I was born in Wewak, in the East Sepik Province of Papua New Guinea. I am the fifth daughter born to Maria Mare and Aluis Haunt.
Because we did not have the money for school fees, I raised funds so I could go to high school. I did further studies through the College of Distance Education, but then difficult circumstances forced me to withdraw from school. Because my father could not afford to pay school fees for all of us children, I was chosen to stay home. I was angry and felt let down.
In January 2003, two returning missionaries, Jill Bakandu and the late Josephine Pelis who both served with Operation Mobilization, came to my church to share about missions. Their testimonies moved me to tears. In March, I heard that BTA needed a bookkeeper and secretary in Ukarumpa. I went and had an interview with one of the staff who said that the salary wouldn't be much. I told the translator that, for me, money wasn't a big issue; I only wanted to be part of the work and ministry of a mission organization. I also desired to have a taste of what it would be like to serve as a missionary.
When I received my acceptance letter from the PNG BTA Highlands Director to start work, reality hit, and I found myself starting to reason, “What about my parents? Maybe I heard wrong or maybe it was my own thinking and not from God.”
A week later, the Lord brought me peace when I opened my Bible to Genesis 12. In this story, the Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country and your people; leave your family. Go to the land I will show you.” I feel God has called me to serve him through the ministry of PNG BTA.
God has spoken through His Word and revealed Himself to me. I talk to Him like He is my Father. He continues to supply all my needs, just as He promised in His Word.
