Goroka Project Update: March 2025

“I am ready right now to see Jesus face to face. Are you ready?” 

With these words, Pastor Rex concluded his morning devotional to the patients at the Seigu Clinic in Goroka, Papua New Guinea. He continued sharing the gospel throughout his day ministering at the clinic. As the sun set and Rex went home for the night, he called out to his coworkers, “For God’s glory!” 

That night, a massive heart attack ushered Rex into the glorious presence of his Lord. 

News of the 53-year-old pastor’s passing plunged the community into chaos. 

Trained at Goroka Baptist Bible College (GBBC), an institute founded by ABWE to train Papua New Guinean church leaders, Rex had planted multiple churches, reaching drug addicts and others far from the Lord, spending Sunday afternoons enduring harsh sun or heavy tropical rains to travel between churches to preach. 

“His life passion was to share Christ,” reflected Lori Smith, ABWE missionary. 

But as local believers grieved the 53-year-old pastor’s loss, surrounding villages plotted retribution. 

“If a non-elderly person dies without any apparent cause in Papua New Guinea, many people believe the death is a result of witchcraft or evil spirits,” explained missionaries Phil and Jan Smith. Despite large numbers of professing Christians in Papua New Guinea, many remain under the sway of superstitions or untouched by the gospel entirely. 

“They will attack the village or person they think cast a spell on the deceased in an effort to drive off the evil spirit.” 

Residents of three neighboring villages converged on Rex’s village in a coordinated attack. Armed with knives, they destroyed homes, uprooted gardens, slew livestock, looted possessions, and assaulted villagers. Within a short time, the village lay devastated. 

Hearing of the onslaught, ABWE and GBBC ministry partners scrambled to provide food and supplies to those left with nothing. 

“We were able to reach into the need after the destruction to help replace items lost,” shared Lori. “That had a huge impact on many, especially the unsaved. . . . People are seeing real Christianity with love and compassion.” 

This is the vision of the Goroka Project: to train a generation of leaders like Rex whose faithful lives—and even deaths—will make Christ known among the lost. 

The Need Is Urgent 

GBBC has already trained nearly 500 national pastors and leaders who are planting and strengthening churches in 16 provinces. Yet, the physical and spiritual needs of the nation continue to grow. 

To meet the need, we are expanding and renewing GBBC’s facilities. Significant progress has already been made. Our team has finished work on the boys’ dorm, missionary home, staff housing, and campus electrical upgrades, and a brand-new Seigu Clinic has been funded as well. 

But much remains to be done. To continue the Goroka Project and resume construction this spring, we’re praying urgently for at least $900,000 by March of the $2 million phase total needed. This will allow our team to: 

  • Build a two-story classroom building to meet growing capacity needs, including construction, inflation, fees, and furniture ($613,000 total). 
  • Add duplex faculty housing to recruit and retain indigenous Bible teachers and missionaries, fully equipped and move-in ready ($292,000 total). 

These improvements will enable GBBC to expand its reach, preparing up to 200 students on campus in the near term while laying the groundwork for future growth. The long-term vision of training 1,000 students annually will require additional expansions, but this project is an essential step forward. These students will proclaim Christ, plant churches, and disciple communities in every corner of PNG. 

Your Role in the Mission

To date, $1.3 million has been raised toward the $6.7 million total project cost. We’ve made great progress, but reaching the $900,000 milestone for this next phase is critical to keep this project moving. Your generosity can ensure that GBBC remains a thriving hub to train leaders to transform a nation. 

When you give to the Goroka Project, you are training pastors like Rex who will faithfully shepherd churches, equipping leaders to teach biblical truth and push back spiritual darkness, and helping to transform lives and communities with the hope of the gospel. 

Will You Partner With Us? 

Every dollar you give helps raise up faithful leaders who will transform Papua New Guinea for generations. Whether you give a gift of $50 today or sponsor a whole building, your gift directly impacts this essential ministry in a needy place. 

Please prayerfully consider making a gift today to reach our $900,000 milestone by March. Together, we can see a new generation of leaders proclaim Christ and bring lasting change to Papua New Guinea. 

For the sake of his name among the nations, 

Paul L. Davis 

President
ABWE