In the remote village of Kaup, nestled in the Warakamb Valley on the border of Southern Highlands and Enga Provinces, a story of extraordinary faith and relentless pursuit unfolds. It is a tale of a young man named Martin, born into a family that dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the face of immense challenges and adversity, Martin's family stood unwavering, embodying the power of faith and determination. This article explores their remarkable journey, highlighting the indomitable spirit that guided them through the darkest of times.
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Martin standing with his parents on his graduation (19/04/2023)
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Martin's father, Maino Kalapanda, was a man of deep conviction and unwavering commitment. Serving as a missionary in the rural areas of Kandep, he faced numerous obstacles in his pursuit of spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The meager tithes collected on Sundays and the support of fellow Christians were often insufficient to meet the basic needs of his family. They endured times of hardship and uncertainty, with Maino sometimes contemplating abandoning his missionary work and returning to their village. Yet, his faith in Jesus Christ propelled him forward, refusing to succumb to despair.
One of the greatest challenges Maino faced was providing education for his children, including Martin. Education was a costly endeavor for the family, especially when they were already struggling to make ends meet. However, Maino's faith remained resolute, undeterred by any obstacle that stood in his way. He turned to prayer as a source of solace and strength, entrusting their worries, hopes, and dreams to God. The family's unyielding dedication to prayer became the bedrock of their resilience, providing them with the endurance to press on, even in the face of the most challenging times.
Martin, driven by an insatiable desire for education, embarked on his educational journey with an unwavering determination. Despite being born into a family with limited resources, he progressed from Winja Community School to Kandep Primary and eventually to Kandep High School. Throughout his schooling, Martin remained steadfast in his faith, exemplifying humility and kindness. He passionately preached the word of God to his peers and classmates, urging them to accept Jesus Christ. His unwavering faith and dedication were an inspiration to those around him.
However, in 2012, during Martin's 10th grade at Kandep High School, his path took a drastic turn. The national election that year brought devastation to his community, shattering the peace that had always eluded Kandep during such events. The clashes between political rivals resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, school closures, and widespread hunger. Martin's education was significantly disrupted, as he was unable to sit for his high school exams due to the ongoing violence. Chaos reigned, leaving Kandep deserted, its once-bustling roads eerily empty.
Undeterred by the challenges, Martin resolved to continue his education despite the adverse circumstances. In a heartfelt prayer with his parents, he expressed his intention to leave Kandep in search of educational opportunities elsewhere. Although his parents were concerned about the desolate roads and lack of transportation, Martin was resolute in his decision. Seeking their blessing through prayer, he embarked on an arduous journey with a fellow schoolmate and a youth friend from the church.
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The day Martin smiled after all the struggles!
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Their journey was nothing short of a test of faith and perseverance. They braved treacherous terrains, crossed fast-flowing rivers, and ventured through haunted villages on desolate roads. With each step, their hearts filled with ceaseless prayers, relying on Jesus alone. Finally, after an exhausting trek, they arrived in Wabag District, the capital town of Enga Province, the following day at 6 pm.
Arriving in Wabag, they found themselves in an unfamiliar territory, with no known relatives to seek refuge with. Their only hope was to find comfort in one of the Christian Apostolic Fellowship (CAF) churches around town in Wabag. Guided by locals, they made their way to a town church, hopeful for a safe haven. However, their hopes were shattered when the pastor turned them away, advising them to seek shelter elsewhere. This was a heartbreaking blow to the two young boys who had risked their lives in pursuit of education.
Despite the initial setback, Martin and his friend received help from kind-hearted individuals who offered them shelter. Martin stayed in Wabag for a few months, never losing sight of his ultimate goal. By the grace of God, he secured a space at Kopen Secondary School, where he sat for his grade 10 National Exams. His dedication and hard work paid off when he achieved commendable results and was selected to continue his grade 11 and 12.
Martin's educational journey continued at St. Paul's Lutheran Secondary School in Pausa, where he not only focused on his studies but also demonstrated remarkable leadership abilities. He led youths to Christ and inspired others through his unwavering faith, both within the school campus and his local CAF church in Pausa. His influence extended beyond the boundaries of the classroom, as he brought the wonders of God into the lives of his peers and congregation.
However, Martin faced a devastating blow in 2014 when he received no offers from the universities and colleges he had applied to in PNG. This rejection was not only a personal setback but also deeply disappointed his family, who had witnessed his exceptional leadership and potential. Despite the hurtful comments from those who took advantage of his failure, Martin refused to succumb to despair. With school fees to repeat Grade 12 adding to his burdens, he sought comfort and strength from his unwavering faith in God.
Renewed with determination and hope, Martin secured a place at Wabag Secondary School to repeat his final year of high school. While his former classmates progressed to universities and colleges, Martin held firmly onto his belief that God had a unique plan for his life. In 2016, his perseverance paid off when he received an acceptance letter from the premier University of Papua New Guinea, marking the beginning of a brighter chapter in his life.
Martin embarked on his studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication for Development. Over the next two years, he displayed exemplary dedication, successfully completing the first two years of his four-year degree program. While studying at the University of Papua New Guinea, he never lost sight of his aspiration to become a business and management professional, even when the path seemed uncertain.
In 2018, Martin's perseverance and unwavering faith led him to a turning point. He received a letter of acceptance to study Business Foundation year at the School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea. Making the brave decision to start afresh in his dream career, he followed his heart and enrolled in the school, despite the challenges that lay ahead. This choice required great courage and resilience, but Martin remained unwavering in his conviction that this was the right path for him.
Throughout his time at the university, Martin's faith in God remained a constant source of strength and guidance. He continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, taking on important roles within the Christian Apostolic Fellowship and various student unions. Despite the hurdles he faced, Martin never lost sight of his goals, emerging as a shining example of perseverance and determination.
Finally, on the 19th of April, 2023, Martin's unwavering dedication culminated in the attainment of his Bachelor of Business and Management degree, specializing in Strategic Management. The joy and pride radiating from his friends and relatives were surpassed only by the tears of happiness streaming down the faces of Martin's humble parents. This was the day they had longed for, fervently prayed for, and witnessed their son's triumphant success after years of hardships. Martin's father, moved to tears, expressed gratitude to God for His unwavering support and encouraged Martin to never stray from his faith.
The celebration extended beyond Martin's immediate family as the Christian Apostolic Fellowship NCD and Southern Region youth joined in the jubilation. They applauded Martin's remarkable journey, inspired by his unwavering faith and determination, and wished him nothing but the best in all his future endeavors. His story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us all that with unwavering faith, perseverance, and the support of a loving community, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams. Martin's journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of education against all odds.