Snapshots from Abroad: Short Time in PNG Touches the Heart

“Immediately my heart was stirred and I began to look into opportunities to serve.”

Originally from Southern Alberta, Canada, Melanie Snider, Nurse Practioner, recently volunteered with one of our teams on board the m/v Pacific Link in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Having known about YWAM before from family and friends, it wasn’t until YWAM’s founder Loren Cunningham spoke about the medical ships ministry within the organization that Melanie’s heart began to stir.

“I have always had a heart for medical missions but drew back mostly because I thought I needed to commit long term. When I found out that outreaches can happen for weeks at a time, I was very intrigued.”

When Melanie was in PNG, typical outreach clinic days consisted of breakfast, chapel/prayer time, and loading up the zodiacs with supplies and people to head to shore to set up clinics on the island.

Clinics would run all day. Children’s ministry, Bible teachings were being run by her fellow volunteers as well as serving the community in ways they felt led.

“It was a beautiful picture of Jesus’ hands and feet at work. I heard PNG called the ‘Land of the Unexpected’. So I guess I really had no idea what I was getting into. However, it was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Something that sticks out for Melanie was the beauty of everyone engaging in what they’re gifted in to serve all at the same time. With a large team, many people were doing a lot.

“God is faithful. He goes before us, with us and behind us (her motto for outreach).”  

If you’re wondering how to get involved, take Melanie’s advice: “Pray for opportunity. If God opens the door, even a crack, take a step of faith and walk through. You will never be the same.”

By Jaime Gomez
Port YWAM Kona Communications Staff

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Interested in knowing more? Contact us. We’d love to chat!

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