Sovereign Grace Baptist Mission International

December 2024 (Number 9)

SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION
International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa
P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi /
P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Tanggi Mission Station – North Koroba, Hela Province, PNG
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite04@gmail.com
Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com

Date: 18^th March 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Mission Report No. 9 continued from No. 8 (mission patrol) to Mt. Kili

15^th December 2024 – (Sunday). With the Bible Conference officially closed, this being the scheduled program, however the fellowship amongst the people, eating, singing of songs and so on, was not over it went well into the night. The two different ‘men houses and the women who had come along there were at least two different houses which, housed the women. I need to take a few lines to describe this lifestyle.

Firstly, the houses which, the PNG Natives construct in the bush are made of bush materials, the roofs are thatched (this is an art) living in a country where there are two monsoon seasons, with a rainfall of 350-400 inches per annum, needless to say it is wet.

If one does not get the roof thatched proper, the inside will not be good. The sides are enclosed with matts woven with bamboo. Many times, the floor will remain dirt with a middle section (of the house) there are no walls or divisions, a fire burns at night to keep warm (high altitude) cooler temps (60’) most do not have blankets thus the fires for warmth. Many of these houses which, are built to house visitors and guests for such occasions will have a small, raised platform some six to twelve inches above the ground level, with the woven bamboo matting. These houses can many times sleep up to twenty- or thirty people. Thus, the housing is contained as explained, the bathing is performed in the rivers (cold mountain rivers), their toilets are simply pits dug into the earth, with a covering of bush material, around and over the top.

I spent the afternoon repacking my things, and of course some things are last minute. I did as much as I could ahead of time. Food was prepared and as the food was served there were several people who wanted to conference with me on various topics. I felt that this long hike, and great effort to reach this corner of the world, even within PNG as a nation, this village is unknown to most, except those who know of these people or know them personally. I felt the LORD had blessed this mission patrol, that His people had been encouraged, for sure His Word had been preached and declared among the people.

There is this sense of great joy when we reach these areas that are hidden to the world, yet GOD knows all about them, and this sense of sadness in thinking we will be departing the next morning leaving them as they are. However the encouraging thought is, the very thing we gave and left them (The Eternal Word of God) is above the price of rubies, or gold, it is eternal and forever.

I retired that evening around nine pm, but with many thoughts on me mind, one was the idea that tomorrow would be an extremely long day, we would not halt halfway in the bush as we had done on our way there. The challenging hike in front of us, the Kili Mountain from the village is pitched at 75-80% gradient, this is not a stretch in fact I might be a bit reserved, when you have one person in front of you, and you’re looking at their feet, a (complete body length) within a foot distance. We had near twenty miles in the mountains & jungles to reach our target tomorrow. Having a good night’s sleep is imperative to performing well.

I had my closing prayer for the day and closed my eyes. 0300 hrs I woke, sending one of the lads to heat up water for me coffee. I packed the rest of my things, was dressed for the hike, had my coffee with some sweet potatoes, (cooked in the hot ashes). For the hike I pack (peanuts-protein, honey- immediate energy, sea salt -sodium plus other minerals) ripe bananas – potassium & magnesium, raisins, figs & dates (Bible food).

I carry my own pack as I have most of my personal things, a water-bladder, which I constantly drink to sustain the proper body fluids, and my food for the hike.

It was 0400 hrs when all the people in our group were assembled for a headcount, we had 104 people hiking back. Being in the night hours, I had my headlamp on, different ones had battery operated hand-held (flashlights), I prayed for our journey, and we set off.

Our accent up Mt. Kili was challenging and adding to that under the cover of darkness, it was muddy, slippery and hazardous in many areas. After two hours I reached a point where we could rest a short while, we carried on and another hour we had reached the top. As we waited for others to arrive, I refreshed myself with some dates, sea salt and water. As the morning woke to a breathtaking sunrise on top of Mt. Kili, I was just over eleven thousand feet elevation, clouds were thick and hung low in the valleys below, it was as though God had pulled the blankets over the valleys during the night.

The moon was bright during the night, and as we had set off early in the morning, we had not noticed the moon for the thick cloud coverings, however…. once on top of Mt. Kili, we could see. I am always amazed (my own way of thinking) no matter how much I see GOD’S wonderful creation, the stars hung in the heavens, the moon on its course, being fully lit by the sun, the earth’ orbit and placed on its axis, a great God we have and greatly to be served.

After a short break, we set off again, usually in PNG, one is either going up or down, very few places that are flat, and if so, not for very long. The hiking is challenging with the daily rainfall. The hours passed, we made several halts to rest, replenish energy with any (kind) of food, mostly the PNG people will cook and carry sweet potatoes, which are high in energy. I have my own remedy for the hiking food and have worked out this over the years. One of the most important ingredients in high altitude is staying hydrated, people often forget the importance of this.

We had just covered fifteen miles, when we took our last break, I could feel the strain of the hike knowing we had another five miles over another mountain and then down its backside. Prayer is an essential part of my physical life here in PNG, if GOD does not help, then who can?

Nearly twelve hours had passed, and we arrived at our destination, it had been a long day, physically I was spent, I was happy to know I had the hike behind me, but also my thoughts turned to those we had left behind. Their lives would continue as normal (for them), the rest of PNG would know nothing of them, BUT GOD had a few souls there.

I was preparing for the late afternoon hours to have my dinner cooked when I was notified that a Policeman (friend of mine) had heard that we had made it to this point (where we were now at), and he had sent word through others that he was coming to assist me with his vehicle, and another vehicle to help some of the pastors also.

