As we step into this new year, I am grateful for a fresh start. I’ve just returned from a sabbatical that brought rest, clarity, and renewal after twenty-five years of helping Samaritan Aviation go from a dream into a lifeline for families in the remote communities of Papua New Guinea. This season of stepping back reminded me once again that the work we do is sustained by God’s strength, not our own. He doesn’t need us, but He chooses to use us!
This month marks another milestone for us personally. We are back in Papua New Guinea as a family! When we left in 2019 for what we thought would be a short break, we had no idea the cancer journey ahead or how long it and the pandemic would keep us away. While Kirsten and I have been back many times, our boys Drake and Nolan have waited years for closure, to say goodbye to their friends and community. Three of their friends got to travel with us too. The team is focusing on community ministry outreach through sports camps and helping with the Samaritan Aviation housing project in Wewak.
On this trip, Kirsten and I will also spend a month on the Gulf side in Kapuna as we continue preparing for full-time expansion into the Gulf Province. Ray Mattix, Tim Askew, and Daniel Nicholson came in December to build a storage unit, fence our property, and expand the dock for our floatplanes. Each time we visit this remote and forgotten part of the world, it reaffirms that the needs are real and that it is a difficult place to operate, but Samaritan has the unique ability to bring hope and access. We offer a solution to bring the love of Christ to these communities.
As we launch into this new year, I want to leave you with a simple challenge: What will be different for you in 2026? In what ways will you step out in faith? Where might God be inviting you to shine His light through your response to the needs around you?
My prayer for each of us is that this year becomes a season of courage, compassion, and a new beginning for all of us.
Mark Palm
