From Village Friend to Full-time Crew: Kiki’s Journey on the Liberty

On one of our medical outreaches last year, the YWAM Medical team visited the village of Gamoi. That’s where Garrett Shue, one of our YWAM staff, first met a young man named Kikiwai, or Kiks for short. What started as a simple friendship in his village has grown into something really special for both of them.

Back in Gamoi, Garrett and Kiks spent a lot of time together talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. Before the team left, Kiks shared that he would soon be moving to Madang for college. Since the YWAM Liberty is based in Madang, they exchanged contact information and promised to reconnect when he arrived.

A few months later, Kiks started his studies at the Maritime College in Madang, and from that point on, Garrett and Kiks began meeting regularly, sharing meals, hanging out, and simply walking through life together. Through intentional discipleship those small dinners and conversations became stepping stones in what God was planning for Kiks’ life.

As Kiks advanced in his studies, it became clear how perfectly his path aligned with ours. He was studying maritime operations, and we of course are a ship ministry. At first, it was partially a joke to talk about the idea of him joining the Liberty, but as time went by, it became more real. After completing his GP 2 maritime rating, he applied to serve on the ship, and earlier this year, we welcomed him as part of our Engine crew.

Keeping the ship’s heart beating, Kiks has been a blessing to everyone on board. From maintaining water and septic systems to helping with generators that keep our lights and power running, his work ensures the ship can function and continue bringing medical care, dental services, and Bible translation support to some of the most remote coastal communities. He works hard, never hesitating to step in with maritime duties, cleaning, or moving equipment. Yet more than his strong work ethic, what truly stands out is how his heart has grown for the Lord.

When Kiks joined the ship, he came for maritime experience. Yet through living alongside missionaries, worshiping together, and being immersed in a community that centers around Jesus, his life has started to change.

During a recent devotional time, Kiks even decided to lead our morning devotionals. Speaking to a large group that included all our visiting translators, he shared from Scripture on the parable of the seeds, reminding everyone that when God’s Word takes root in good soil it produces lasting fruit. He testified to how God has been speaking to him and challenging him to live with a heart that is open and fertile ground for the gospel. To see a young man who once welcomed us into his village now stand boldly and declare his faith to others was a really special moment for all of us on the ship.

Kiks’ story is a picture of what God is doing through this mission. What began as a simple meeting in a village has grown into discipleship, transformation, and fruits of leadership. From Gamoi to the decks of the Liberty, Kiks is not just a maritime trainee but also a light to those around him.

We are grateful for his life, his service, and his testimony, and we are excited to see how God continues to use him.

Written by Garrett Shue

Photos by Garret Shue

Photo from the day Kikiwai met Garrett Shue and the rest of the YWAM Team (May 9th 2024)

Group photo of Gamoi Village. See Kikiwai in grey standing with arms up (May 9th 2024)

Kikiwai leading the morning devotional (August 13th 2025)