As I embarked on the 2-hour journey from Cincinnati to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend a remarkable gathering of former missionaries to Papua New Guinea (Papua New Guinea Bible Church), I couldn't help but reflect on my own journey. The call to this missionary bung (missionary gathering), as it's affectionately known, had reached my ears years ago, but it had always been a distant thought. However, everything changed after my 5-year missionary term with the Papua New Guinea Bible Church and an invitation to reunite with our family of former missionaries in Papua New Guinea who had now returned to the United States.

My earliest memories are filled with the presence of missionaries around me. Growing up in Pabrabuk, their stories and dedication were ingrained in my upbringing. Inevitably, I too was called to be a missionary, eventually returning to my own country. Thus, the prospect of reuniting with familiar faces and meeting new ones was exhilarating.

During the drive to the gathering, my mind wandered to the profound knowledge I now possessed, knowledge that had been absent in my earlier years. I pondered the sacrifices these individuals had made, leaving behind the comforts of their lives – electricity, running water, education, pension funds – to embark on a journey to a rugged and undiscovered land. In those days, Papua New Guinea had no roads, no telephones, no hospitals – none of the conveniences we take for granted today.

These dedicated individuals arrived in Papua New Guinea before its independence in 1975, still under Australian rule. They faced unimaginable challenges, including bridging the language barrier since our parents and grandparents knew little to no English. They introduced us to the gospel and the transformative Holiness message, and in doing so, changed our lives forever.

Upon my arrival at the gathering, I was met with smiles, warmth, and a sense of unity among the former missionaries. Each smile concealed the deep connections forged through shared experiences. It was here that I realized the magnitude of their journey. Only those who have walked in their shoes can truly understand the challenges they have faced, some of which may forever remain untold.

For the past 25 years, a tradition that began a quarter-century ago, these extraordinary individuals have come together every other year, totaling 12 gatherings in all. During these biennial gatherings, they have united to offer support, engage in fervent prayer, and provide mutual encouragement. Although they would never boast of their greatness, I sat in the presence of greatness that day. Most of these men and women arrived as young adults and raised their families in a foreign land.

Their children grew up immersed in a foreign culture, and when they returned to the United States, they faced yet another culture shock. The challenges they encountered were never openly discussed, and many struggled to readjust to their own society, often being viewed as outsiders. Despite these hardships, when asked if they would embark on this journey again, the resounding answer was yes – for the sake of the cross.

The purpose of this gathering is to provide former missionaries with a forum to come together, offering mutual support, sharing stories, and praying for the ongoing ministry in Papua New Guinea. Even those who left the mission field many years ago still carry with them the tradition of bringing bilums (traditional handwoven string bags), bilum caps, photos, and memories to these gatherings.

The Papua New Guinea Bible Church and its former missionaries have taught us the value of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the Lord's work. The next generation can look back at this legacy and recognize that their parents would not have had the opportunity to hear the gospel if it weren't for these pioneers.

Recently, we lost a great missionary, Robert Brock, who had faithfully attended every bung (missionary gathering) until his passing. This gathering serves as a sacred space where former missionaries come together to share, uplift one another, and pray fervently.

What struck me most during this gathering was their deep connection with Papua New Guinea and its people. They celebrated their bond by preparing a traditional PNG Mumu meal, cooking food in the earth like an oven with hot rocks. The ingredients included chicken, meat, cabbage, greens, sweet potato, cassava, pumpkin, and corn, making it an authentic PNG Mumu meal. This act of cooking together, reminiscent of their time in Papua New Guinea, showcased their love for the people and their culture.

The next time you attend church or visit a mission station, take a moment to remember these former missionaries and offer a prayer for their well-being and the impact of their work. Many of their grandchildren now sit at their feet, listening to their stories and looking at the pictures of their incredible journeys.

As I journeyed back to Cincinnati, tears streamed down my face, and my heart swelled with gratitude. I had witnessed something truly special, something that would remain etched in the recesses of my memory. This experience serves as a reminder that even our seemingly small contributions can have a profound impact on the farthest corners of the earth. These remarkable individuals have touched the lives of generations, and for that, we are eternally grateful.

In closing, let us remember the words of the King James Version of the Bible, in Philippians 4:13, which says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." These former missionaries exemplify this verse, showing us that with faith and unwavering dedication, we can indeed accomplish great things through the strength of Christ.

To all the former missionaries, we love you, and we thank you.