Though Abel Nima only started working with MAF in Bougainville in 2025, he began serving in missions twenty years ago – and it’s been a catalyst towards a complete transformation of his life.
Story by Matt Painter
“Years ago, I was basically what we call a ‘ten toea rascal’ (ten cent criminal),” said 56-year-old Abel Nima. “I would just hang about drinking home-brew or beer, picking fights with other guys, stealing things—doing the kinds of things of this world that God doesn’t like."
But when the Bible was translated into his own language, everything changed.
“It shot straight into my heart, into my very bones, and I said, ‘I must follow this path where God’s Word is’.
“When I changed and started living God’s way, I felt that God’s Spirit was now with me, and I wasn’t carrying a heavy load anymore,” said Abel. “I was able to work with joy, all the time.”
That transformation happened when Abel began working for the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), helping to build their regional centre in Bougainville.
Abel still serves on the same property in Buka — but now as the Grounds Manager for MAF, who have taken on most of the office and residential space.
Abel is married to Tresla and they have eight children aged from 11 to 25, and six grandchildren. The tall and enthusiastic Bougainvillean carries an infectious smile with him wherever he works.
“I do all kinds of trade work,” he said. “I mow the lawn, remove weeds, plant flowers, rake the property. I do carpentry work, fix things up, do painting, plumbing.”
But among his many tasks, Abel’s standout passion is for missions and for the transformative power of God’s Word.
“I’m really happy that when MAF came, they are doing similar work to SIL. They also share God’s Word.”
Abel is particularly excited about the audio Bibles that MAF has been distributing to help those with vision or literacy limitations.
I’m really happy that when MAF came, they are doing similar work to SIL.
“There are plenty of people who cannot read here. The crisis caused many children and young people to be illiterate,” he said, speaking of the devastating conflict that killed many and left lasting effects on the population of Bougainville between 1989 and 1999.
“People who can’t read are so pleased to hear God’s Word through the audio Bible, because it speaks and they hear. God’s talk has power – power that’s greater than everything on this earth.
“Before the terrible time of crisis, we had MAF here,” added Abel. “But during the crisis, service, everything, the government – it all stopped. But the churches were here and held up the people of Bougainville. God’s Word and things of the church were strong at this time.
“Now that MAF has returned, people are so happy. They are buzzing with anticipation to board the plane because for a long time, they’ve only been using boats.”
The people of nearby Nissan Island can reach Buka in about three and a half hours by open boat, explained Abel. But their journeys sometimes face the very real dangers of piracy and stormy weather.
“Nature and wind won’t announce to you when they will come,” Abel said. “That’s why they run into trouble in the middle of the sea, and why they are afraid of getting into a boat.
“Now, they are so happy that the plane will go to Nissan. They’re excited and they’re coming and buying tickets.”