Newsletter – February 2025 | One Tribe Ministries

A Word from Our CEO

Dear Friends,

Welcome to 2025!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are as excited as I am about the year ahead.

I’m so happy to share some exciting news with you. Our January trip to Papua New Guinea was a huge success! We achieved way more than we expected and made significant progress in our mission. A huge shout out and thank you to the team members who participate in the PNG Mission.

But we’re not slowing down! We’re already gearing up for our next mission in March – a trip to the Solomon Islands. This trip promises to be just as impactful, and I’m confident that we’ll make a real difference in the lives of the inmates in this beautiful country.

Thanks so much to each and every one of you for your ongoing support. Your commitment and generosity do not go unnoticed and is so much appreciated. Let’s make 2025 an unforgettable year! – Pete

Container

Arrived! After many months of gathering, packing, paperwork and planning, the container arrived at Bomana Prison, PNG. Donated goods to assist the upskilling work that One Tribe Ministries delivers to the inmates and staff at Bomana were joyfully received. The equipment was unloaded and sorted according to the various industries, then prepared for use. Oil in the mowers and trimmers, assembly of the wood-chipper, installation of the car hoist and construction of shelving were just a few of the many tasks to be undertaken by the team. Huge thanks are extended to all those who contributed materials and labour to make this all happen!

Outreach

From evening rallies in the rain to Sunday services, even encounters with hotel staff in the hallway while asking for water or towels, inviting others to a personal relationship with the Lord is the key to genuine and lasting change. OTM is never off-duty, endeavouring to be the hands and feet of Jesus in every corner of the mission.

Anger Management – Connection vs control

OTM remains diligent in looking for opportunities to support the personal growth and well-being of inmates and staff at Bomana. The latest opportunity offered participation in a short course in Anger Management. Meeting daily, attendees explored the benefits of seeking to make real connection with others as opposed to exercising control. They explored strategies to give themselves time to regulate and think rationally in the midst of powerful emotions, to reasonably respond instead of blindly reacting. Many inmates concluded that such training in earlier days may have helped them to avoid prison altogether.

Baking

Bomana Women’s Prison continues to operate a small commercial bakery, with avenues to sell goods outside of the prison grounds. With the transfer or release of many of those previously trained, it was timely upskill a new cohort of women in the skills of weighing, measuring, kneading and baking.

Baking on a bulk scale is no easy feat, however, consistency in the application of skills and admirable perseverance in the tropical heat resulted in two hundred uniform and beautifully baked loaves of bread. That’s enough for the whole of Bomana prison, or sufficient to make a few extra Kina for future programs.

Mechanical and Welding

Up she goes! The installation of the vehicle hoist adds significantly to that which can be accomplished within the Mechanical industry at Bomana. Somehow, the OTM team even managed to fit in some upskilling in both Mechanical and Welding, putting much of the new equipment to good use.

Inspector Yameson, one of the leading officers at Bomana, expressed gratitude for the training and resources. He explained that circumstances limited what the prison could offer and testified to the value of the upskilling to the rehabilitation and futures of the participating inmates.

Piggery

Training in the operation of a piggery was undertaken to help build up the flailing industry at Bomana. Provided with a purpose-created Piggery Manual, the inmates learned about the life cycle and feeding requirements of these potentially valuable animals. Learning to calculate feeding needs from weekly pig measurements demanded some new skills and practice, and understanding the long term value of sows brought greater understanding to marketing practices.

Literacy Takes a New Step

With the provision and assembly of eighty desks, along with a laptop, hard drive and screen, the Literacy Centre was formally signed and recognised in memory of OTM man of faith, Ken Shepherd-Ashby.

The first half of the I Just Want to Read literacy program has now been recorded on video, with Training of Trainers provided to inmates and staff. This introduces a new approach in supporting classes to be run by the inmates themselves.

One Tribe Catches Media Attention

The January trip to deliver the container, set up equipment and conduct further upskilling caught the attention of reporter, Natasha Ovoi from EMTV. ‘A Closer Look’ is a current affairs program in Papua New Guinea, and this reporter and her cameraman followed the team over several days, conducting interviews and capturing footage of the collaborations between Correctional Services and One Tribe Ministries. The piece is featured within the clip below, beginning at approximately the ten minute mark. Here’s your opportunity to catch a glimpse into the on-the ground activities of the team.

Partner with Us

Are you inspired to change a life! By supporting One Tribe Ministries, you are helping inmates discover hope, gain skills, and experience spiritual renewal. Consider a donation today and watch your investment as it moves people to newness of life! Every dollar counts, and your generosity is 100% tax-deductible.