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On June 11, 2005, the Wantok Radio Light Network in Papua New Guinea was dedicated to the Lord's service. Our Director of Ministries, Garry Sutley, was there in this incredible event that drew thousands of jubilant supporters Garry traveled with our dear friend and co-laborer Joe Emert who filed these reports.... |
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| Dear Friends, We wish this photo could capture the excitement under the big-top tent! Approximately 5,000 people sat on the ground for over 5 hours while another 6,000 or 7,000 people stood outside completely surrounding the tent.  It was the official Launching of the shortwave station and FM network covering Papua New Guinea. Reports have poured in from around the nation as listeners report on the coverage on one or both of the frequencies. Other reports have come from Japan, New Zeeland, Australia, Canada, surrounding islands, and even the State of Washington! The 5 hour nationwide broadcast really seemed to fly by. Numerous Choirs and musical groups presented songs of praise, many of them custom written for “Wantok Radio Light”. To see that “first contact” excitement on the faces of adults and children alike, as they heard Christian radio for the first time, was simply awesome!  Dr.
Allan Marat, Member of Parliament and former Deputy Prime Minister
was the featured speaker for the event. Just before this photo was
taken I had handed him my Sony shortwave/FM radio and the grin on
his face was great reward as he listened intently to the live
service. Many were curious about the “digital delay” which is a
confusing effect of observing a song or speaker live, but then
hearing it come through the radio seconds later.When Dr. Marat rose to speak he announced that he was laying aside his prepared and typed remarks, as the Lord had directed him to speak from his heart. He called the nation, and Parliament, to a life of holy service to Jesus Christ. He spoke with a holy passion! He may be a Doctor of Law, but he sure “preached” a message of grace! Later, on our flight back to the Capitol city, he signed and gave to Doug Doran a copy of his undelivered speech. Doug said, “I was just overwhelmed by his honesty and his commitment to the Christian message. It made me want to come and vote for him!”  The crowd enthusiastically responded to his call to commitment to the Word of God as the essence of why we were created. He said, “Along with partnering churches, supporters, individuals and corporations here in PNG and abroad, Wantok Radio Light has been, and will be, in the rescue business. Wantok Radio Light was prepared for a big rescue mission.” Following Dr. Marat’s stirring remarks, the Provincial Governor for the Southern Highlands Province, Honorable Hami Yaware (also a Member of Parliament) spoke of the powerful difference already being made in his Province, now covered by the shortwave station and the first FM repeater station installed at Ialibu. As he concluded his remarks he handed a government check for K150,000 (Kina) to the Chairman of Wantok Radio Light as a gift from the government. He had also provided a separate gift of K50,000 to help pay for the event that day! K200,000 Kina is approximately $75,000 dollars! Imagine that happening in the United States!! The PNG government is so very supportive of this national effort, perceived by many as a powerful force for healing and wholeness in this hurting nation.  As
the Launching service concluded, the Master of Ceremonies very
briefly mentioned that if anyone wanted to make a contribution they
could come forward after the closing prayer and place an offering in
one of three 5 gallon buckets. The prayer was offered and we found
out later that over K35,000 Kina was given! That is over $10,000 US
dollars from people in desperate need themselves, some who walked
over 40 miles to get to the service. Liquid joy could be seen on the
cheeks of many! Tears are a language!God has given us a large responsibility. The people of Papua New Guinea are underwriting the operational cost of their Wantok Radio Light. But they cannot do it alone. Our partnership is of great assistance in the areas of radio planting, equipment, engineering and programming consulting. Yes, we are leaving on June 14 and will pillow our heads soon in the comfort of our own homes. But we will bring part of the heart of Papua New Guinea with us. Thank you for your wonderful prayer support and financial investment. As one PNG brother said during the Launching service… “The ground forces have been working hard, but now, the air-force has arrived! May all praise be God’s! Joe Emert Tenk yu tru and God i blessim yu. ("Thank you and God bless you" in PNG Pidgin.) |
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