There is a new road being constructed by the Provincial government and is navigational via four-wheel-drive. The rains had started in for the evening when Henry arrived with his vehicle & the second one also (Police vehicles) – Toyota 4X4’ Land Cruisers. We loaded up as many pastors as could squeeze in the two vehicles and set off for the Tanggi mission station, with heavy rains already in for the night, by the time I walked up to the house I was completely drenched, but with my mind on being home I really hadn’t noticed.

I had my bath water prepared, cooked a quick dinner and prepared for the evening; it was good!!! To be home, I could sleep in me own bed, knowing the long bush patrol was behind me. I felt that GOD had blessed this trip, that HIS people had been encouraged, and His Truth had been sown amongst many. Only GOD knows and heaven itself will reveal what fruits will come from all this effort.

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

To be continued….

Some pictures along the way: Part of the hike back from Mt. Kili

One of the rivers in crossing. You will notice the bridge is constructed from (cane, poles).

A clearing on top of a mountain in hiking back.

The last evening of the bush patrol, (GOD graced the skies) and gave HIS signature!

December 2024 (Number 8)

Date: 9^th March 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Mission Report No. 8; Continued from 17th Feb 2025

The last setting in the reports was the church wedding of Pastor Poko, I wrote about this and added some pictures for clarity…. I will pick up from there,

13^th December 2024 (Friday) This was the morning in which I officially started the preaching of the bible conference. There were most of the bible academy students who had also made this mission patrol, and I wanted to give each student (the ones who were there) an opportunity to speak on the things they had learned. I did not try to dictate on the material, or message. (I understand assigned subjects) though I am not in favour of such at bible conferences, I believe the H.S. has been left out, (man’s program has taken over) and though many men can preach good messages on such topic and dictation, I don’t find this biblical, some may disagree, but I am not asking you your opinion.

I woke early, before daylight assigning tasks to be completed, as my bath water was being heated, (I do like taking warm bathing) when I can, not always possible, but it is nice. A bush bath is not what you may think, its water in a five-gallon bucket, a cup, you’re standing on some wooden platform, (could be a few sticks, branches, or axe cut timbers) or rocks. The bathing houses are simple structures of bush material, sometimes open at the top, sometimes thatched but simple. You don’t walk into such structures like you Americans do with all your (things) hanging on the bathtub/ shower walls, no mirrors, what you packed is what you have. I advise people who come to see me, if you can’t pack it in your backpack, and if you cannot pack your own backpack, you probably don’t need it…. this will take care of most (wants) and the (needs) take over.

I know why more people don’t come to visit the mission work in PNG, they can’t handle the life there.

I carry a water-kettle-pot as it is called; to heat the water for the coffee, I use a simple method of the “Plunger type” or French-Press coffee making process its simple, effective and I can get my coffee as bold as I like.

The early morning hours gave me time to study, muse and go over me outlines for the day, though I had several students that would be preaching I would also have my turn and there were requested subjects that the preachers, & people wanted to hear from God’s Word.

One such subject was (Did the N.T. church start on the day of Pentecost?). my outline consisted of fifteen points to prove it did not.

The conference would begin by 0900 hrs and continue through 1500 with one hour for a lunch break. Since we don’t’ have any means of (indoor lighting) nor the people have proper lighting to return home in the dark hours of the night we do not conduct night services in PNG.

The students brought some good firm messages on the following doctrines, “The Total Depravity of Man”; “John’s Baptism”; “The Marks of a N.T. Church”; “Tithes, Offerings” “Stewardship”.

For the next three days, the preaching was firm, some singing and a few breaks in-between. The mission work that I do, whether in PNG or Malawi/Mozambique is constructed to fit the lives of the people. Tribal people in under-developed conditions (whatever that means anymore) have no proper lighting for evening services, the travelling back to their homes in the night (PNG) is not a problem for them, but too much foolishness goes on in the night hours without proper lighting. I like to look at people when I preach, and I want the audience to be attentive (this is challenging even in developed America) with all the interruptions, electronic devices etc….

People came from all around to hear the preaching, one group in particular came (five men and two women). They were present from day one, I had noticed that they seemed to be very interested, and it was during the Saturday afternoon break they approached me for discussions. After some two hours (nothing is quick in PNG) I was asked if I could bring this mission work to their area. Over the years of doing mission work amongst different kinds of people, I have a habit of asking “what is it you really want? “ Furthermore, I remind them, their answer at that time, will be remembered and the next time I meet them, go to them, come to them, if in such a case other motives are pursued, I remind them (the person, or group) that I came on the promise of their asking for the preaching of the Gospel and our mission work to be established.

In PNG, it is still virgin territory, other denominations have not (yet) spoiled the people as to the Truth, though that is starting to develop. In Africa (no country that I know of) within the 54 countries have a people who have not, not heard of some sort of religious doctrine, been associated with some denomination, and been given, free packages of so-called ministry. All of you readers, supporters need to take heed to this, nowhere in Scripture does the Bible teach “the mission of the church” is to provide physical needs, build buildings, provide jobs, offer secular education, build hospitals (or even to give Bibles & song books) I have fought this most of my ministry. There are institutions that do Bible translations, there are NGO’ that go, do, offer and supply humanitarian needs, the LORD never once told the disciples (first church) to engage in social, welfare programs, this is man made laws. I don’t know anyone who was ever saved by these humanitarian supplies!

This being said, the group came from an area that was another day’s hike, and some of the group it would take another half a day to reach their homes in the jungles, (according to how they hike) not me. I informed them that their request would be considered, and I would advise them of the decision.

