It Takes So Little To Make Such a Big Difference

Written By Carter Keefe

Date; March 2025

The first medical outreach with YWAM Ships Liberty marked a powerful beginning—bringing both physical sight and renewed hope to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Susan was part of the optical team, helping provide eyewear to those in desperate need. In many parts of Papua New Guinea, something as simple as eyeglasses is out of reach for most. As a result, countless people live with impaired or almost no vision.

To reach these communities, Susan and the team boarded the YWAM Ships Liberty vessel, then transferred to smaller boats to access remote villages along the Rai Coast. With no roads available, the journey to these isolated areas often took several hours. Despite the distance and difficulty, the team knew that what they were bringing would be life-changing.

Early in the morning, Susan and her team arrived at the location. “There were around 2,000 people waiting in line before we even started the ministry at 8 a.m.,” she shared. “Most of them were older—people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Many had walked hours, even days, barefoot just to get there. The glasses we handed out cost only a dollar to make. To them, it felt like we were giving them a million dollars.”

The need was overwhelming—but so was the response. Dr. Claudia Choy, the medical outreach director at YWAM Ships Kona, explained, “We received people from all around: from clinics in Mur, Wab, and Saidor. Some even walked three days from Upper Namkina.” Clearly, people were willing to go to incredible lengths for care that most of us take for granted.

When asked about a moment that stayed with her, Susan said, “It takes so little to make such a big difference. Every person there was treated like they were the only person there. Everyone was open to prayer, and I prayed over each one. We didn’t rush. We made sure that each person got the proper glasses they needed—enough to see their own smile again. And those smiles… they were so genuine, as if we had given them a million dollars.”

But this outreach wasn’t just about physical sight. It was also about spiritual vision—showing the people that they are seen, loved, and valued. Seeing the way God provided for these communities, and watching the staff share the love of Jesus through simple acts of service, was such a powerful reminder of what this mission is all about. It’s about bringing healing, hope, and vision to the nations.

Susan said it best: “That’s our story, and that’s it. I can’t add much more to it.”