God's Amazing Plan
Lori Smith, Papua New Guinea
There are times in ministry when all we can do is just stand back and watch as God orchestrates the events of our lives and the plans in our ministries into a melodious masterpiece, exceeding our wildest imaginations. Such a time occurred this past month.
We had been planning some very intensive outreach into the heart of Satan's stronghold in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG).The town of Mount Hagan was our target. This area is one that has been plagued over the years with violence and disorder that has intensified especially these past months. Discord had even woven its destructive coils into the very heart of our Baptist churches. Division and hurt had caused separation and decreased the effectiveness of the outreach into their very needy town. This was a source of prayerful concern for our team of missionaries.
During the weeks prior to the planned evangelistic outreaches, sparks were flying as riots broke out in the main town area of Mt. Hagan.Gun exchange is common around town and the market area as police chase down the ever-present criminal element. Reminiscent of the Wild West of America's history, we began to question God's leading in trying to bring an American pastor to this area when he would be unaccustomed to such an intense cultural experience. But none of this was a surprise to our all-knowing God. It was all a part of His incredible plan.
The week before our meetings were scheduled, Nori, one of the most prominent men in Mt. Hagan, died after a long battle with cancer. He was a deeply-loved and well-respected businessman. He was gloriously saved years before, and God had transformed him. He had used his affluent resources over those years to impact others for Christ by assisting many churches throughout PNG.
In our limited view, we had great concern that this would cause distraction to all we thought God wanted to accomplish through these special meetings. But God simply knew that we needed some harmony added to our discord to bring out the full potential of the masterpiece He had planned. Because of Nori's direct impact on so many churches, pastors from all over the nation flocked to Mt. Hagan. With the reality of the brevity of life so obviously demonstrated before their eyes, pastors from the Mt. Hagan area bonded together, and a wonderful, internal revival took place where forgiveness was sought. Pastors who had broken fellowship over misunderstandings or minor disagreements came together for this time of celebration of the life of a man who truly lived a selfless life focused on others. As they mourned and remembered the blessings of this life, they were personally challenged and convicted.
Over 800 men and women, wailing and mourning, congregated at the house where his body lay. The pastors used this opportunity to stand together and share the gospel with them, many of whom had no hope to see Nori again unless they too would trust in Christ. What a blessing this time of sadness brought. With an influx of people from all over the province and country coming to take part in the funeral, even more people than we had dreamed came to hear the gospel presentation each night. Over that very incredibly exciting week, we saw nearly 100 salvation decisions. The Christians who were challenged to recommit their lives to Christ was innumerable.
The enemy attacked that week with full force sending horrible storms, power outages, and tree-blocked roads, but none of this diminished the effectiveness of God's incredible plan. As prayers were lifted up from all over PNG as well as across the whole world, our cries pleased His ever-listening ears. He lifted His all powerful baton and conducted an orchestration so complex and powerful that all were amazed. I am sure the angels of Heaven added their voices as well, celebrating each soul saved during that incredible week.
The funeral service of brother Nori completed our week of meetings. How truly perfect! We were celebrating the hope that the gospel brings to all who believe. What greater message could we leave in Mt Hagan than that of hope through salvation alone.
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