August 7

Prayer time with all those in leadership positions at Charity Baptist Church is always a blessing. They meet for prayer and then go out to make personal visits (some to the children in their classes and others encouraging those adults that have not been faithful).

I had made an appointment to meet a man before this prayer meeting (at 9:00a.m.) that had come into Kerema from Kaintiba. He was late, but came at the time we were going out. So we made him our first “visit”. His name is Api Mairea and he is the Community Health Worker in Kaintiba. He told me that he was in Kaintiba when I was there, but it did not work out for his schedule to talk with me. When he found out that I was still here in Kerema, he sent word to me that he wanted to talk with me about some things. These “things” were, as I soon found out, that there had been 2 meetings (in the Kaintiba area) with me and the “Baptist Church” as the subject.

The first was the Catholic Church (the leadership?) in Bema and the other was the Lutheran church in a village between Bema and Kaintiba. Api was only relaying the concerns they had to me about another “denomination” coming into the area. Their main concern was that the Baptist Church would take away from their “membership”. Of course I was not there to hear all of their discourse, but I conveyed to Api that many people in Kaintiba have expressed their appreciation of our coming and there are still many that are lost. I am concerned about the spiritual welfare of all that are in that area. Even if they have been saved (many still are not, even if they do go to “church” and have a “church membership”), they still have much growing to do in their Christian walk. I told Api that God commands us to preach the whole counsel of God and that is what the Baptist are known for. Mr. Api did not tell me what his thoughts were, but he said he would relay the message up to them.

Another thing I mentioned to Api was that Pastor Jeccania has already won two “debates” with the Lutherans on doctrinal issues in Hambuwinni. And also, he is already sending out men each week to Bema to preach and begin a Baptist church there. Jeccania has many family members there and has a burden to see them saved. He is one of them, so they (the Catholic and Lutherans) should invite him to their next “meeting” to address their concerns. We will be working together in our ministries and I have full confidence that his Bible knowledge and love for God will be manifested to all. Our hearts are knit together and his answers to them would correspond with anything I might say to them.

As I left off talking to Mr. Api and headed off with Joshua to make some visits, I mused about the promise God gave me about giving me “houses and lands…with persecutions.” Whenever we do something for Father, there will always be opposition. With this thought in mind, I rejoiced that we were on the right path, because of this fact. I do not joy in the trouble, but joy in the fruit it will bring for my God. Father is worthy for us to bear any persecution that we may face in our obedience to Him.

The next hour and half were exhilarating. Father allowed Joshua and me to enter the spiritual “delivery room” of the salvation of 9 souls. A group of High School students were in the building (dorm) we came to first. Some of them were from the same village that Joshua comes from. Joshua gave them all a John and Romans booklet (from Bearing Precious Seed) and began to show them the marked verses of God’s salvation plan. They listened intently and I think all except one raised their hands to be saved. Joshua separated them into 2 groups and he had me work with half of them. I started with 4 and then another came and I went over again the Gospel message, using the sinner on the cross with Jesus as my illustration. They seemed to grasp it completely, even though my English is a little different than theirs (Australian, England English). They all called upon God through Christ as I prayed aloud for them before Father. After they finished, I gave them some Scriptures concerning their growth and Spiritual wellbeing. I told them that many temptations will come their way, as also doubts, but to be of good cheer, we have the Scriptures to war against the tempter. Father has blessed us with the blessed Word of God that we may grow thereby. Praise the Lord for the salvation of these young men!

Saturday afternoon was a time of cooking and eating food with all these that are in leadership. I had asked Bro. John (who is currently in Brisbane Australia) if I could orchestrate this party. We had a great time of fellowship, all working together to make up the food (like pot-luck). We even put our money together to by a 16 liter box of ice cream (this is the only size that was available here) It is about 5 gallons and was 86 Kina (about $33), so that is almost 7 dollars a gallon of sweet vanilla ice cream. It sure was a nice treat and the first I have had since my time here in PNG. We played volley ball; oh, the time spent together was the sweetest and precious memories were made.

