We are back in Australia from Papua New Guinea

Linda and I Have just returned back from Australia from Wewak, Papua New Guinea. It was so good to go back again. We felt very welcome by the staff and the community alike. It was like coming home!!
Originally back about 10 years ago we set out with a vision to establish a Christian radio station unique to the nation of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is unlike any nation in the world. Our heart was to see a youth targeted station with the majority of the programming in music form. We also wanted a station that would attract non-Christian listeners as well as Christian that would evangelize and build up the “Body Of Christ. We did not want to sound like a “church on the air” nor broadcast for the supporting listener’s sake. We felt that the Lord was challenging us to focus on and impact the youth of PNG with cutting edge music/ministry that would bring it’s listeners to the knowledge and nurture of the Lord Jesus Christ and help to unite the Body Of Christ in the process.
We were very pleased concerning the station when we arrived. Tony Dua our station manager has come a long way since meeting him ten years ago in Mt Hagen. We see tremendous growth in his life and he has kept the original vision for Laif FM which of course is exciting to us. He is stepping out in many areas of the ministry as he works to take the station to the next level. This young man is excelling in his potential! We are very proud of him!
The Share-A-Thon was a very big success! It was a 5 day long on-air time where we asked the listeners to take ownership and pitch in some money to see the station grow in listener coverage. It was fantastic to see the listening audience give thousands of Kina into the work as they took ownership of “their” radio station. This group- type of fund raising is very effective here in PNG mostly because this parallels some of their cultural practices with group giving for bride prices, compensation, etc… We were amazed to see money coming into the station from children, youth and adults many being non Christian! We were in awe! I’m thinking of one young man who didn’t appear to be a Christian and gave Kina 1000.00 to the station. Another 10 year old girl brought a Kina 10.00 note to the station. There are many stories like these! Truly awesome!
Laif FM (pronounced “life”) is a very popular station! As we were around town this week we were often approached by people thanking us for bringing Laif FM to Wewak. Christians and non-Christians alike are enjoying the station. As we were leaving our guest house for the airport to head back, a security guard approached us and thanked us for Laif FM. He told us that many have repented because of the music they hear on Laif FM. Again there are many stories like this one. It’s encouraging to see the impact the station is having on the greater community. Linda and I are truly encouraged and we thank God for everything he is doing there.
We are here in Cairns Australia now and have 9 days to rest (which we very much need) before heading back to Darwin. Please keep Laif FM and staff in your prayers.
Love …Bill & Linda