Standing firm and pushing forward!

Traveling for the purpose of missions is always a challenge. Traveling to Papua New Guinea is an extra challenge.

Maclau and I went to check in in Honolulu for our flights to Port Moresby. They asked for a PCR Covid test, which we didn’t need to because PNG is no longer requiring them. I explained, is not needed. They asked for a return ticket, I said I don’t have one because I am waiting on my daughter’s Australian visa to book the flight. Plus, I don’t need a return ticket to enter PNG. Philippines airlines said they had the requirements for PNG and it says Covid test and they seemed confused with my visa. They said it doesn’t matter what the destination country requires, they go by what the airline covid-19 requirements are. Even if they were last updated in February and it had gotten updated in April!

Sitting on a concrete bench, with Maclau, not knowing what will happen...was a big wave. I kept thinking, why is there so much push back? I couldn't believe the questions I was being asked and we were facing the possibility of buying a flight back to Kona because they denied us boarding.

Why does it have to be hard? And the Lord reminded me that is not an earthly battle. Going out to Papua New Guinea to extend His kingdom, to encourage our teams on the ground, to train them for the upcoming outreaches, to hug them, and be with them moving forward His mission....is not going to be well received at all. So I fought back my tears, stood firm and waited for God's salvation.

"You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

2 Chronicles 20:17

Also she said Philippines Airlines is not flying to Port Moresby. I'm sorry, what?! They told me the managers were meeting in Manila and they would let me know. 3 hours later they said the managers agreed to update the requirements and let me board the plane. Ahhh! (I was able to breathe now...) Thank you Jesus!

And... they do have a flight to Papua New Guinea! They kept saying how nobody goes there. Luis was texting me (4 am in Madang) and we were trying to think how do I return to Kona if they don’t let me board.

In Manila, they asked me 3 times where I was going. I kept saying “Port Moresby”, what country? Papua New Guinea. We are going to Papua New Guinea!