During this time I had them take the time to write on a piece of paper all the names of these workers (except their name). Beside each name I told them to think of one kind thought or word about that person. I then took up the papers and compiled the full list. It is as follows:

• Ilava: Nice + Kind and helpful + Friendly and kind + Even through storms has a smile + Nice + Faithful and loyal + Kind + Pretty and nice + Kind + A teachable spirit and shy
• Jerry: Helpful + Strong in body and spirit + Hard worker + Friendly and handsome + Reliable, willing heart and protective + Faithful, committed + Helpful + Reliable + Good, helping + Godly, with true care
• Avaro: Loving + Loving and caring always + Desires doing things in order + Encouraging + Gorgeous + Considerate + Faithful, loyal + Open to people + Is open (to others) + Care for others
• Elisabeth: Always helpful + Always polite + Funny (good humor) + Lovely and nice + Friendly and kind + Quiet, friendly + Friendly + Always ready and willing to help + Loving, good + Loving and helpful
• Helen: Kind + Loving n helpful + Very quiet and committed, Godly + Thoughtful + Soft and a kind lady + A good teacher + Thoughtful and sensitive + Generous + Kind, helping + Kind n helpful-always there
• Evelyn: Friendly + Kind and helpful + Always smiling despite… ( ) + Happy + Beautiful + Diligent, Kind + Kind + Open to all + Beautiful + Sweet
• Joshua: Funny (good humor) + Kind + Follows orders and brave + Hard worker + Polite and friendly + Kind + Shows that he can endure, even through battles…always pulls + Kind + Merciful, (has) patience + Helpful
• Kerry: Friendly + Kind and helpful + Smart like her dad! + Funny (good humor) + Fun to be with + Friendly and kind + Careful, respectful + Always friendly to me + Joyful, happy + Kind
• Rachel: (has) Joy + Kind + Calm and easy going + Helpful + Kind and reliable + Obedient, submissive + Loving + Quiet and meek spirit + Caring, loving + Good attitude
• Rissah: Kind + Loving and helpful + Strong and Joyful + Always willing to help + Sweet + Active and helpful + Friendly and outgoing + Humble and quiet + Caring + Aggressive and pitiful (care)
• Stacy: Joyful + Inspiring + Very dedicated and Godly + Quiet and friendly + Has a willing heart + Friendly, helpful + Friendly and helpful + Helpful + Friendly and nice + Encouraging

It was a joy to see them do this small form of appreciation toward each other. Sometimes there is strife among them because of personality conflicts. I hope through this they would realize God has a special place for each of them here in the ministry and He would have them to dwell together in unity.

August 6

I worked again with the school children on the song mentioned before: “O Come All Ye Faithfull.” It has been a joy to teach them this song and to help them have more enthusiasm in their singing. The phrase “O come let us adore Him…” is repeated 3 times for a purpose. The reason is so each time it is sung, it can be (should be) expressed more and more emphatically.

At 4:00 p.m. this afternoon we (the men of the church…those who could come) met for prayer and then went out on “visitation”. We were able to meet up with some of the men of the church that have not been as faithful as they could be. They just need a little bit of encouragement and someone to show them someone cares for them. One of the cultural problems here in “the land of the unexpected” is that people are easily offended. It is a constant challenge to help them to see that God allows things to happen in our life to bring us closer to Father, not further away from Him.

August 5

Well, I heard verbal confirmation that the land/house was officially given to us. I did not know it would come this soon. It is not even Monday yet. How exciting it will be to receive the official letter and have in hand when I return to America. I suspect it will be a few days until I receive it, because of other business Mr. Avai has (and of course the already slow pace of the government…they too, have to work at the speed of those around them)

August 4

This day has been another day of the Lord’s business. I preached in the chapel gathering of the school. My theme was about their preparation in seeking God’s face for who they should marry. It is common in PNG for the young man to pay a bride price for their wife. This was important to include thoughts along this, because in many cases they lack the character to pay it in a timely manner. The “Bride Price” shows the value of the wife. I think of the “bride price” that Christ paid for the Church. We sure must have been special to Christ for Him to lay down His life for us. Praise be to Father for His care for us.

My time here has been more profitable than I could have ever imagined. I do miss the family back in the USA. Father has given me the grace to overcome the sorrow of being away from them so long. To help the time seem to go quicker, I have tried to stay as busy as possible here. Sometimes it is hard to accomplish much when you are waiting on others to do their part (like waiting 2 years to get a work permit for a 3 year visa). Helping in the school, reading, studying, preaching, and public ministry all have been a part to keep busy…it helps pass the time. Thanks be to God that through this trip also, my relationship and devotion to Him and with Him has flourished.

The close of this day was preaching to those that came to the mid-week service. Bro. Jerry and I have been given oversight of the church here in K-town. Through it I am fulfilled and rejoice in the part Father has allowed me to play during this trip. I am beginning to see more clearly each day how important this trip has been in preparation for bringing our family over to PNG. So much has been learned and many new relations with the New Guineans is only part of it all.

