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: panagioite042gmail.com
Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com
Date: 27th Feb 2024
Dear Pastor, Church, and All Supporters:
2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set-in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
Malawi Mission trip continued – Part Ten in series (Jan-Feb 2024)
There were few days to prepare between the ordination service of Bro. Edwin Chipala, and that of Bro. Eric Dinala, between the two weekends, much preparation was needed, I could have been more involved in the (physical & monetary) aspect, however, for all the years I was here in the past, I heavily invested in both applications, hundreds of reports reveal that end.
It is time for the child to be weaned, in so doing, one does not go reverse the growing process. Perhaps that is the main problem with many mission works, (or churches) (?) you too decide how that shoe fits you!
As I committed to study and the spiritual preparation, the time was upon us, the pastors who had come in for the first Ordination service, had stayed on, I kept them at the mission property and tended to their upkeep. With the opportunity available, I taught lessons every morning and afternoon, addressing problems in the mission work, and amongst the churches.
The 16th of Feb (Friday) the special service began at 09:00 we had quite a crowd for this small church, as the church service got under way the time for preaching came, I spoke with liberty for nearly two hours, the messages were directed towards Bro. Eric who would be ordained, and the church itself for the responsibility towards their pastor and his leadership of them. Scripture is not lacking in example and narratives for how N.T. church work is to be carried out, nor does GOD leave the spiritual leaders (under shepherds) without example as to how to behave, what kind of man they are to be etc…. I have often wondered how the modern-day vernacular has come to be accepted (Pastor so & so, my church, we hear). Repeat something long enough and you begin to believe it to be so. The Catholic’s teach that the Apostle Peter was the (first appointed Pope) etc… handed down to now! thus the say, the church belongs to (the Pope) my church, my church) why do Baptist copy this vernacular? Should we not use the Bible verbiage (I pastor so and so, I am the (under-shepherd) of the LORD’S church! If any pastor or church member reading this disagrees with me, email me and we will discuss further.
I preached much on this (under shepherd), you see, when you have been given the job to take care of (another man’s) property, until they return, you will be reminded that (care) should be taken when (overseeing). There are some titles and responsibilities that go with each title of this application (Pastor, shepherd, overseer, watchman, steward, and so on).
The H.S. gave much liberty and the Lord’s message was delivered, if we (preachers) ever learn to just study, give way to the H.S. and muse much over the prepared message, allowing His message to first marinate with GOD’s man, then get out of the way, and GOD’S H.S. will minister to the people. I have always said, the prepared message is only Plan B, what is truly preached at the time with GOD’s anointing Spirit will be Plan A.
Sat 17th Feb 2024 the day started at 04:00 with water being heated for bathing for the pastors and myself, breakfast was prepared and by 07:00 we were all dressed, ready and prepared for the day’s events. The day had come for Bro. Eric’ ordination, as people gathered, it was not long I knew the building would be packed.
The service had begun at 09:00, we had prayer a couple songs and then I preached a message, following was the public examination, as it had been with Bro. Edwin, so too with Bro. Eric also. The same question format was used and for the next seven hours, we endured the examination and answers to Bro. Eric’s testimony as to what he believed as a Baptist Preacher.
I would like to give testimony to this, over the years in my ministry, like all Pastor’ and Missionaries (Baptist) we all have certain individuals who excelled, some who raised the bar, some who just went a little further and so on. Perhaps GOD used all those twenty years in the formation, moulding, fashioning of the character of these two men, (God can say), but I do know this, I have not witnessed anywhere in the world (under my ministry) two men who answered unequivocally better than these two men. I personally would not be reserved to endorse or support these two men based upon their public testimony.
After the gruelling examination, and having proved himself, the laying on of hands and prayers offered are only a public identification (as seen in the bible) this does NOT make them a better preacher or give them any more of the H.S. it does not add or subtract from what GOD has already done for that one in their personal life. It is a testament to all (onlookers) in heaven and earth, that the ordaining council simply agrees, condones, and are in union with that one being (set apart) – ordained!
Time was given to the church members, and visitors secondly, to come around give the right hand of fellowship (church members) any sister church members, and then congratulate by visitors. Benevolent offerings were taken up for Bro. Eric, lots of singing and rejoicing. The final comments I gave and then the ending prayer.
Sunday the next day following, I would have Eric demonstrate the (gift) of his calling, meaning, to (preach), he and I would preach the charge to Eric, and to the home church.
17th Feb 2024 Sunday – Our day started early again, it breaks daylight in Malawi this time of the year around 04:45, therefore the kitchen area was busy in preparations of heating water for bathing, the food preparation for breakfast etc… The joy and presence of GOD’S H.S. could already be felt amongst the preachers and people, indeed it is (good) for ‘brethren’ to dwell together (Amos 3:3).
All was in order the building again was filled with people, I might make mention that many visitors had come from the villages to witness this kind of ceremony. There was quite a stir amongst the people saying, they had never witnessed such a church service and that many people who came from different walks of life, and from different denominations stated, “we have never seen a pastor ordained like this, and who can pass that kind of examination”?
Services started at 09:00 sharp, after prayer, some songs, then Eric preached a wonderful message (Why I am a Baptist), I had already prepared my message in advance (not having any way to know) what Eric would speak on, but much of what he preached on was in my outline, which, I preached on (John The Baptist, & Peter a pope)?
Our services lasted nearly four hours, BUT no one cared, or complained, be reminded that the building is open aired, no artificial cooling. With air temp’ in the high 80’ in building, humidity of 67% it was warm, but no one went home, walked out, or disturbed any part. The LORD spoke that day, the people were blessed, GOD’s messengers were anointed, and all were encouraged.
The day ended in great rejoicing as people slowly departed after a mid-afternoon meal. The LORD indeed smiled upon this time of worship, it had become a great testimony to the entire village, no greater testimony than for people to voice, their own eye-witness account on GOD’S wonderful grace and mercies.
We now come to the ending of this part of the series, and the two ordination services that were appointed. Thank you to each of you who have supported in prayers and benevolent gifts, either to the two men, or myself. This trip would not have been possible without your prayerful and financial support.
In many reports there seems to be much trial, tribulations and problems that are reported on, however ‘Lift up your voices in praise to a gracious God, from whom all ‘good & perfect gifts come’. Amen & amen.
In His Name,
Missionary Peter Halliman