The Nebilyer Valley, located about 30 minutes south of Mount Hagen, has a difficult history marked by tribal conflict. These conflicts have limited opportunities for education and social development in the area. Many locals speak only a regional language called Tok Ples, while some understand Tok Pisin.
This week, a door opened for outreach in Nebilyer, and I would like to share what happened. Preacher John, who graduated this year from Western Highlands Bible College under Missionary Kenny Seremac, has a deep burden for his home region. His wife is from Nebilyer and she also went.
He invited me to visit the community to distribute tracts, gather people, and preach the gospel. After prayer, counsel, and research, I felt peace about going. On Monday, we traveled to the area, passing a Baptist church along the way. Preacher John explained that the church was over an hour’s walk from the village, which made attendance difficult.
Upon arrival, I sought out the village councilman to announce my intentions and seek his blessing. We walked along a smooth dirt road with paths leading to homes, mostly traditional haus kunai. The councilman, though limited in English, understood Pidgin and welcomed me freely to preach the gospel to the people.
Preacher John then took me to another preacher’s home. Preacher Harri and his family greeted me warmly, moved that a missionary came to bring the gospel to their village. They prepared a simple space—a mat on the ground and a covered jug for me to sit on—where they could listen to the Bible being read. Many are unable to read well. Though some felt conviction, no decisions were made that day. They offered me bananas and popo as gifts before we departed.
Later, we encountered a haus krai—a traditional assembly honoring the deceased—attended by all councilmen. The first councilman I met announced my presence, and I was invited to preach to about 300 people. I shared that I would return for a Wednesday evening service, then Preacher John and I distributed hundreds of gospel tracts throughout the village.
From this initial visit, I observed:
- Logistically, the village could sustain a fellowship.
- There were saved individuals who had never been discipled.
- There were many lost souls who needed to hear the gospel.
- The community welcomed us warmly.
- I had the peace of God about this work.
On Tuesday, I prepared hymnbooks with 15 English and Pidgin songs in anticipation of our next visit.
On Wednesday, Theresa, Destany, and I returned with Preacher John and his wife to Preacher Harris’ home.
A village man who owned some land for a potential future church building helped carry my hymnbooks. He was unsaved but attentive.
About 45 people attended the service, including many children and teenagers. Preacher Harri prepared a simple setup—a metal drum with a blanket as a pulpit, with two seats for Preacher John and me. The service included announcements, hymns, scripture reading, and a gospel message focusing on the necessity of Christ’s blood as payment for sin rather than human works. Several attendees appeared to have came under conviction.
During the invitation, John asked if anyone would like to receive Christ. The man who owned the land raised his hand. He and I spoke privately with the help of a Tok Ples interpreter, and he placed his faith in Christ, feeling relieved from the burden of sin. I will continue to follow up with him.
Additionally, Theresa was moved to reach out to a 10-year-old boy in the village who is deaf and mute. She found a vintage Chick tract called The Wordless Gospel, which explains salvation entirely through pictures. We hope this will give him an opportunity for salvation where none existed before.
The councilmen officially welcomed me into the community and affirmed that having a church could bring both spiritual and physical benefits.
Moving forward, I will walk alongside Preacher John as he leads the people, focusing on gospel preaching and discipleship. Our immediate goal is consistent weekly meetings and spiritual growth for the villagers. While a church building may be a blessing in the future, our current priority is ministering to hearts and equipping believers with the Bible.
CPR Missions 