Investigating the Impacts of Youth with A Mission Organization in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.

                                      

 

 

Investigating the Impacts of Youth with A Mission Organization in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Background and Purpose of Research

In the ever-evolving landscape of international organizations engaged in community development and outreach, the impact they wield on local communities is a subject of paramount significance. This research endeavours to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) organization's activities within the confines of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. As the global community grapples with diverse challenges, organizations like YWAM, which operate at the intersection of humanitarian efforts and religious missions, have drawn increasing attention for their influence on the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the communities they engage with.

Research Questions and Objectives

The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively assess the impacts of YWAM in Madang province, PNG.

The main research question is: What are the impacts of YWAM operating in Madang province, PNG?

To achieve this objective, the research sets out to answer the following questions:

·       Can you describe your experiences or interactions with YWAM operating in Madang province?

·       In your opinion, what are the positive impacts that YWAM has brought to the local community in terms of social, economic, or environmental aspects?

·       Have you observed any negative impacts resulting from the presence of YWAM in Madang province? If yes, could you provide examples?

·        How have employment opportunities been influenced by the presence of YWAM in Madang province? Have there been any changes in the local job market?

·        Has YWAM contributed to the development of local businesses or industries in Madang province? If so, in what ways?

·       In your view, has YWAM improved access to education, healthcare, or infrastructure in Madang province? Can you provide specific examples?

·       Have there been any cultural or social changes within the community due to the activities of YWAM? If yes, what are some noticeable changes?

·       How do you perceive the level of community engagement or participation in the projects or initiatives of YWAM?

·       Are there any challenges or issues that have arisen as a result of the presence of YWAM in Madang Province?

·        What suggestions or recommendations do you have to maximize the positive impacts and address any negative consequences of YWAM operating in Madang province?

Methodology

 Research Methodology

This study adopts an exploratory research design with a qualitative approach. The primary method employed for data collection is one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The qualitative research method was chosen to delve into the rich and nuanced experiences, perceptions, and impacts of YWAM in Madang province, PNG. This method allows for an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted dynamics between YWAM and the local community through direct, personal interactions.

 Research Design

Qualitative Research

The research design is grounded in qualitative research methods, aiming to uncover the subjective experiences and insights of participants through one-on-one interviews. The qualitative component of this study includes:

Semi-Structured Interviews - In-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse group of YWAM staff and volunteers. These interviews were guided by open-ended questions and encouraged participants to share their experiences, perceptions, and observations related to YWAM's presence and activities.

 Research Method

The research method involved the following key steps:

·       Sampling -A purposive sampling strategy was employed to select interview participants, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives that could shed light on the research questions.

·       Data Collection- Qualitative data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews. These interviews provided a platform for participants to share their stories, insights, and experiences related to YWAM in Madang province.

·       Data Analysis- Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis techniques. This analytical approach identified recurring themes, patterns, and insights within the interview transcripts.

·       Ethical Considerations: - Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights, were rigorously observed throughout the research process.

Discussion

 

 Literature Review

Introduction

The presence and activities of international organizations in the context of community development have become increasingly important in addressing complex social, economic, and cultural challenges faced by local populations. This literature review seeks to provide a contextual framework for understanding the role of international organizations, with a specific focus on YWAM, operating in Madang province. The review encompasses key themes related to international organizations in community development, their impacts, and the factors that influence their effectiveness.

 Employee Volunteer Program

Employee volunteer program are programs which a company or organization invites their employees to engage voluntarily and actively beyond their specific job description in charitable endeavours which is often in corporation with non-profit organizations. Mayer and Siliva (2017) mentioned that “volunteering is considered to be unpaid non-compulsory work; that is, time individuals give without pay to activities performed either through an organization or directly for others outside their own household.” More so, Sherradan, Lough and McBride (2008) highlighted that “Programs emphasizing development aid and humanitarian relief focus on the expertise and experience that volunteers bring to their assignments. Cross-cultural learning and international understanding tend to be secondary compared to service delivery, and knowledge, skill and technology transfer.”  Through the volunteer’s experiences and what they are expert in enables them to contribute to the type of work they do within the organization

 

Impacts of International Organizations on Service Delivery

International organizations play a very important role in helping the government foster development in countries and around the world. Two of the main ones are Lifelong learning or Education and Health strengthening. This is necessary for human development which is why they try to enforce it first.

