Two personal stories from the Hope and a Future program
BY FAY FOSTER
Just one month ago, the 42.2km run, part of the Hope and a Future program, took place on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Now in its 10th year, the program is modelled on four key pillars – faith, fitness, education and leadership. It aims to give young Papua New Guinea nationals – most of whom are already serving in their corps – the opportunity to develop into future leaders in their churches, families, communities, workplaces and nation.
Below, two of the young participants share some of their journeys to joining the program and their marathon completion.
Kari
Kari suffered grief early in life when she lost her mum and her sister in a car accident.
Late last year, she was looking forward to two key events. One was her Christmas party at school, and the other was something Kari and her dad had talked about for some time – becoming part of the Hope and a Future program.
Kari trained with her friend for the marathon under trying circumstances, knowing that it was sometimes dangerous to go to the local beach to train. She was, however, committed to her goal.
During this time, her dad, Major Andrew Maino, became sick. His condition worsened, and the day before Kari was to run for selection for the Hope and a Future team, he tragically passed away.
Devastated, she felt that it might be best to give up her dream. She knew, though, that it was also her dad’s dream for her, and so bravely she turned up to run in the trials. She completed the run and, at the end, said, “I did it for you, Dad.” And she did it beautifully, making the team.
Kari ran the marathon in a much faster time than anyone expected. Again, she did it for her dad.
At the team’s debriefing meeting after the marathon, she thanked God for his goodness and shared her very sad and very beautiful story. She was named as the MVP (Most Valuable Player) in the team.
The days ahead won’t be easy, but Kari is determined to go forward, knowing her God is good. She has many people in her corner cheering her on.
Michael
In 2018, Michael left his remote village in Kware Province to move to Port Moresby where he worked as a mechanic. His parents had died when he was a child, and Michael and his younger sister were brought up by two women in his village.
When COVID-19 struck in 2020, Michael returned to his village and began to reconsider his lifestyle in Moresby. He knew he needed to make some changes. When he was invited through his church to try out for the Hope and a Future program, he saw this as a positive step for his new way of life.
Michael wanted to participate in this program to become a good leader in his community and his church. He is grateful for this opportunity to run the marathon, see new places and meet new people. He hopes that when he returns to Papua New Guinea, he will finish school, put his mechanical skills to work again, and become a strong leader with young people in his church.
“He’s fast!” said Envoy Bill Hunter, the team’s head coach, of Michael before the marathon. “The fastest ever time for someone in this program was three hours and 45 minutes. I think Michael will beat that.”
And he did! Michael was the fastest finisher of this year’s team, completing the 42.2km run in three hours and 24 minutes.
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, one of the program founders who supports the marathon team each year, shared at the debriefing: “Sometimes, when we come to these nights, you tell us all these amazing stories and say how much we have blessed you,” she said. “The three best years of my ministry were in PNG – the people changed my life and have blessed me forever. Your footprints are left on my heart. You are amazing!”