I will share this story also, in light of what I said in the previous paragraph, I do provide what I can to those in great need when I can and have the means to do so, meaning if one is hungry and needs to be fed, I feed them what I have, if one is without a coat, needing to be warmed I give them a second coat I have or make the provisions if possible. I do teach in the Bible Academy and some students have never had any type of academic training so (basic schooling) is needed and so on. I do provide transportation (IF) the person has a heart for the LORD’S Work. I do not take the LORD’S money and provide just free services.

There was an elder man in the village who had been suffering from an eye infection, his right eye had rescinded back into the cavity of the eye socket, with pus oozing out. I carry a medic-bag that contains enough equipment to do field surgery, wound dressings, packings to stop excessive bleedings etc… I made up a solution to wash out the pus from the eye, put a medicated patch on the eye to absorb bacteria etc… after three days of treatment, it was cleaned but the damage to the eye was more than I could help.

These people in this part of the world, deep in the jungles live life as it is given, tough, real. They deal with pain as you deal with your remote for the T.V.

This man thanked me over and over and said he felt much better, not sure how I helped except clean out the infection and pus. To him it was a BIG help!

Sunday afternoon the Bible conference ended around 1400 hrs (2 pm) as the last prayer was made, there was heavy rains that lasted for a couple hours. I only bring attention to this, as God had held back the rains during the daytime for our conference meeting, why? Because people were sitting outside under the weather, GOD does this. At night whilst under cover, the rains came and all night, every night rains were hard.

Sunday afternoon after we became settled, food was prepared and as I was eating my dinner, one of the local pastors, his name is Anago (a bible academy student) I will include his picture to put a face to a name, he came with the message that he felt convicted to work as a missionary and take the Gospel to this new group that had come a day and half hike to ask for our ministry to reach them. After some time of discussions with Pastor Anago, this was confirmed, I called the pastors together, and had Anago give his testimony of conviction. He agreed to return to his home church; announce to the church he would be resigning as pastor to work as a full time local / home missionary. GOD is still in the business of raising up men for HIS work and people.

Sunday the 15^th of December ended our Bible conference at Mt. Kili Kawpu village. The afternoon soon gave way to the evening, as the last rays of sun hit the tree tops casting a golden hue to this valley, it was though GOD put HIS signature of approval for this season of time, His Word declared unto HIS people and even the lost, messages of the Gospel, judgment of sin, the remedy for that (under the blood) was made clear to the hearers. The great effort to provide a great meal for the bodies of those present, a great demonstration of selfless sacrifice, simply to host and entertain GOD’S people for a few days. This valley, Kawpu village by name, may not be known to the outside world, but GOD knows its name, the people there. Furthermore, to encourage each of you who have been a part of this great mission work, GOD used your benevolent offerings to help me reach these people in 2019 and a local N.T. type Baptist church was organised there, it is alive, holding true the N.T. doctrines which Christ HIMSELF, taught His first church long ago.

A person with a beard holding a wooden object

AI-generated content may be incorrect. Pastor Anago / now Missionary Anago

Some of the people who attended the conference in Kawpu village (Mt. Kili) PNG

To be continued….

In His Name,

Missionary Peter A. Halliman

December 2024 (Number 5)

Date: 17^th February 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

December 2024 Mission Report Continued in series: No. 5

12^th Dec / Thursday – I woke to a stirring village; it was not yet first light however activity had already started. The mornings are usually crisp clouds hang low on the mountain tops, the valleys usually blanketed until the sun light hits the earth, as temperatures rise so do the clouds.

Open fires, water being heated for my bathing, coffee and other chores. I take advantage of the early morning hours (undisturbed) for the most part, to do my own daily devotions, bible study etc. It is stimulating to read GOD’S Word early in the morning and as I muse over the Word looking out over the valley, the virgin jungles, a pure river freely flowing providing life for both man and beast, the jungles filled with different birds singing their songs early in the morning. I felt as though God had transported me back in time, reminding me stand still and see (what it is) that GOD has really done! Do we as His children really look at His creation, the great Creator, do we see the (work of HIS hands)? These moments will be embedded for the rest of my life.

This day was scheduled for a busy itinerary, a wedding ceremony was on the program for Pastor Poko, he being a young man and though there is the customary practice for marriage, he asked me if I could perform a church wedding, I said yes, I can and that would be in order. I further knew that many of the family were not believers, nor Baptist and they would not be content nor accept a (church ordered) marriage, therefore the customary method would still be in effect.

Preparations were underway for the church setting, wedding…I counselled with both Pastor Poko and his bride to be, along with the fathers, brothers of both sides, a lot of discussions, toing and froing. After some practice, instructions etc… we all prepared for this ceremony. The PNG people are all about display and putting on an elaborate show. Though I had not been involved, there was great effort made to display a long line of flowers, picked from the jungles, threaded and suspended on vines tied to bamboo poles on either side of the walk extending up to the platform where the ceremony would take place. The setting was outside as too many people to fit inside the church building.

It was mid-morning by the time all the people were assembled, the proper people in their stations, the entire ceremony was followed as closely as you would see here, but of course the clothing was simple, yet it became a biblical wedding. Pastor Pogo has become the first pastor, Christian in this generation to have a church wedding, another landmark set in this far away village hidden from the rest of the world, even in PNG most will never know, hear, or see this village, BUT GOD sees and knows, all that has been done.

