipson spoke and brought a encouraging conclusion to the youth for the program. Pastor Aipe concluded the evening with a good challenge and thanking the team.

4. Maipson preaching

It does amaze me at times the difference in contrast with the reception and turn out you can get with a town church compared to a bush church in PNG. But despite this we were welcomed warmly by the church and we appreciated the opportunity to minister to the youth. We also got to minister to people from the community as well, as people from around the area came to the program, particularly to watch the Jesus film. It was a great evening of ministry and a blessing to serve.

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Occasionally in Mt Hagen we go without electricity or town water. The other week we had gone without hot water for over two weeks. Our hot water is produced by heating panels on our roof which are heated by the sun. We do have an electric booster, but it is quite expensive to run, even for short periods. The problem was the panels were leaking. I went the time just having luke warm and cold showers.

1. Solar heating & our new installation

So we were able to have our panels repaired, allowing us to have hot water again. But we were graciously allowed to have a 250L header tank installed too. Previously when town water was off, we would have no running water in the house. For washing up, bucket showers or even flushing the toilet. We would have to fetch water from our compound water tank at our neighbours place. So hopefully now with a simple contraption that feeds water to the house via gravity, we will have enough water for any water outs.

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Completing a newsletter is a small thing, but getting one done is such a victory. Here is a brief update on the last three months. You can view it or download it here.

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Last Thursday MFU was ready for a return to service flight following it’s C check. We were a bit busy in getting it ready. An aircraft normally requires a check flight after any maintenance that affects the flight characteristics of the aircraft. One is normally done after a C check, especially as a large amount of work is carried out. Maipson and I (both on engines) were the ones who ended up going on the return to service flight to observe the flight.

1. P2-MFU before the RTS

During the flight the Pilot’s put the aircraft through it’s operational limits, sometimes they can pull positive 2G’s and negative 1G. I was sitting in the tail, so you normally feel it more there. You feel positive 2G’s when a tight sixty degree banking maneuver is done. Following the check flight the Pilot’s give feedback to the Engineer’s on it’s performance. Then it is decided what needs adjusting or to be looked at. The flight went well.

2. Maipson up front

It can sometimes be a little discouraging as so much work goes into the aircraft and getting everything right on the ground. But once checked while flying, somethings can require fine tuning afterwards. Friday we did some engine adjustments and other work before the aircraft was taken to another base in the afternoon. After all the work the team had put in during the C check, having our engine out and it disassembled as much as we did. It was great to see the aircraft serviceable and flying. It is always enjoyable to go flying on a return to service flight.

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