August 3

Today I was able to submit my letter and Bino’s letter regarding the house in Kaintiba. Orisuru Avai is the man who is the official in this (Housing/Lands) office. He knows Matt Allen and he asked to give him his regards. My letter to Mr. Avai is as follows:

Dear Sir,

Please find enclosed a few pictures of the house referred to you by Bino Kikingai. It is our petition that you would allow us the use of this house indefinitely and unconditionally for the Baptist Mission and my family as we come to minister to the mountain people in Kaintiba. It has been abandoned for many years, and has fallen into disarray.

During the week of July 21-28 of 2010, I was able to see this house with Bino and with his permission swept the floors and cut the grass around the house. We did this to show the people we are in all sincerity willing to come for their sake with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are prepared to begin reconstruction and make all necessary repairs to make it a home for my family and a place of fellowship until other land is secured and a church is able to be built.
I will be returning to America (United States) on the 15th of August and hope to secure your signature for this petition before I go. The Pastor and men of Watitako Baptist Church (Hambuwinni area) are prepared to begin this in my absence. I am currently applying for work permit visas to bring my family here to work under the authority of Charity Baptist Church in Kerema with John Gray. I plan to return to Papua New Guinea as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. I pray that this finds you in good health. May our God lead you in your decision and we anticipate your prompt reply.

Sincerely, and for His Glory,

Mark A. Helzerman, Baptist Missionary

Mr. Akari, a member of Charity Baptist Church is an acquaintance of this Mr. Avai and has helped me arrange my meeting him. Mr. Avai told me to call next Monday or Tuesday to receive the official decision. I have done my part; now it is in God’s hands.

August 2

Ilava and I went to teach in the Monday R.I. (religious instruction) class at 11:00 a.m. at the government High School. This was my first time and so I was not prepared to have 2 class sessions (45 minutes each) of time. I sure am glad that for the words of wisdom…”always be prepared.” Because I had another message with me, we covered 2 different subjects. Next week I must be prepared to teach better and more organized.

At 1:00 p.m. I began teaching the students at Charity Baptist Academy a song they will be doing for a Christmas drama. The song in “O Come All Ye Faithful” and I also incorporated some music theory that relating to the music for the song. I worked with the younger children separately in one class and then the older children in a second class for about 30 minutes each. We will continue this on Friday and then combine them next Monday.

August 1

It was a preaching day for me. Sister Helen had asked me to teach in her S.S. class (juniors) in the morning. So after this class, I was to preach in the morning service and after noon service. Through both of these times I gave a report to the church (Charity Baptist Church) about the trip in the mountains. The theme was “Open Doors” and of course I was able to preach not only of the open door God has given in Kaintiba, but the open Door to Heaven. The” Door was hung at Calvary, and it hinges on the cross.”

The day has quickly passed and I am fulfilled. Although I am drained emotionally and physically (and even spiritual to some degree), God had his way in my life this day. There are many in this church who have been praying for land and a church to be stated in Kaintiba, so they are rejoicing in how God is working.

July 31

All those in leadership or ministry meet at the church for prayer and visitation at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Jerry leads this and then we go out. I asked Bro. John Gray if I could put together a time of fellowship with them all. I announced to them my plan and we have scheduled this for next Saturday after visitation time. All are excited about it now and we have a week to plan it. The visiting time went well. Bro. Jerry and I had some really good Gospel witnesses in. Two different groups in particular sat and listened as Bro. Jerry went through the plan of salvation. During one of these, a man heard us talking and came in closer to listen. I saw him sit down nearby and noticed his attentiveness. I walk over to him and gave him a John and Romans booklet; that was what Bro. Jerry was reading from. He followed along and we talked to us further after.Saturday afternoon was a time of studying for Sunday’s preaching. Twice tomorrow I will be preaching and also during those times giving a report to Charity Baptist Church of the mountain trip and what God is doing in Kaintiba and Waititako Baptist Church.

July 30

After my morning walk and breakfast, I began working on an outline for my morning (11:00) lesson. It is as follows:
Trumpet Lesson
Introduction

1. Testimony of how I received my first trumpet/cornet, how I began to learn to play.
2. My new trumpet and how I began to play in Church during congregational singing.
3. Playing in competitions for brass solos and instrumental ensembles.