According to Bhattacharya and Deb (2016), International Organizations are responsible for the distribution of Lifelong learning activities around the world. It also has five key pillars which are to help carry out different activities. According to Mercer, Thompson and Araujo (2014) a case study was conducted that involved NGOs working with ministries of health to help with emergencies in Timor-Leste. However, NGOs lacking in long-term development is one of the negative impacts highlighted. They further stated that various International organizations like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank also support NGOs assisting to help in any way they can. These services provided are basically socially constructed and are based on human interaction, communication, and participation (Bhattacharya & Deb, 2016)

Therefore, when looking at International organizations and their contributions toward service delivery it is also important to consider other partners and everyone that will benefit from these services. Despite that, there are setbacks that these Organizations face while providing mandatory service as part of their programs.

 Impacts of Community Engagement

Health is an area that many organizations focus on in terms of community engagement. Therefore, through appropriate interaction between the two, health can be improved. Milton et al. (2012) states that “community participation in service design, governance and delivery can improve health”. Additionally, Milton et al. (2012) further highlights the various impacts of community engagement including empowerment, developing skills and confidence, recruiting volunteers, as well as increasing social capital, social cohesion and promoting collaborative work.

 

Politics has always been a sensitive topic/practice for youth to be engaged in, considering that it is highly associated with corruption. With impacts of politics and corruption being evident in today’s society, youths tend to avoid engaging with activities that involve politics. Ball (2oo5) emphasizes that youths turn to community service/engagement to avoid engaging in political affairs due to its corruptiveness. As further clarified by White, Bruce and Ritchie (2000), their views and conceptions are often based on a restricted understanding of politics and lack of trust in politicians to represent their interests.

Through the process of understanding the impact of community engagement, it is important to note these changes in order to make better assessments of the topic and understand the different ways in which communities are affected. This review allows us to examine the impact of community engagement through different perspectives, giving us a clear overview of our understanding of the concept.

 

The Dynamic Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Global Communities

Faith-based organizations (FBOs) exert significant influence on global communities, a subject explored in this theme, which delves into their impact, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, from various scholarly perspectives. It sheds light on FBO operations at both international and local levels. Khafagy (2022) emphasizes the diversity inherent in religious organizations concerning their structure, funding, and staffing. Some depend on donations or religious support and rely on volunteers or professionals. It's worth noting that FBOs operate independently and are primarily dedicated to religious missions, often free from government funding. Furthermore, Beverlein, Adler and Trinitapoli, (2011) reveal that short-term mission trips have subtly transformed religious connections with global and local communities. These experiences have had a profound impact on how FBOs interact with various communities, fostering understanding and collaboration. Despite these differences, all FBOs share a common mission rooted in compassion, which leaves lasting societal impacts (Khafagy, 2022). Faith-based organizations, employing diverse approaches, unwaveringly contribute to a more compassionate and resilient world, strengthening communities globally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this literature review has provided a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted role of international organizations, with a particular focus on Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. Through the examination of key themes, we have gained valuable insights into the dynamics, impacts, and challenges associated with international organizations engaged in community development.

Employee volunteer programs serve as a conduit for individuals to contribute their expertise and experiences to the mission of organizations like YWAM. The impacts of international organizations in service delivery, especially in areas like lifelong learning and health, are significant, although they come with their unique challenges. Community engagement, with a focus on health and politics, highlights the potential for positive change in communities and the role of youth in shaping the future.

Furthermore, the review emphasizes the dynamic role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in global communities, showcasing their diverse approaches and shared mission of compassion. These organizations, including YWAM, contribute significantly to building more compassionate and resilient communities worldwide.