From start to finish we had spent several hours, it was now past mid-day, the ceremony was completed, the village filled with excitement, joy and their own way of celebration with an elaborate feast, a great sacrifice was offered again for this occasion. The rest of the day was consumed in this great effort of preparation and cooking of food. No one had seen a marriage ceremony conducted in this manner before, there were many questions, a good part of the afternoon I explained to several people this type of marriage pictured this biblically, and this picture was given and so on. Several of the pastors asked me, if it were possible for them to re-enact their marriage again via a church ceremony? I replied, yes, we can if you so want.

The day concluded with a great feast, into the night fellowship, laughter, talking and enjoyment was made.

To be continued….

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

Early morning hours at Kwapu village (Mt. Kili) where bible conference was held.

The men’s house, smoke ascending from the house as they burn fires to keep warm, cook etc.

Nearby river, provides water for drinking, all other needs for man & beast. Pure water, mountain water, unpolluted, unadulterated water.

Pastor Poko Mapia from Kwapu village Mt. Kili, Kopiago District Hela Province, PNG.

He is the young pastor who I performed the wedding ceremony for in the report.

Picture Report – December 2024

Date: 13^th Feb 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

The following are pictures of the past few reports from December 2024, I have been writing reports in series. Some pictures to help you understand the work.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

The Bible Academy building in Mt. Hagen. Please note, most missionaries, missions, & church denominations (including many of our kind) “think” that the LORD’S work is about great structures, attractive appearances (though there is nothing wrong with this) IF one has the means, however, Christ said His Kingdom was not of this world…. I wonder how many people have been saved (more) taught (better) and equipped (superiorly) because of ‘much money’ flashy buildings’ and in the end, people fight, quarrel, split,

divide, break away, and even take one another to court, over these earthly structures. I have long believed, it is not the structure that counts, it is what is taught (inside) and what the students (take away) from that building. In Malawi I did the same, in PNG this

building is mostly constructed of rough materials. The roof has corrugated sheets (roofing tin), the outside is enclosed with a woven reed, the floor was dirt for a long time, I recently poured a thin concrete floor. This is where the students sit for class eight hours a day, five days a week. You can see that support money is. not being planted in the ground.

The above picture is of the thirty-four students who attended the Bible Academy in Mt. Hagen, PNG. The building is simply but functional.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

Students writing Examinations, every two weeks there is an examination given on lessons taught. (2 Timothy 2:15) “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The Bible Academy building serves twofold, training centre, & a local church uses it for church service as pictured above.

December 2024 (Number 4 in Series)

Date: 27^th January 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

Number Four in Series (December 2024) Mission Report

1Co 15:1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

I wonder how many people who (claim) the name Christian, or say they have been saved, (this anymore is about as generic, as the name god) with multitudes… You will notice I did not capitalize the name (god) intentional…… The name Christian is a bible name, given to those who confessed Christ as Saviour, the name was given as a slight, or to demean but none the less, given to ‘mark’ those who claim they have been saved from their sins. Every man and his dog now a days is a Christian, every religion uses the name God (to assimilate) within society, on and on it goes. I believe the day is coming when many will realise, they have (believed in vain) … It didn’t help to simply take the name Christian, didn’t save anyone in using God’s Name for identification, it didn’t keep them out of hell for assimilating with a church, giving testimonials etc… IF and only IF, one has truly been born again by the H.S. (which, uses the Gospel) of our LORD Jesus Christ, IF only, they have been believed & experienced bible repentance (a complete turning away) from a habit of life (in sin). This (IF) will one day be revealed.

We all do that which, we believe, and believe that which we do, otherwise we would not do it. I believe that it takes the preaching of the Bible Gospel (the only Gospel) whereby men may be saved from their sins. In believing this, it moves me (puts legs on my faith) there are works produced and (fruits) that come from that (faith).

The morning of the 7^{th of} December, I conducted another church service with the Tabiya Baptist church, I explained in the last report how they are without a pastor, (so it is) with many of our churches in the USA and around the world. History will always repeat itself, unless the people of that generation change. God is the one who calls HIS men, HIS H.S. leads them, BUT at the same time, HIS men must have a willing mind & heart. Not so long ago, pastors were shepherding two sometimes three different churches within a range of distance. Where is the story now?

After our services, it was time to hike to the next point called Yaluyalu. A Baptist church meets at this area, has been for years. This church like most has had its share of problems also. The pastor who is not an educated man (by the world’s standards) however he has a heart for the LORD’s work, his name is Pastor Tommy.

One of the internal problems (the pastor’s wife and children) had not, did not, follow him when he took the office of pastor at this church. They remained members of the church where I had just spent two days preaching at (Tabiya Bap church), remember they too do not have a pastor (this has been for some time now, a few years). Further take note, with Tribal people, nothing is straight forward, and more things are hidden then not. One cannot just assume, nor can you believe everything you hear, and even see. This Is not a play on words either…. Drivers in PNG will turn on the indicator for the vehicle, but never turn, the brake lights of a vehicle in front of you will be illuminated but the vehicle is not stopping, some people standing in the road, you think they will move but they continue to stand (point given)!

It takes much time to gather information, the (truth) is often camouflaged, therefore quick decisions (from the surface) only, usually make matters worse. These reasons I have given and there are many many more, in which, I am not fond of supporting the idea of brief-in & out / mission work.

By the end of Sunday service, the wife and one son (who claims to be saved) agreed to transfer their membership to the Yaluyalu Bap church and submitting to her husband/pastor and his father/pastor. God used HIS Word, & His servant, but like I said, we must be willing to go, do, submit and be used of our LORD.

