Missions and Ministry
“It Takes a Village to Raise a Bible”
By Jennifer Howell.
“Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great You are! You are robed with honour and majesty.” – Psalm 104:1–2
When God calls you into mission, He often begins by stretching your faith long before you even board a plane.
In the months leading up to our Wycliffe Mission Discovery Trip to Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea, there was plenty to prepare, and the challenge of packing all we needed into a strict 16kg limit for the small SIL plane from Port Moresby to Ukarumpa.
Weeks of organisation, Zoom meetings, and prayer built up to our departure—until an unexpected phone call just days before the trip nearly changed everything.
A Test of Faith Before Take Off
Eight days before departure, my niece’s surgery was scheduled just before our flight. Torn between family and mission, I prayed for guidance and chose to trust God’s timing. After cancellations and delays, He made a way—opening the last seat to Cairns. The journey began.
Arriving in the Highlands
At dawn, we departed for Port Moresby and then flew in a small SIL aircraft to Ukarumpa, a valley vital for Bible translation in PNG. Missionaries and locals work side by side, translating Scripture into numerous languages. We were warmly welcomed into this vibrant faith community—expats and nationals united in their mission to bring God's Word to life in every language.
Faith in Action
Over twelve days, we visited almost every department involved in Bible translation review — schools, clinics, printing, transport, logistics, and review. We enjoyed the community's warmth at meals like a Mu Mu feast, shared by local families reading Scripture and giving thanks. We met teachers in village schools who serve with few resources but great joy. It was humbling to see expatriates—teachers, pilots, builders, doctors, mechanics—serving beyond their roles and filling gaps. God’s work is supported by generous hearts and faithful givers.
A Miracle in the Clinic
During a clinic visit, retired nurses observed Dr. Chris caring for a young woman with a severe foot infection. Her wound, initially infected and dirty, seemed doomed to amputation. However, on her return, the wound was healing—bright tissue, healthy bleeding, no infection. This was a profound moment!
Dr. Chris shook his head in amazement and said, “This could only be God.” He then prayed aloud with his team and the patient, giving glory to God for the healing miracle. The Holy Spirit filled the room. I had never seen such bold prayer in a medical setting — a moment I will never forget.
When Crisis Struck
During our trip, a teammate fell seriously ill and required an emergency medivac to Australia. What followed was a remarkable display of unity and prayer.
Teams across various fields like insurance, aviation, ambulance, and escorts worked in different time zones while we prayed for clear weather, available pilots, and safety. Each prayer was answered quickly, showing God’s guidance.
Reflections from Ukarumpa
What we saw in the Highlands was breathtaking — pristine beauty, mountains shrouded in mist, and people living simply and gratefully in harmony with God’s creation.
What we learnt was even deeper:
Each day deepened our understanding of God’s global mission and fostered spiritual growth through devotion, reflection, and fellowship. I shared my first devotional, which stretched and blessed me.
This journey was a pilgrimage of gratitude and purpose — a reminder that it truly does take a village to raise a Bible.
May we as a church continue to pray, give, and go — joining hands with those who bring God’s Word to the ends of the earth.
“Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great You are! You are robed with honour and majesty.” – Psalm 104:1–2
When God calls you into mission, He often begins by stretching your faith long before you even board a plane.
In the months leading up to our Wycliffe Mission Discovery Trip to Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea, there was plenty to prepare, and the challenge of packing all we needed into a strict 16kg limit for the small SIL plane from Port Moresby to Ukarumpa.
Weeks of organisation, Zoom meetings, and prayer built up to our departure—until an unexpected phone call just days before the trip nearly changed everything.
A Test of Faith Before Take Off
Eight days before departure, my niece’s surgery was scheduled just before our flight. Torn between family and mission, I prayed for guidance and chose to trust God’s timing. After cancellations and delays, He made a way—opening the last seat to Cairns. The journey began.
Arriving in the Highlands
At dawn, we departed for Port Moresby and then flew in a small SIL aircraft to Ukarumpa, a valley vital for Bible translation in PNG. Missionaries and locals work side by side, translating Scripture into numerous languages. We were warmly welcomed into this vibrant faith community—expats and nationals united in their mission to bring God's Word to life in every language.
Faith in Action
Over twelve days, we visited almost every department involved in Bible translation review — schools, clinics, printing, transport, logistics, and review. We enjoyed the community's warmth at meals like a Mu Mu feast, shared by local families reading Scripture and giving thanks. We met teachers in village schools who serve with few resources but great joy. It was humbling to see expatriates—teachers, pilots, builders, doctors, mechanics—serving beyond their roles and filling gaps. God’s work is supported by generous hearts and faithful givers.
A Miracle in the Clinic
During a clinic visit, retired nurses observed Dr. Chris caring for a young woman with a severe foot infection. Her wound, initially infected and dirty, seemed doomed to amputation. However, on her return, the wound was healing—bright tissue, healthy bleeding, no infection. This was a profound moment!
Dr. Chris shook his head in amazement and said, “This could only be God.” He then prayed aloud with his team and the patient, giving glory to God for the healing miracle. The Holy Spirit filled the room. I had never seen such bold prayer in a medical setting — a moment I will never forget.
When Crisis Struck
During our trip, a teammate fell seriously ill and required an emergency medivac to Australia. What followed was a remarkable display of unity and prayer.
Teams across various fields like insurance, aviation, ambulance, and escorts worked in different time zones while we prayed for clear weather, available pilots, and safety. Each prayer was answered quickly, showing God’s guidance.
Reflections from Ukarumpa
What we saw in the Highlands was breathtaking — pristine beauty, mountains shrouded in mist, and people living simply and gratefully in harmony with God’s creation.
What we learnt was even deeper:
- Mission requires partnership. Every role — pilot, teacher, nurse, cleaner, cook — matters in bringing the Bible to life.
- Mission requires faith. God provides when we trust Him, even in cancelled flights and medical crises.
- Mission requires heart. Those with a servant heart will always find a place to serve.
Each day deepened our understanding of God’s global mission and fostered spiritual growth through devotion, reflection, and fellowship. I shared my first devotional, which stretched and blessed me.
This journey was a pilgrimage of gratitude and purpose — a reminder that it truly does take a village to raise a Bible.
May we as a church continue to pray, give, and go — joining hands with those who bring God’s Word to the ends of the earth.
Posted in Missions & Ministry