The devastating landslide in Mulitaka, Enga Province, on May 24, 2024, killed 162 people and displaced thousands of people. The OM team in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been heavily involved in relief efforts.
Among those in a camp for internally displaced people (IDP) were Steven and Elizabeth Thomas. Steven, the former Director of Bible Translation in Papua New Guinea, and Elizabeth were able to help distribute relief supplies delivered to the camp by the OM team.
Gabby (PNG), one of the OM team, said, "We implemented the project with the help of the Thomases, the Chairman of the Council of Churches in Enga and the Papua New Guinea Defense Force. Our relief effort was targeted toward the affected population and the caregivers.
"As of August 2024, there were 200 families living in tents in one of the IDP camps that have road access. We delivered clothes, family packs, Bibles, Christian fliers and a tent. Each family pack contained two pots, one copper dish for cooking, five plates, five cups, five spoons, five forks, five laundry soaps, five bath soaps, a potato peeler and a small knife.
"A tent was also provided to Mrs Thomas to be used as shelter to provide counselling to people at the care centre. Unfortunately, time did not allow us to set up the tent."
Caring for the caregivers
Despite the efforts of rescuers, only 12 bodies were recovered and given a proper burial. There is a suggestion that a monument will be built at the site to remember all those still buried there — possibly up to 2,000 people.
During an initial visit, the OM team was told that the military recovered the 12 bodies without having any personal protective equipment, with some even having their toes sticking out of their worn-out shoes.
In response, the team has been able to provide the military with 32 pairs of gum boots, 36 raincoats, 36 pairs of gloves and 500 face masks.
OM in PNG also assisted two groups of volunteers who have been serving in the care centre for many months, nine local churches impacted in the area, two prayer groups and a few pastors.
Salvation, evangelism and discipleship
OM team members used the opportunity not only to help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the landslide but also as an opportunity to walk with and disciple those who volunteered.
Gabby said, "Each day begins with devotion and ends with prayer. There are many stories of how people were impacted through serving with us.
"Jessie is a young father who volunteered. After his first encounter with OM, he asked if he could be part of the team. We welcomed him to the team. He watched us, listened to the conversations and took part in the discussions. On Sunday, he followed one of the teams to church. When they returned, he talked with a few team members and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.
"One other Christian organisation knew about the disaster. They wanted to help but did not know how to. When they heard that we were helping, they called and asked if they could join us. When we arrived at the camp, we used their PA system to share briefly about OM and talked to the crowd about Jesus. After this, they went to the camp with food items."
Blessed to be a blessing
The team has seen God use individuals, churches and several business houses to support the work. As a result, 230 families, students from a school close to the IDP camp, nine churches, two prayer groups, 36 military personnel, pastors and two groups of caregivers have received assistance.
"When we embarked on this project, we had little idea of how much we will raise, yet we had the willingness to trust God," Gabby said. "There is an element of fear and faith combined with the willingness and desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the afflicted. Fear in a sense that we don’t have the funds and we lack human resources for a task of this magnitude.
"But many people gave towards the project, which we are thankful for."
One of these people was Jordan. In August the team learnt that the truck scheduled to bring the supplies to Mount Hagen didn’t have a container. They contacted a trucking company and were advised to send an email, but as it was late in the day the team expected to have to wait for a response and, as a result, delay the delivery.
Barely a minute into writing the e-mail, the phone rang and the caller said: “I heard you are trying to bring some relief supplies to Mulitaka. I will help you bring the supplies to Mulitaka”.
"Just like that God provided a trucking company through a Christian brother. God is never too late or too early. He makes all things beautiful in His time," Gabby said.