Sunday afternoon I began to organise my things for packing as the next morning we would all depart Yaluyalu for the long hike to Mt. Kili, this in fact is where the Bible conference was scheduled. 2019 was the year that the church was organised of which, I was involved. This valley of where the people live and meet for worship is surrounded by mountain ranges with a white-rapids river running nearby. Completely cut off from the outside world there is little influence (mostly a good thing).

Living in the bush, with limited lighting (usually small solar lighting) of which, I had prepared having a separate waterproof case with my electronics (laptop, phone, small foldable solar panel, power bank, solar light). Because we get so much rain in the second-monsoon season, (someone asked me what does that mean) I replied, it means one monsoon season rains more than the other! Therefore, usage of lighting & electronics are controlled.

I have had people say to me, ‘oh I love to go camping’ or that sounds like fun…is that what you think this is “fun”, and if you’re the kind that loves camping, I have just the right field for you, buy a one-way ticket to PNG.

To be continued……

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

December 2024 Report (Continued)

Date: 14^th Jan 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

December 2024 Report Continued from last report (Ending of November)

I took a few days to gear up, prepare not only the vehicle, but the camping gear, food, medical supplies, messages etc. The day of departure arrived, 0300 hrs I departed Mt. Hagen with five four men in the vehicle. I have to share these small details, yet very very important to me, the demister/blower (works)!! The air-temp (hot or cold) works, the coolant system did not overheat, nor did I have to stop and top up with water that I was carrying (for that purpose), the engine did not over-heat, the list goes on, no one can know (except the Lord) what it means to me, to drive a vehicle here in PNG, that simply performs with no breakdowns. I could actually pack the rear canopy with needed things, like food, supplies, camping equip etc. rather than carrying a workshop and spare parts with serviceable materials such as grease, oils, break fluids etc…

It had broken daylight as I drove up a large mountain, we were about one-third of the way, as we started ascending the mountain (most of the time its low gear), I felt the brakes were really spongy, this didn’t make sense as the day before the departure, I bled some air out of the braking system and topped up the fluids, no problems, or issues.

Using mostly gearing and light break pressure, I turned off the main road onto a secondary road, not far into the drive, as I was approaching a very sharp curve, almost a U-turn type, with a steep downhill grade, I applied the brakes, and to my surprise the brake pedal went to the floor, meaning the brakes went out completely (no brakes), a quick response to gear down, humanly speaking saved the vehicle from overturning, and or going off the road, down the mountain. Is GOD Sovereign? Yes, did GOD know the brakes would go out? Yes, did HE allow this? Yes, to what end? Only GOD knows!!

I brought the vehicle under control, carried on in low gear, a few kilometres we were off road onto a (gravel/dirt) road. As I ascended a small hill, finding a place the vehicle would stop, I applied the handbrake (something about Land Rovers) you don’t use the handbrake for emergency stopping as the handbrake applies pressure to the rear-prop shaft, this could be very dangerous. I inspected the vehicle, brake fluid had leaked out onto the two rear wheels, the master-cylinder was leaking and air bubbles visible. I knew.

the problem, but no spare parts to fix, miles away from home, many mountains I had crossed to this point, many more to cross. In PNG you are either going up or down, very few places where you run in a straight line. I had the option to turn around, return to Mt. Hagen calling off the trip, or pursue the task ahead of me. What would you have done? And what reasoning would you have given? There are many times in the life of a believer, in the ministry and field of service that our LORD wants to (test) the temper of our metal…What is the point of having a (razor) if you never shave?

I had prayer, told the men we were pushing forward that this was simply a test. Several mountains between nine to twelve thousand feet elevation were in front of us, many roads are built with a twenty-seven to thirty percent gradient, if you don’t understand what that means, it is prohibited in the U.SA. to construct standard roads beyond twelve percent this is maximum. Most highways are six to eight percent gradient, remember this the next time you drive across the USA, the Rockies, Sierra-Nevada mountains, the smoky mountains etc.

There are no guard rails, safety measures, runaway ramps nothing, you go off a mountain in PNG, you probably will not live to tell it. Many prayers were said, constant vigilance to vehicle condition, Eng R.P.M. became vital in the driving. This would cure many people today driving whilst using their phones, come to PNG and try that!!!

In time, we reached the last stretch (sixteen miles) of off road, to the mission station, this stretch has been heavily affected with tribal fighting, the law-and-order issue has escalated to a point the government doesn’t even bother to try and suppress the killings.

It was near late afternoon, not much daylight remaining, however the LORD gave us safe passage through this troubled area.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

The day had been long, journey challenging (faith tried) however, GOD safely brought the vehicle to the mission station. Do not underestimate the physical side of things that take place in our lives.

The very next morning, I was up early, at the old mission station, no power, running water, rather open fires, bucket carried water for bathing, washing of dishes, and mountain-spring water for drinking (carried also to the house). It takes people to help with these domestic chores, most will offer their lives to help out.

I had an appointment that had been made before the Bible Academy was closed, to be at a location one hour drive from the mission station, Northward for a church organisation.

Today was the day. I and others prepared there were the same four men who would accompany me and once we were prepared, I managed to get the vehicle turned around, drive out to the main road, and carried on until we arrived at the venue for the church organisation. The preaching service lasted quite some time (all church services in PNG) are lengthy.

A group of eleven people were organized into a new Baptist church, and several others joined by statement of faith. A meal was prepared, (PNG mumu), afterward I drove home, taking care as with no brakes the driving was slow. The LORD had blessed the day, the new church was organised with a new pastor, one of the students in the Bible Academy.

