SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST MISSION
International – Papua New Guinea / Malawi Africa
P.O. Box 60150 Ndirande Bt. 6 Blantyre Malawi /
P.O. Box 233 – Mt Hagen (WHP) Papua New Guinea
Tanggi Mission Station – North Koroba, Hela Province, PNG
Missionary / Evangelist: Peter A. Halliman
Email: panagioite04@gmail.com / Website: sgbm-malawi-africa.com
Date: 14 July 2019
Dear Pastor, Church, Supporters;
Luke 8:41–44 — And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
I have referenced the above Scriptures in light of some physical detainments that I have faced recently. More and more I am given a different angle on GOD’S Sovereignty and loving kindness.
I recently wrote a short mission report on a physical condition that required immediate surgery to correct. The condition was determined to have developed some time ago — a tear in my gut lining and fluid leaching through tubing into one of my testicles. This produced fluid and swelling. It was also found that there was twisting of a spermatic cord which could only be repaired by surgery.
I would challenge any reader of these reports to remove all security measures placed within your life, and cast yourself upon the LORD — the Immanuel, the Risen Saviour, our Jehovah GOD and LORD — and step into an arena where only the nakedness of your faith is all you have to hang on to.
Three weeks ago I arrived in Mt. Hagen and detected the physical awareness of my condition. Not having health insurance, nor knowing any doctor here in PNG, I began to do my own research.
There is a mission hospital about an hour’s drive east of Mt. Hagen — a private hospital owned, operated, and financed by the Nazarene church here in PNG. The basics they have; the necessities are available; and everything becomes relative when viewed in the light of eternity and our LORD.
I followed protocol, and after an hour of diagnosing, the young doctor from PA determined that I had a Hydrocele with a testicular torsion. We went immediately to the office of the surgeon — a young lady from CA, three weeks in the country and barely over jet lag.
After another examination and ultrasound, the surgeon suggested surgery immediately. I weighed the situation and felt I was neither physically nor mentally prepared at that moment to go directly into surgery.
In a developed country, things are different — communications work, someone is usually there with you, family or friend who can handle communications and organisation. I had neither. The two men with me had limited English and no tech skills. I had not spoken with my family, my pastor, or anyone who might help if things were to worsen. I was the only driver, and these two men were on my ticket. I had set nothing in order at the home where I was staying.
We agreed that the following week on Tuesday I would be prepared to come in for surgery. This was now Wednesday, so I had five days to prepare.
On Sunday the 7th I preached at the local church here — over one hundred present. The LORD blessed our worship and gave great liberty. Though no one made a profession, the Word was presented without fear or favour. The message was: “If you think you have problems, sit in Job’s place!”
Tuesday the 9th I was up early and we departed home at 06:30 hrs. I met with the Anaesthesiologist and shared a story from Malawi years ago during an accident that required surgery, where they administered enough anaesthesia to put me under but not enough to knock me out — so I could feel the surgeon but couldn’t wake up to stop it. I explained I did not want to duplicate that experience. His name was David, and he assured me I would be ok.
The lead surgeon came in to have prayer with me before starting. His name is Ben. It was not long until I was out, and the next I knew I was in recovery trying to wake out of the medication.
I was met by David who explained that the surgery was a success and everything was repaired, but it would take some days for full recovery.
After three hours I was released to go home. There is a woman — a national who is a registered nurse and had worked at this hospital for seven years — who knew most of the staff. The doctor met with her and gave her all instructions and medication information. She took me back home in her vehicle as it was lower and more comfortable than the Land Rover. Soon I was home and needed to lie down.
I had not eaten in two days, so with the heavy medication and my blood-sugar having dropped, I became nauseated. I called Samson to assist me and as he ran to collect a bucket, the next thing I knew he and other members of the family were all around me wailing and trying to get my attention. I had simply passed out and fallen out of the chair onto the concrete floor. I was not hurt, but it put a panic in the family as none of them had any medical education.
Soup was prepared, tea was given, and I was taken outside for some fresh air. Soon all was well; I simply had to follow the healing process and take the medication.
It is eight days later, and I went to the doctor for a check-up today. He gave a good report, saying everything is healing normally and in fact says I am ahead of schedule. I wonder where that came from!
I asked questions that I did not get to before, including whether this problem could return. His reply: “The chances are very minute.” The tear was repaired and all seemed to be well. I am simply to finish my antibiotics and change the dressing until completely healed.
I am able to drive and perform most of my daily functions, excluding hard labour or strenuous exercise for a couple weeks yet.
Once again the LORD has performed another miracle, at least for me HE has. I will start preparing this week to go to the mission station — I am still packed and have not yet reached home since the 11th of June.
The GOD of true Love and everlasting compassion, HE who is full of mercy, has touched my body and given me a great deliverance and healing.
I want to thank each of you who lifted up prayers to the Throne of Grace on my behalf. It was a great relief to know I had prayer warriors standing in the gap for me. I had great peace about all this, and cannot say enough about the assurance this gives a child of GOD.
In His Name,
Missionary Peter Halliman