What does ministry fruitfulness look like in Papua New Guinea?
Alex Kocman talks with Bill and Lori Smith, veteran ABWE missionaries who have served in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for nearly 40 years. The Smiths share their journey into missions, the unique cultural and spiritual challenges in PNG, and the dual nature of their ministry—training pastors and missionaries at Goroka Baptist Bible College and providing medical care through a high-volume clinic and foster care ministry.
Bill and Lori emphasize that while PNG is often labeled a “Christian nation,” deep-rooted animism, syncretism, and spiritual oppression are prevalent, creating ongoing needs for evangelism, discipleship, and training indigenous missionaries to reach both remote PNG tribes and neighboring Pacific nations. They share real-life stories of God’s miraculous interventions and how, through it all, God is allowing them to plant churches, one baby at a time.
Key Topics
- Bill and Lori Smith’s background and calling to missions in Papua New Guinea
- Cultural context: animism, syncretism, and hidden spiritual strongholds despite widespread Christianity
- Goroka Baptist Bible College: 50 years of ministry, 500 graduates, 300+ churches planted
- Medical ministry: serving 150 patients per day, maternal care, and gospel witness
To find out more about the Smith’s ministry and to get involved, visit abwe.org/png. You can also contact Bill and Lori by emailing bill.smith@abwego.org or lori.smith@abwego.org.
Download the transcript for this episode.
Being a godly husband and father isn’t about one big heroic act, it’s about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode!
Want more of The Missions Show? Our premium content now lives on Patreon.
- Supporter ($5/month): weekly bonus shows with more in-depth conversation, behind-the-scenes content, and spiritual insights
- Insider ($10/month): the weekly bonus shows, plus a private Signal group with the hosts, quarterly live chats with Scott and Alex, and a thank-you gift for first-time subscribers
Join at patreon.com/TheMissionsShow.
The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.
Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.