Trip Summary
It is difficult to put into words the life long lessons God taught us before, during and after our trip to PNG. Going to PNG has to be one of the more expensive W&W trips and as we prayed about financing and wondered if we were doing the right thing God opened doors that we never expected to open. The finances came in ways we have to consider miraculous.
The second thing that we prayed about was our desire to join God in His work. We didn’t feel that God needed us to accomplish His work in PNG but rather that we would keep our own thoughts and plans at a minimum and wait to see how God directed us. We really didn’t want to spend that much money and energy and not experience the deep working of God. God did not let us down and our time in PNG was definitely a spiritual mountain top experience. Here is what we found most meaningful: Although the work project was enjoyable and gave us a sense of accomplishment it was not the best part of the trip. The very best part of our trip was the time we spent getting to know the Nationals and the Missionaries. We will never forget the devotionals brought to us by the Nationals as they shared their hearts with us. Singing with them was an experience we will remember for as long as we live. Their deep love for God and their happiness in spite of their very difficult lifestyle challenged us to simply our own lives and give more to those who are truly in need. The time spent with our Missionaries was incredibly wonderful, they have given up the materialism of American to reach out to a people with great needs. We deeply admire them. The beauty of the country is amazing as is the poverty. It is so evident that the Nazarene Hospital has profoundly changed the lives of many Nationals throughout the highlands of PNG. They are so proud of the hospital and so very grateful for all who come to help with the work there. We were there for two short weeks and left with life long friends whom we will never forget.
Since we have been home God has been showing us that although we Americans live a pretty lavish lifestyle that we can and do experience poverty of the soul . While the Nationals of PNG may experience financial poverty many of them are judged to be wealthy in God’s sight because their wealth is measured in the depth of their relationship with Him. They have nothing materially to hold them back and their Christian lives are so God centered that we could all learn many valuable lessons from them. While we went to PNG thinking we were helping them in the end they helped us to experience God in ways that will forever enrich our lives.
Would we go again…in a heartbeat. If God sees fit to call us back to PNG we will pack our bags and be there. I will say this, however, you should not go unless you are prepared for God to do a real work in your heart because you just might come back a different person.
Gordon and Barb Winter
No Comments on “Gordon and Barb Winter”
You can track this conversation through its atom feed.
Leave a Reply