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Imagine a thriving Adventist movement in the South Pacific. Do images or stories come quickly to mind? This podcast recounts important events, stories and memories from Adventists throughout the South Pacific. These mission stories from our past are proof that the Adventist movement is alive and thriving. Listen to these podcasts and step out to join these pioneering Adventists with Jesus on His mission of making disciple-makers in the South Pacific.
Timtimaug, a young man from a remote jungle village in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, found himself unexpectedly caught in God's attention. Living in a time when government services were scarce, he had never even heard of schools or Christianity, let alone God. However, in 1972, his path crossed with an Adventist elementary school, setting in motion a series of events that would transform his life forever.
Drawn by curiosity, Timtimaug returned to the school and was invited to join, with the hope that he would bring the Adventist message back to his village. Soon he got baptised in 1974 at grade three renaming himself Samson. He excelled academically despite being older than his classmates, aspired to become a medical doctor. Samson persevered through setbacks, including missing entrance exams seven times and struggling to secure a place in medical school.
During his wait, he engaged in ministry and church planting under the guidance of a white missionary named Pastor Robertson. Samson eventually got married in 1987 and began working, but when he learned that only trained ministers would be recruited as full-time paid pastors, he sought employment elsewhere. However, a fortuitous accident left him bedridden just as he was about to leave the ministry behind. Pastor Robertson found him again and convinced him to embrace his calling.
From that moment, Samson fully surrendered to God's plan and faithfully served as a pastor for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 2006. Even in retirement, he continued to pastor and plant churches, while his family expanded to include six daughters, two sons and seven grandchildren. Samson's life is a testament to how God pursued him, transforming a young man with a troubled past into a dedicated servant and minister.
Like Paul God called Samson “to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”
Despite Samson's attempts to run away, God persistently drew him closer. He is grateful for the Adventist heritage and education that enabled him to find truth and salvation, as well as the opportunity to share the Gospel with the nation, his village and family.
Today, Samson's children are planning a community project and a small church to uplift their village, which still lacks basic services. He is proud to have his nephew and fourth daughter follow in his footsteps becoming pastors. Apart from his immediate family and nephew none in the village are Adventists.
Verse of the day:
“To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” Acts 26:18 (NIV).
Jacklyn S Nembai in the Women and Children Ministries director at Papua New Guinea Union Mission. Former academic with eight years of experience who is passionate about human development, spirituality, and discipleship.