About the Trumpet

1. The Important parts…all of them.
2. The Most Protected parts (the Valves/Pistons).

How the Trumpet is Played

1. Aumbiture (lip position). {my spell checker is not helping me out on the spelling of this word}
   
2. Vibration (all sound is made by this).
3. How it is held.
4. Finger positions and combinations.

Why Do I Play?

1. God commands me to (Ps 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp).
2. For God’s glory.
3. To minister to others.

How the Bible Talks About the Trumpet
1. Preaching… (Isa 58:1 ¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins).

• A. A warning
• B. A gathering a people
• C. Short sounds, Long sounds
• D. Loud sounds
• E. Joyful sounds *One place in the Bible where the trumpet and a light was used to defeat an enemy of God’s people… (Gideon and 300 men)

2. Our Returning Lord... (Re 4:1 ¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.)

It was great enjoyment see them take the opportunity to blow my trumpet. Some have a real aptitude to play. Maybe someday I will have the opportunity to teach some students the trumpet. When I come back, I must bring some extra instruments for them to learn on. A few of the students have been learning the recorder and 2 girls are learning the clarinet. Sister Mary, before she had to go to Brisbane, was teaching them, but now they are left to manage without a teacher.Friday afternoons at 4:00 is the time for men’s prayer meeting and visitation. Only 3 men came to go out (including me). It has been hard to get the men here involved in the ministry of the church. Kerema has become hard to the gospel and strong family ties have also been a cause of the lack of interest. The church is full on Sundays, but many have not totally committed their lives to the will of Father. Pray that a reviving of God’s people will have an impact on Charity Baptist Church and Kerema town.

July 29

The airstrip, I found, is a great place to walk and meditate with Father. He is the One Who has allowed me to come to PNG. It is hard for me to be away so long from my family. Not because I want you to feel sorry for me, but that Christi (my wife) has so much responsibility with the family in my absence. My constant prayer is for God to give her special grace in this time and the children understanding of why I am away from them. It was an encouragement to be able to talk with my wife on the phone just an hour after I arrived back yesterday. It had been one week since I talked with her. There was so much catching up to do. The boys had been to camp and the music collage was done. I am missing so much of all the many exciting things our church is doing in the work of the Lord, but I am also participating in their evangelism around the world. When they are sleeping in the night, their work is continuing through me and many others as we labor in our daytime on the other side of the earth.Bro. John Gray called me before I went to bed and ask me to teach a few extra classes to the school children on Friday. He suggested teaching about the trumpet and then maybe a class teaching them singing/theory of music. It is a rare occasion that any child here in Kerema (and many other places here) would ever have the chance to learn any musical instrument. There are no teachers and no instruments here worthwhile to learn. A few Charismatic churches have drums to play and maybe a few guitars.

July 28

I arrived safely back to Kerema around 11:00 in the morning. After getting settled in, I found out that I was to preach in the evening service (5:00 p.m.). Bro. John Gray has flown (Tuesday) to Port Moresby on his way to Brisbane Australia for a doctor visit and also be with Sis. Mary Gray. He has been sick with typhoid and hepatitis (not sure which one) for over 3 months now. Of course, Mary has been with this cancer for 3 years now and her condition is worsening. It is in her lungs, esophagus, and her liver.This is now the last phase of my time here in PNG. I will be filling in for Bro. John Gray as he is away. I will not be doing all his work…that would take about 4 men. Preaching and local ministry is what I will be doing. During this time I am in prayer that I will begin to get a “feel” for my responsibilities upon returning to PNG.

Pictures

Three Bedroom House







Front Room











The Work Crew








One Bedroom











The Roof








God's Promise

July 28, 2010

I had most of my packing done by breakfast time. After taking care of some last minute business, we took my cargo up to the airstrip office building/shack. The cargo was more than when I came, and I had given some of mine away…why? So many things were given back to me and the Grays in Kerema. It was more than I wanted to pay for (extra cargo fee), but how could I refuse their kindness and their expression of love.

The airplane came and we said our last farewells. As we flew away from my “new home”, I wondered how long it would be before God would allow us to return with the whole family. Please pray for those that are doing the paperwork for our work permits and visas. Also pray God would supply all that is needed to accomplish all that has been mentioned. I have in my hand the letter from Bino, and the house is as good as ours. I praise God for his care and provision in this short “missions trip” in the mountains. Father far exceeded my expectations during my time here in Kaintiba. My mind goes back to His promise to me in Mark 10:29-30.

