I’ve been teaching everything that I thought was long forgotten from my mind to a couple of nationals regarding electrical work, plumbing, appliance repair, and most importantly solar heating tech. The preferred method of training in PNG is apprenticeship, meaning that no matter how I explain the technology, they want to see me do it and then have me watch them before they even want to touch a job themselves. There are a few schools and training centers around; however, it seems like the majority of professionals/technicians learned their skill by working with someone else for a span of time before branching out on their own, or before the unfortunate passing of their aforementioned mentor.
My computer skills seem antiquated in the states. At times I wonder if my degree is actually in Punchcard Technology; however, here they will take whatever they can get, and old items are not thrown away simply on an account of age. You never know when you might need that MS-dos 3.5′” floppy disk again–yes I did have to use such a disk in the course of my repairs here. The Tech Center, where I spend much of my time, looks more like a technology antiques display; however, if you love to “MacGuyver” things, then the mission field has plenty of opportunities. I have married the old and new of the world of computers to make somethings work and the fun part is that what would be scoffed at back home, becomes someone’s first computer that saves them hours of overtime and walking here.
There is more more need here–with the nationals and the mission–than any one person has time to address. The point of interest that I continue to find is that you do not have to be an expert in any certain field to help. The smallest bit of knowledge is something that can be taught to and savored by another. What is considered a very common skill for most of us, can become a profession and a means of support for an individual over here. Granted, they first of all need Jesus. The vises of their culture, both from their ancestors and from the arrival of the white man do great harm to their struggle for cultural and social development; in-fact some claim that it is a fight that they are loosing; however, freedom from the spirits that continually plague them and the one hope that conquers all fear is needed here to give them the strength to stand for good and for progress in a culture trapped between two worlds. The training of nationals as missionaries and pastors who blanket this island calling for the people to repent of going after two gods, or more, and live a life seeking and depending upon the power and truth of the creator of this could-be paradise, will change these people more than anything else. Sharing God’s love in tangible ways is opening the door, but brave men and women in the same spirit as Boniface and Patrick who will walk through it will truly change the fabric of all 700 cultures here.
Finally; Kudos to my beautiful wife who is learning how to be a “Country Doc” from the talented Dr. Bennet and the brilliant Dr. McCoy (I still have yet to ask if I can call him “Bones”). She used an old Montana trick from Andy to separate a fish hook and an adolescent boy’s toe the other night that was truly impressive to watch. I would have gone for the trick using a long string and a quick jerking action, but her finesse left the crying boy with little more than a couple of holes the size of an 18 gauge needle. She is scared when she gets thrown into these environments, but she performs admirably. I am seeing a truly wonderful doctor in the making.
Thank all for your continuing prayers and support. We need them as we begin our final week here and our long trek home. Grace and Peace, Ryan