To be continued….

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

December 2024 Report

Date: 04/Jan/2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

Mt 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Mt 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Mt 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Mt 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

Mission Report for December 2024

I had given the students their semi-final exam for the school period they had attended on Monday the 11^{th of} November the students each one took their journey back to their villages. I now had a window of opportunity to do ‘other jobs’ that had been put on hold for weeks, some jobs months had been waiting. I am always surprised to hear people say, ‘I didn’t have time for this or that’, I completely understand the generation we live in; however, God did not give some twenty-four hours in a day, and others HE gave thirty-hours! We all have the same amount, it’s all about how you manage the time, God’s people would do well to (redeem the time) for the days are evil!

A local church building needed help in putting a concrete floor in, the LORD has blessed the work with a heavy-duty truck, therefore I carted river stone, gravel & sand from the river to the building about ten miles in-between, twenty from the house. It’s all manual labour, I take men who have a willing spirit to work (they don’t get paid) I don’t have the budget to hire extra help. An entire day is consumed in loading fifteen ton of material. This is also unloaded by hand, rain or shine the work continues, we don’t just pack it in because the rains come. I live in a tropical rain forest environment, no one talks about it being hot in a desert, and no one in PNG talks about the monsoon rains.)

The next two days, we mixed (by hand) the concrete, poured the floor, this is not a big deal in developed countries, however when its hand labour, and (your involved) the finished job has a different meaning. I went from one job to the next, the Bible Academy building was built rough, with roofing sheets, however the floor needed concrete, so this too was mixed and poured. I am in the middle of this work simply because there isn’t anyone amongst the workers, men all of whom assist – that has a working knowledge of the ratio mixture.

After several days of curing, I set to the task of cutting out concrete tiling on the floor and painted with a two-tone concrete floor paint, it does look nice and adds light to the building.

Further to what has been said, I acquired the material to construct three pulpits-podiums for the three church buildings. The previous pulpits they had were simply made stands, however, this is 2024 not 1960 and there needs to be some upgrading to the church building. The timbers were hand planed, sanded and joinery was used to put together these pulpits.

I was reminded and am every time I work with rough timber, how the tree itself grown wild, without restraint, no guide, cultivation except the rawness of life. Rugged, tough, hard, and often times unprofitable (the tree) until, someone comes along carefully cutting the tree, selection is made for the proper cut to obtain the (best) boards, rough sawn, selection again, carefully dried, hand planed, sanded…what was once hidden to the natural eye, now becomes a showcase to all those who look upon it. So, too, we all were (wild) without restraint in our life of sin, how the LORD elects, takes us out of the jungle of life, cuts out, places us in Christ, through His work we are planed, sanded, made to become a polished trophy in God’s Kingdom. All those who look upon our lives, those who have been redeemed by His blood, clothed with HIS righteousness, we shine for His glory.

Anyone reading this who has been around carpentry, there is rough, finished, and joinery, I have done all the above, but, enjoy mostly the joinery as it reminds me very much indeed of many biblical truths.

I had a few days remaining to start preparing for my twenty-one-day mission patrol in the bush, many things I had to set in order, not only studying for messages to be preached, but also the physical, human side of preparations.

This will be detailed in the next report (s).

I want to thank each of you for your faithful support, I could not do what I do, without your assistance in this great work, His work!

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

November 2024 Report

Date: 03/Jan 2025

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

I am writing this missions letter from Malawi, Africa, after two months of being task saturated and going off grid for twenty-one days it has been difficult to keep up with the mission reports. My schedule and workload has changed, of which, I will also detail, however I want to go back and catch you (the reader, supporter) up to date from November, and then into December. I will have to break up the reports and put them into series, as there is too much to detail in one sitting.

November 2024 – This month I was coming to closing of the Bible Academy with the students, for six full months I had taught two classes, seven to eight hours per day, five days a week, until the middle of November. I have written much about how this school runs, the requirements, duties, and syllabus. Amongst the many chores and tasks, I had seen to it that the students were cared for, physically, medically, and spiritually.

The lessons all required translation, the typing, printing all was done in house, copies were made via town printers. All the exams I made one by one from the lessons taught, many weeks of lessons taught, all students wrote their own exams, of which, Saturdays were dedicated to grading papers, studying for Sundays and full board preaching on Sundays as well.

I want to share some good news, and encouraging too, there has been a dry spell in the mission work / amongst churches, and ‘the calling of God” unto men. Most of the older generation has died out, leaving a generation that I have known, but did not grow up with, or minister too, as I was in Malawi all those years. There have been four young men who gave their testimony that the LORD had called them to preach. God uses many things, ways, events, and even people to guide, solidify, and even help to make clear (this calling), I do NOT agree nor endorse, anything outside of the (direct calling of God) to His man, however I do believe God uses those things I have mentioned, to confirm this calling many times. I strongly believe, that as the hard (Truth) of God’s Word has been taught, & preached, God used this in His own way to impress upon these men, His calling for their work in life.

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Why is it so many men who answer the call to God’s ministry, then after a short time, they abandon the ministry? God never has called ‘seasonal pastors’ or part time (substitute) missionaries, not sure where this comes in at, except (man-made laws).

I am thankful that God has called these young men, they are His labourers, not mine, however they were put into my care to tutor and teach. The days quickly passed as I was also gearing up for many jobs which, had been put on hold for months whilst I was teaching full time in the bible academy.

