Support ministry
The Hulls began their support work in Papua New Guinea at the Mission Center in the highlands of PNG. Due to Brad’s health concerns, this seemed to be the ideal place for him to work. The climate there has been described as “perpetual spring” by many and was the perfect climate for Brad. There are many needs for support workers on just about every field and a tribal ministry just demanded too much energy from Brad. Their new role at the mission center was in the “Store & Tribal Supply Department.”
The Hulls worked at the Mission Supply Store for the first year until they were requested to consider other ministries. The Mission Center is also the location of the Missionary Kids (MK) School, Numonohi Christian Academy. The school was losing its preschool teacher and, although Wanda is not a trained teacher, she is especially gifted with small children. She began working in that ministry as well as teaching Bible classes to second graders.
Brad was moved to the Headquarters Finance Office where he was, to some degree, trained to do bookkeeping and accounting. This is an important role as all the missionary’s finances come through this office and the PNG government requires a yearly report on each missionary. Brad was able to use his computer skills to keep the finances well organized. During their first term in PNG, Brad constructed a number of spreadsheets and manuals and reorganized office procedures. He then trained nationals to do various office jobs so he could take on different jobs in the Finance Office.
During their second term in PNG, Brad’s main duty was Accounts Payable for New Tribes Mission of Papua New Guinea. This was a time intensive and detail oriented job. Brad computerized this job and turned a two-person job into a position that is now handled by one person. These changes laid the necessary groundwork so that Brad’s replacement was ready to take over when NTM changed its accounting program. Brad then became the full-time “Mission Mailman.” This job involved making 3 trips to town per week, then sorting and distributing the mail for about 250 missionary families and individuals. In addition, he was responsible for providing petty cash, postage stamps and others services to the missionaries as needed. Brad also streamlined procedures, improved the appearance of the Finance Office’s lobby and organized his office before his departure.
Wanda was busy teaching kindergarten and helping “bush mothers” get their kids ready for the classroom when they were old enough. She also taught a literacy class for national ladies.
The Hulls returned again to PNG for a half-term, but following the Lord’s will, they left PNG to pursue a new ministry, for them, in Sanflord, Florida. You can read about that decision and what they are doing now here.
The Hull’s have completed 5 ½ terms of overseas service – each term lasting 4 years (a ½ term = 2 years). 2 of those terms were in Thailand and 3 ½ in Papua New Guinea. Praise to the Lord for His faithfulness throughout it all.
Related Posts
