Why would they so quickly treat us as wantoks? In Papua New Guinea, a wantok is someone who shares a common identity like family, tribe or language, but the term can also be extended to a true friend. Daniel and his family in Ama received Joella and me as though we were part of their family. To them, we were wantoks because we were the missionaries they longed to have among them.

I had the privilege of praying with Daniel and anointing him, as he was very sick when we arrived. Sharing some verses from the Bible in Pidgin, I highlighted God’s loving character and healing power in Buk Song 103:1-5 (Psalm 103:1-5). Even though we learned that he died within a couple of weeks of our first interactions in Ama, we knew it meant much to Daniel to meet us and see the realization of his longing for missionaries to come serve his tribe.

Daniel was the papa graun (landholder or owner) of a nice piece of land where he wanted missionaries to build their house and to have a new Seventh-day Adventist Church where the gospel would be shared with his people. Daniel’s children and grandchildren are united in desiring this as well and gave us a gracious tour of the property. One of the family members also plans to have a house near us so they can ensure everything is safe during the times we will be away.

Daniel began his long wait for a missionary 50 years ago. Several generations have now been waiting for our presence in their community. Thank you for helping this long wait come to an end and providing the prayers and support required for us to live and serve among these beautiful people.

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