Meet Team PNG

Canns, Lehmans & Mitchells in Madang

Where it all began

It was 2014, when we stepped off a plane in the land of Papua New Guinea. We came with two other families; the Canns and Dodds. Our minds were fixed on a single purpose, bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to people in PNG. The final destination being the Finisterre Mountains, an area untouched by roads and difficult access to it’s interior. The task would be a logistical puzzle, requiring different roles and expertise. The Canns and Dodds would eventually live in a village, learn a local language, and communicate the gospel. The Lehmans would administrate and support them from the local town of Madang.

Fast forward a few years and you will find that much has continued, and much has changed. We successfully placed the Canns and Dodds in the Finisterre Mountains, allocating them in the village of Mareroro. They began the daunting task of living in a new place and learning the local language. However, in the middle of language learning, there arose a need for the Dodds to return to the States. During that time, Matthew Dodd was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The progression of the disease was dramatic, ushering him home to be with Jesus Christ on July 18th, 2017.

In light of Mathew’s death, his wife Cameron remained in the States with their four children; Susanna, Benaiah, Onesimus, and Mary. The event of Matthew’s death, and the transition to life without him were and presently are difficult. Yet, in such circumstances, God continued to demonstrate his kindness towards them, giving strength to face each day. There was tremendous care and support for Cameron from family, friends and Grace Bible Church. Through every means imaginable, they’ve cared for them, and continue to do so.

In the midst Matthew’s diagnosis and death, the Canns were still learning language in Mareroro, and we were still supporting them from Madang. Though God was sovereignly reigning over all these unforeseen events, the Dodd’s empty house loomed large. It was a continual reminder of our lost teammates, and the work in Mareroro that was now left to Canns. Who would fill this void? Would the work continue in the village of Mareroro?

Where is the team now?

God raised up another family to take the place of the Dodds, as well as a single gal to speed the work. The Mitchells and Amelia Brink are from South Africa. They heard about the need for church planters in PNG at a pastor’s conference in 2016. Having finished their training, they chose to take up the Dodd’s mantle in the village of Mareroro. We are looking forward to their future ministry in PNG, working together with the Canns to make the gospel known.

Serving and supporting such dear friends is a joy. Praise God for what he is doing in Papua New Guinea, not only through our team but through other gospel proclaiming organizations as well.