Many of us take computer skills for granted. But when Kowara Bell attended a simple course run by MAF Technologies, he saw just what it means for determined remote pastors to learn how to create presentations and documents, and how God is at work, even behind the screens.
Story by Kowara Bell
Not many people get to witness firsthand the many impacts of Mission Aviation Fellowship across remote communities in Papua New Guinea, but as a Communications Officer, it’s my privilege to do just that.
But it’s not just the transformative impact of our flights on which I get to report—I also see the changes that technology brings to people’s lives.
I travelled to Timil Waghi in Jiwaka Province to cover our Basic Computer Training programme for the Evangelical Brotherhood Church, whose representatives came from across five provinces to enhance their digital skills for ministry.
The opportunity came on short notice, but that’s one of the exciting parts of my role—being ready whenever there is a story to tell, capturing moments that show lives being impacted by the work of MAF in isolated communities.
The drive to Timil Waghi from the MAF Technologies office at Goroka takes four hours. We move through the rugged and breathtaking landscapes of the upper highlands, along zigzag roads that are surrounded by rolling mountain ranges.
The training brought together pastors, administrative officers and church representatives from remote centres, aiming to strengthen their capacity in basic computer skills to support their church administration and ministry work. They came from Jiwaka, Western Highlands, Chimbu, and the East and West Sepik provinces, many of these places known for their challenging geographical landscapes where support in communication and technology is vital.
I met Pastor Simon Gold, who described the computer course with confidence and vision, as a vital initiative.
“It is a great milestone in our lives, as some of us have laptops and people assume we know how to use them, but we do not,” Pastor Simon said, reflecting on the reality many faced before the training.
“Although I own a laptop, I previously lacked the knowledge of how to use it, but the training has equipped me with practical skills and a better understanding of basic functions and uses,” he said.
Pastor Simon shared that the skills the participants gained will enable them to transition into the digital space, allowing them to better prepare sermons and church programmes, as well as producing documents more efficiently.
It quickly became clear to me that this was more than just a computer course for the participants, as they were introduced to essential skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, which many found challenging and unfamiliar, especially for those who had never used a computer before. It was empowering each person to develop critical life and ministry skills to be able to function in the digital space.
I also met Ronny Galman.
Standing with a bold and confident presence, Ronny is a pastor from the remote Jimi district of Jiwaka Province.
He spoke with heartfelt gratitude, saying that it was through God’s wisdom and guidance that he and the other pastors where able to complete the course.
“I had no clue how to operate a computer, but I want to say thank you,” he said, as his voice broke and eyes filled with tears.
“God’s work is in this, and it has really helped me.”