The students sat for their examinations the last two days of their school (at least) for a season. The last Sunday that all the students were with me, we congregated at one of the local churches, within Mt. Hagen area, of which, I preached. That following Monday was their day to find transport to return to their respective villages.

I had I.D.’ made for each of the students with the mission to assist them along with a letter endorsed by myself (with the mission letterhead) to enable the students to buy wine in Mt. Hagen and transport back to their churches for the L.S.

Much that is taken for granted in developed countries becomes a major issue in other third-world countries. As you the reader consider all this, remind yourself that I am not pastoring a local church where I make suggestions to the members, and they in turn go out and do themselves. Let me put it on a level you can understand, Mr. Pastor, you operate a bible school for the church members, you pay for their food, buy their medicine, take them to the hospital (pay the bill), or you perform the medical procedures, you construct the quarters for the member-students to be housed in whilst at school, you make sure they have bedding, water, food, some kind of power to study, ready, charge their phones etc… the list goes on, they are people and have people needs. You Mr. Pastor, you are the teacher, you study, you translate because the lessons are not in the vernacular of the people.

You type out the lessons, print out a master copy and go to town to make copies, come back and stand (not sit) for seven to eight hours teaching, you don’t just hand out the papers and tell the students to read this section and study… no, no, no you teach, you make it clear, you break it down to baby food. Then after all week of teaching, you have your Sat off, not again, you have no Sat off, you have to do your own shopping, pay your own bills, cook your own food, and clean up your own house. You have to make sure you study for tomorrow as it is the LORD’S Day, and Heaven has no place for (lazy so-called Christians.

Sunday is full board, none of this thirty-minute preaching, the people will not stand for it, and want to be fed, you don’t wear out the people with Scriptures either, you preach, make plain, you give the understanding, cause the people to be attentive as did Ezra in his day. You Mr. preacher, make up the exam papers based on the lesson taught, you don’t just put yes and no questions to make it easy for yourself, or the student! You grade the papers over the weekend even when you have to stay up late, knowing tomorrow is class.

This schedule is repeated week after week, your budget is not increased, no member gives you anything, everyone is looking to you for the completion of this task, to help with labour, giving on oneself in physical chores yes, they are ready, but the financial side its laid on your shoulders. Question… how many of you are willing to do this? If not, why not? And if you do, what level do you do it on?

I am simply sharing with you what I face in the mission work here in PNG, I don’t have the income of many, yet what comes in (all) goes out at the end of the day, I just rely on the LORD to feed me, house me, and keep me strong. I have no complaints, only to give thanks unto our LORD, and to thank His people for giving what they do. I appreciate the prayers, (if indeed are true prayers) for the work and myself, perhaps more than the money itself.

I know how to live on sweet-potatoes and pumpkin leaves for greens, days on end, God knows what I do, fail to do, and do do….

The month of November was heavily loaded for me and only by God’s grace I was sustained, only through His mercies being new every morning, through His gifts of health, strength, the energy, and His H.S. guiding me in teaching the (Truth) as I know it to be, I have been able (in Him) to accomplish six and half months of teaching, training to and with these students. Most of them are pastors, the four young men recently called to preach, and a few young men who assist their pastors in church work.

Our Lord changed the world with Eleven men, perhaps I will be used to change the country of PNG with these thirty-four men (students)!

May our Lord bless each of you and keep you in the centre of His will.

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

October 2024 Report

Date: 6^th November 2024

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

1Jo 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1Jo 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

The month of October has been laden with the Bible Academy, my timetable and teaching as been as per the following: Monday through Friday of every week, seven hours per day in teaching. The lessons are not library supplied, no prepared script, or lesson outline, I don’t have material that has been prepared by the board of education or Seminary learning centre, no, no, no rather all material must be prepared by myself, translated from different languages to their national language here in PNG. I am not looking for praise or pity, I am communicating to you the reader, supporter (in whatever capacity) that means to you, the work load that I have on my plate.

There is no “free time” for me, the school days are long as I am not seated just handing out a lesson, or outline, these people (the students) are not academically trained, nor have past experience in schooling. There is only one man who is a public school teacher, however his teaching level is that on PNG level, he himself completed grade twelve, no college or university education. All others are grass-roots level, therefore the teaching (must) accompany your audience.

After school, I have translating, typing, and studying the material to make sure (I) get it right… don’t think that preachers always get everything correct! We too make mistakes, we are human, men of the earth and struggle with the (old nature). Every preacher (IF) he is worth his salt will season his ministry with prayer. I ask a simple question? How much time, do you (the reader) spend in your domestic chores, shopping, going to visit friends or family (which, has nothing to do with the ministry), how much time do you spend watching T.V. programs? Ask yourself, how could I better spend my time for the LORD?

I have been at this schedule now for six months without a day off, my Saturdays are packed out with domestic chores, (handwashing my clothes) cleaning the house, preparing meals for the next week, shopping for myself and the school needs. Studying for Sunday. Sundays have been allocated (by request from the students) for me to preach on subjects which, have been raised in class, but no time to teach additional classes. Our Sunday services are usually three hours long, this is open air preaching, if any preacher reading this has preached open air to big crowds you will understand the strain it has on your voice…(no microphone) you are the microphone…when the Bible says Peter lifted up his voice; (Acts 2:14) “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:” This does not mean he spoke like he was dictating or giving a lecture!