As we continue to investigate the impacts of YWAM and similar international organizations, this review underscores the importance of recognizing their multifaceted nature and their interconnectedness with the communities they serve. It calls for continued exploration and dialogue to better understand how these organizations can effectively contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities in Madang Province and beyond

 

Analysis of Findings

 

1.0 Voluntarily Based Programed

Most of the participants mentioned that Youth with A Mission (YWAM) is not a job oriented organization rather it is a voluntarily based organization. Workers are working as full time volunteers and no one gets paid. As stated by P1, “So actually, no one is employed with YWAM. Nobody gets paid. So we’re actually all full-time volunteers. So we don’t even…like all of us pay rent and everything so all of us have to make our own support so we don’t have anyone who’s paid on staff.” According to Mayer and Siliva (2017) “Volunteering is considered to be unpaid non-compulsory work; that is, time individuals give without pay to activities performed either through an organization or directly for others outside their own household”.

1.1 Volunteer work

Apart from just going out on outreaches YWAM has been working with villages to help improved healthcare and education to improve their well-being. P3 stated that “so obviously in the healthcare with the clinics and the ship, education yes we go to villages and we provide educational teachings not just biblical related ones but sociological type ones so yes to education as well, we provide services to elementary, primary schools in rural areas”.  As supported by Sherradan, Lough and McBride (2008) “proponents suggest that International Volunteer services encourages large number of ordinary people to get involved in global affairs and promote global peace, international understanding, and make tangible contributions to the well-being of people around the world”. Volunteer services have contributed to the local communities through health care and education which promotes engagement with people

2.0 Healthcare and Education Services

Most of the participants stated that YWAM's contributions to rural communities were mainly to do with healthcare and educational services. With regard to their contributions to healthcare, P6 supported that “We have provided free medical health care to areas of the provinces with the cooperation of Madang Provincial, to areas of the Province which the hospital cannot reach”. Mercer, Thompson and Araujo (2014) stated the positive impacts of NGO work in critical or emergency periods in providing health services is remarkable. Basic health services are what people need and if the government does not adhere to that then NGOs are doing are fantastic job.

Additionally, the same percentage of interviewees stated that education is one of the services they bring to the people apart from spreading the gospel of God. Bhattacharya and Deb (2016) explain that International Organizations promote lifelong learning as it is necessary for individual and country’s growth. P3 supported that, “we provide educational teachings not just biblical related ones but a sociological type one so yes to education as well, we provide services to elementary and primary schools in rural areas”. So basically, most population in rural areas of PNG are illiterate, and when such NGOs provide educational services it serves as new knowledge for them and an experience of a lifetime.

3.0 Health and various impacts of Community engagement

Providing health and medical support remains one of the primary and objective ways in which YWAM interacts with the community. Milton et al. (2012) say community participation in the design, management, governance, and delivery of services can improve health and make policy initiatives sustainable.  P7 stated that, “in the health sector in particular, YWAM reaches out to communities and helps them provide medical support and treatment”. This was supported by P3 that, “we have huge community involvement with Medical. So we do medicine and when you go into medicine and set up a clinic, the whole village comes, everyone wants to see what's going on, so you have the promise that you have 4 to 500 people in a place to watch doctors doing surgery, you have to have the community involved”. Therefore, providing medical assistance remains an important community engagement tool.

 

3.1 Creation of missionaries and leaders

Creation of missionaries and leaders is one significant impact of community engagement and this has been proven in the results of the discipleship program run by YWAM. As noted by Alexander (2022), “community engagement develops community leaders”. This was further supported by P3 that, “we disciple we create more missionaries, missionaries and leaders who not just operate in
 a ministry setting but in educational setting and a government setting, in a media setting.”

 

 4.1 Religious Mission and Bible Translations

The trans­lated word does bring the knowl­edge of Christ to in­di­vid­u­als, but it also plays an im­por­tant role in pro­mot­ing and al­low­ing the de­vel­op­ment of au­then­tic lo­cal Chris­t­ian com­mu­ni­ties as noted by Arthur (2013). This is supported by P6 that, “no, there is no changes that has happened lately, as we don’t go and change their culture. We just go and live with and learn their cultures in order to spread the gospel spread the gospel. We just go the villages live and learn their cultures, and look for ways to spread the gospel. That’s what we do when we go into the village, so we do not change cultures. So I would say No.” The mission of God involves creating worshipful communities that reflect God's glory through language for all eternity, respecting local cultures.

