Babies, Schools, and Church Planting in Papua New Guinea: Bill and Lori Smith

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 [e-mail] or [e-mail].

Download the transcript for this episode.

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