Month: March 2025

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!

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:   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.

 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