July 27, 2010

This morning I woke to hear pastor Jeccania and Jorum talking. I went out to join in the conversation. They had been talking in their “tak plas”. They told me they were talking about their concern of how I was going to be as a white American missionary. They were not overly concerned, because they had been with me for the last 5 days and had seen me eat their food (with them), sleep as they do, and had really become a part of them. They just were not sure if I was just doing it because I had to. Their other concern they had is would I except the way they had been doing things in the ministry of the people. Would I come in and make many changes which would breed insecurity and division? As the course of the conversation went, not even realizing all of these concerns, our hearts were knit with a strong bond of trust and confidence. I began communicating some of my thoughts and concerns and we found we all were on the same level of not only doctrinal standing, but overall care for the ministry. It was a joy for me to see this cloud of concern evaporate and their countenance glowed with renewed enthusiasm. It was as if as us 3 were inseparable to see a Baptist Church started, even today. We had a season of prayer and a time of rejoicing as we set out on the adventures of the day; just like 3 young school boys let out of school for the day!

Joe, one of the men in Kaintiba, has been letting me charge my video camera at his house whenever I need to charge it. Some of the people here have generators, but all is quite because there is no fuel here to run them. Joe has a few solar panels that charge 2 deep cell batteries (12 volt). The whole set/system cost him about $4,000. This would be a good investment for us to power our house with a clean/quite source of energy and low maintenance.

It was in our plans this morning to go up to the house and clean up around the property and sweep the floors. After getting my camera from Joe’s house we went up to the house and spent the morning and early afternoon working to clean up inside and outside. Odette let us use 3 bush knives to cut the grass and 2 bush style brooms to sweep the floors. There are pineapple plants, breadfruit trees, banana trees, and a few other food baring plants on the property. Oh what fun we had working together. The verse in the Bible “By, love, serve one another…” comes to mind. These people had come from another village to enter into my labor to help see another church birthed. Even Bino, the man who has the authority over the house and land, (who is not saved) had come to help cut the grass with his own bush knife. He told me he was going to write a letter to send with me back to Kerema to give to the authorities there to get the official signature for the land (and house) to be given to us.

We (Jeccania , Jorum, and I) rested and fellowshipped in the afternoon. I wrote down the things/tools that they would need to do repairs on the house in my absence. Bro. Matt Allen should be able to get the supplies in Lae and fly them in. The list included hammers, nails, hand saws, chisels, screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, and screen for the windows. I plan to send him the money for these things, and then Pastor Jeccania will supervise the project and secure the tools. My job will be to bring in the plumbing and put in the water tanks (rain water supplied). The roof will also need some attention (sealed or replaced). These are our plans currently.
It was important to stay up late tonight with our company, for it was our last night with them. In the course of the day we had invited some people to come over for tea, so a few took us up on our offer. We rehearsed again to them the great things had done for us during our stay. Father has allowed us to have a part in his working in the lives of these people. We have entered into the labors of others that have gone before us.

July 26, 2010

Today is a sorrowing day for the church. They are sending off one of their men and his wife to go to the Bible Institute in Wau. They are walking over the mountains to Aseki. From here they will hire a ride and ride PMV (public motor vehicle) down to Wau.

After they left, because so many came to see them off, I had the opportunity to give the church a devotional. I encouraged them to remember this couple was following God in their lives. They should allow God to turn their tears off sorrow into tears of joy. They can rejoice that God is working in their midst and preparing another preacher for the many mountain villages.

It was time for me to get ready to walk back to Kaintiba. We plan to walk the whole distance back (about 6 hours, with stops for resting). Pastor Jeccania and several others are going to go with me to help carry my things, plus the garden foods they gave to me to take back to Kerema (for the Grays). This party of travelers included 3 young ladies, 2 boys and a few young men. Another reason for them coming is to see this house that the people of Kaintiba are giving to the Baptist Mission.

Our trip was good and without incident. It is customary as you are walking the mountain trails to stop and in passing say “hello” (Awina=good morning, Kafainai=good afternoon) and to tell them where you are coming from and where you are going. This is done to those that you might know or perfect strangers. It definitely is a new experience, and takes time…but often leads to a time of witnessing to that person, even if you just tell them how good God is.

We arrived around supper time, so we bought some rice and Odette fixed a wonderful meal for us. I showed her and her family pictures and told of some of the things that happened while we were gone. Before we knew it, it was time to go to bed, and it sure was a welcome to me. I was tired from our weary journey….zzz.