The Lord’s work is not just about giving of (material things) though these too are needed in various ways, however, the giving of oneself, time, energy, labour, work, effort, study, teaching, preparing the material. I often wonder how many Sunday School teachers, preachers, seminary instructors etc… study to prepare the material, (from the Bible) not just take other men’s writings and or material? The Bible is the textbook, the Word of God is the syllabus. Is it wrong to use other men’s prepared material? No, however, like I was taught… its like eating fish, consume the meat and spit out the bones, but for a novice, many times they get the bones mixed with the meat!

The Lord has blessed this school, there are thirty-four men (students) that have stayed with it. Divided into two classes (standard one; standard two) the students will continue through standard four, at which time they will have completed one thousand hours for each academic year in the Bible Academy. (Luke 9:62) “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

I wonder how many Christians (as they are called by God’s Name) have put their hand to the plow and lef the plow in the field and went back?

The LORD has been working in the lives of these men, none of us know the (mystery) in which, the H.S. works within the lives of people. We think we do, we often run before The LORD, we do, make, initiate and often times become frustrated because things do not work out as we planned or anticipated… “Wait I say (Psalms 27:14) “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Two young men have publicly announced to the class that the LORD has called them to the ministry of preaching HIS Word. Many times I am asked by these people how can we supply men to further GOD’S work, my answer.. (Luke 10:2) “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman

September 2024 Report

Date: 1^st September 2024

Dear Pastor, Church, & All Supporters:

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

I reflect on the above verses in relation to that past weeks of teaching here in the Bible Academy of PNG. We have thirty-four students, some who have no academic background or training at all, some very little, and a few middle grade, and two with High School (grade 12) education. This being said, in light of much confusion regarding even the very basics of (exegesis), this generation of preachers/ pastors were not taught anything, except they carried the name Baptist, yet not knowing what it meant to be one.

I want to establish a thought…It is NOT acceptable when someone tries to build a doctrine on one verse, the Bible is its own commentary, God will define His own Word and the same principle, precept, law, teaching, doctrine will appear in other places throughout the Word of God. (Deut.19:15; Mt.18:16; 2Cor.13:1). Learning how to study the Bible, the proper way, there are some questions that must be answered relative to the context, or narrative. Some questions which, may be asked are as per the following:

To what class of people is the context talking to (saved or unsaved or all?); Is the narrative restricted to (local church context)? Does the context speak to the Nation of Israel, or the Gentiles, or all of mankind? What does the grammar tell you, is it masculine, feminine, or neuter? What tense is on the grammar, (past, present, or future)? Is it a verb, adverb, adjective, noun, participle etc…. what does the word actually mean in the original tongue. I do translation work, have for many years, you cannot just make up words, and you are not at liberty to put your own meaning on words within a language. What did the word mean in its origin, how did the word change (if it did) and what does it mean today? All these questions MUST be answered, IF one is going to teach, & preach God’s Word in which, they MUST be acceptable to GOD, not man.

Each week, I invest thirty-five hours into teaching, this does not count the studying, translating, typing, and so on. There isn’t a library that I go to in order to ‘check out’ the lessons (prepared), no material provided by except what is in the Bible. Teaching is not something helter-skelter, its systematic, there is an order. Material has to be outlined and it must make sense. Every two weeks on their Friday, becomes examination day, again, the examination papers I have to prepare (based upon the material taught) within the past two weeks. Questions are not just (yes, or no) a few multiple-choice, but mostly, the examinations are structured in order for the student to (think) before writing the answer. Some questions are formatted asking the reader to confirm or deny if such and such a statement is true. Though these people are simple in their applications to life, and many have not had academic training, however this does not mean they are stupid or incapable of learning. When it comes to God’s Word, as Paul said, we can have (Ten Thousand Instructors, yet we only have One Teacher the H.S.)

As a general rule, why are there multitudes of Christians (as they are called) yet know very little about the Word of God? Well, there are several reasons… (1). They don’t have ‘spiritual leaders’ who are serious about the Word of God and entertain people rather than teach them. (2). These same shallow Christians are not hungry for the Word of God, rather their appetite is for worldly things, they don’t come to church regularly. (3) The church they are members of do not have (bible study classes) apart from the regular worship services. (4) These Christians do not search the Scriptures to see whether or not ‘these things are so’.

I want to encourage each of you who have an interest in the mission work that I am involved in, Firstly, there is a good spirit in the school, the student (pastors) have settled down and realize that they have much to learn (so do I), I feel many times, it is I who should be the student, not the teacher, but there isn’t anyone else here so I simply ask our LORD for wisdom and understanding. The pastors see the opportunity that the LORD has given them, to turn this mission work around, they can be used to change PNG as a Nation if they will themselves to be ‘used by our LORD’ forsaking all to ‘follow Jesus’.

I have seen fruits in the lives of these men, several have grown (spiritually) in great strides, their presentation of the Word is now with boldness, whereas before they were unsure (mostly because of lack of teaching). Let me say this, all labours (from whomever) to whomever, is an act of (mercy). The time invested in preparation, study, prayer, going, delivery, and son on all these steps are acts of mercy, this great fruit is towards our fellowmen.

These people don’t have much, yet they complain very little, many of them own one set of clothes, some no shoes yet will eat their sweet-potatoes and pumpkin leaves day in, day out and never complain. I was sent some special offerings from my home church to help in the school here, and I bought rice bags, tin fish, some cooking oil, salt, instant coffee, and sugar and to take note, one would have thought these students were dining with the King, (spiritually speaking they were). Where does this leave you?

I want to thank each of you for your great offerings, sacrifices and prayers for this work, and myself. I want to encourage you that God is doing great things here in this work.

In His Name,

Missionary Peter Halliman