I never imagined I’d come this far. I experienced times of confusion and lost faith in the harsh realities of life, but God never forgot me. He reminded me of a promise I made in fourth grade—to serve Him—and, through His grace, guided me back on track.

I hail from the remote shrubs of Kopafo in the Bena Bena area of Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. Life was challenging. I wasn’t a model student; I often fought, bullied others, and faced trouble in primary school. Most people didn’t like me, and I understood why. I lacked guidance, and discipline was unfamiliar to me. 

Somehow, I ended up at Bena Bena Secondary School, where I studied from 2008 to 2011, grades 1 to 12. Gradually, my perspective shifted; I began to shed childish habits and contemplate life more seriously. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:11 resonated with me: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child... but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” 

One evening in Grade 12, I found myself at a quiet tree near our school’s agriculture plot, a place where Adventist students gathered. 

The still night air, glowing moon, and the chorus of insects surrounded me. I knelt beneath the tree and cried, “Lord, what is Your plan for my life?” Suddenly, Isaiah 65:24 came to mind: “Before they call, I will answer...” My heart raced as I felt a presence nearby. Then I heard a still, small voice call my name: “Kebo, remember the promise you made in Grade 4.” 

That moment changed everything. 

I was accepted into Sonoma Adventist College in 2012 to study theology, but college life was challenging. I often survived on a single meal a day, borrowed laptops to complete assignments, and occasionally took cassava from the school farm to cook for myself. 

Once, I was caught and suspended. Yet, during those tough times, I kept praying, “God, what is your plan for me?” The still small voice reassured me: “You promised to be My servant.” 

After graduating in 2014, I served as a chaplain, Bible teacher, and pastor in the Eastern Highlands and Simbu Mission Adventist churches and schools from 2015 to 2019. Then, from 2020 to 2022, an opportunity arose for me to pursue further studies at Northern Luzon Adventist College in the Philippines. Despite hardships, I chose to trust God, and He carried me through. 

In 2023, God opened another door, leading me to begin my Master’s at AIIAS. However, I soon experienced heartbreak with the loss of three close family members, overwhelming me with pain and doubt about God’s plan. Yet, He reassured me, saying, “You are My servant, and I am walking with you,” while Psalm 46:10 comforted me: “Be still and know that I am God.”

I completed my Master of Arts in Church Ministry and thought it was time to return home, but God had more in store. Dr. Benjamin Robert (AIIAS Administrator) encouraged me, stating, “God brought you this far—He’s not done yet.” Inspired, I enrolled in a second Master’s—Science in Administration.

Looking back, I see a journey shaped by grace. Through hunger, heartbreak, and hardship, God never let go. My message to the reader is this: If you’ve made a promise to God, hold on. He will lead. When storms rise and doubts creep in, remember—God walks with you. Keep pressing on. Your destination is closer than you think.