New Pilots Headed to Papua New Guinea
At the end of October, missionary pilot/mechanics Luke and Tracy Hamer will be headed over to join the rest of our team in Papua New Guinea. In a conversation with them, they explained that while they love their current jobs flying for Taquan Air and living in Alaska, "being where God wants you to be is way better." They are so grateful for their sending church, Calvary Bible Church in Ketchikan, AK, and to everyone who is helping them along in this journey.
As we have walked with them through the process of preparing to serve overseas, it has become apparent to us how amazing this couple is and that they are responding to God's call at exactly the right time. Having the Hamers in Papua New Guinea is an answered prayer for our ministry along the Sepik, but it also sheds light on a pressing need.
Floatplane Need Even Greater
The addition of Luke and Tracy to our team will bring the number of Samaritan Aviation pilots currently in Papua New Guinea to three. These pilots are crucial to our mission, but are limited in their capacity after the retirement of our first plane. By helping us to complete and send our newest floatplane to our base in Wewak, you are doubling the impact that we can make in Papua New Guinea. Please consider how you, like the Hamers, can respond to our present need.
Ultrasound Makes Big Impact
Last year, Clearer Imaging LLC generously donated a portable ultrasound machine, expanding the services and diagnostic capabilities we are able to provide in PNG. The unit is currently being used at several locations, including a free weekly clinic offering prenatal care to expectant mothers. As we further our medical vaccine outreaches to include maternal and infant health training and services, the portable ultrasound has proven to be extremely useful in these remote locations. We are grateful for this incredible asset as we continue to battle staggering maternal/infant mortality rates and to see happier, healthier moms and babies in PNG.
Other Medical Equipment Needs: Several local clinics and village health workers are in need of stethoscopes (not disposable), automatic blood pressure monitors, fetal dopplers, and pulse oximeters. If you would like to donate any of these items, please contact our office at 970-249-4341.
Introducing Robert Mapmangu
Sharing the love of Christ through action has been our purpose and mission since the beginning, and this often happens in our hospital ministry. After a year of prayerfully seeking out just the right person to work alongside our staff, we are excited to introduce to you our new Hospital Ministry Staff Member, Robert Mapmangu. We first met Robert in 2015 while he was working as a contractor on our compound renovation. We were initially drawn to him because of his dependability, hard working nature, and great sense of humor. When we began a daily Bible study with the construction workers, it became very apparent that Robert was a believer who knew and loved the Word of God. After several more months discipling and getting to know him and his family, Robert joined our national staff.
Robert and his wife, Ludi, have been married for eleven years and have three children. He brings with him eight years of experience as a welder and carpenter and also helps to maintain our compound. While typically quiet and reserved, Robert becomes passionately bold when sharing the gospel of Christ and caring for our patients in the hospital. He has been an excellent addition to our staff and is thriving in his training to become a leader in this important ministry.