 4.1.1: Oral Bible Translation

The Bible translation is a way of converting different local languages into a useful way where it can reflect the idea of different skills in learning the word of God and the empowering the people. Greenstein (n.d) states “the act of translating from one language to another may comprise a skill, it may reflect an art”. This is supported by P5 that, “the Oral Bible Translation where the people of Karanget Island especially the village pastors that come together with YWAM to translate the bible, that is how they engaged with the communities”. Therefore, now we understand that Bible translation is the way people know the word of God in different languages and their engagement with the people.

 4.1.2.  Religious mission organization 

Religious mission organizations are non-governmental organizations where people are actually volunteers and they utilize their own assets to help people by spreading the Gospel of God. According to Khafagy (2022) they vary in their institutional structure, financial resources, or interests; some of them collect donations, while others are funded by religious entities. They either run by religiously committed volunteers or hire professional staff. This is supported by P1, “so actually, no one is employed with YWAM. Nobody gets paid. So we’re actually all full-time volunteers. So we don’t even…like all of us pay rent and everything so all of us have to make our own support so we don’t have anyone who’s paid on staff. However, it is seen as the job of the religious mission to spread the good news around the world.

Recommendations

Based on the feedback and suggestions provided by individuals connected to YWAM and its activities in Madang Province, PNG, here are some recommendations:

·       Continuation of Current Practices

The feedback from within YWAM suggests that the organization should continue with its existing initiatives and strategies. Maintaining faithfulness and forward momentum is seen as a key factor in achieving their mission.

·       Focus on the Well-being of Local People

 It is strongly recommended that YWAM, and any other international organizations operating in Madang, prioritize the well-being and interests of the local population. This includes considering the long-term impact on the people of PNG and making efforts to empower them.

·       Support for PNG Missionaries

 It's noted that PNG missionaries often lack the financial support that international missionaries receive. Therefore, a recommendation is made for the government or relevant organizations to look into providing financial assistance or support mechanisms for PNG missionaries. This support can enable them to have a more positive impact on their communities.

·       Bible Distribution in Remote Areas

To ensure wider access to the Word of God, it is suggested that YWAM expands its outreach efforts to reach remote areas in Madang. Distributing Bibles to these underserved regions can contribute to the spiritual growth and knowledge of the local communities.

·       Engagement of Tertiary Institutions in Evangelism

 Tertiary institutions in Madang, such as Divine Word, Madang Tec, and Maritime institutions, are encouraged to take a more active role in evangelism. Young people can be effective messengers to their peers, making this a critical opportunity for spreading the message of faith.

These recommendations emphasize the importance of a holistic approach to community development and spiritual outreach in Madang province. They highlight the need to balance continued international efforts with a focus on the well-being and empowerment of local people. Additionally, the suggestions aim to foster collaboration between different stakeholders, including the government, to support the mission of organizations like YWAM and to strengthen the spiritual and social fabric of the community.

 Conclusion

This research delved into the impacts of YWAM in Madang province, PNG. Through our analysis of findings and discussions, several key themes emerged, shedding light on the organization's role in community development and spiritual outreach.

First and foremost, it is crucial to recognize that YWAM operates on a voluntarily based model. Participants uniformly emphasized that YWAM is not a job-oriented organization, but rather a platform for individuals to serve as full-time volunteers without monetary compensation. This aligns with the definition of volunteering as unpaid non-compulsory work, exemplifying the dedication of YWAM's members to their mission.

One of the significant impacts highlighted in this research pertains to YWAM's commitment to healthcare and education services. Participants pointed out that YWAM has made substantial contributions to rural communities by providing healthcare services, especially in areas where access to hospitals is limited. This aligns with global trends, where international volunteer services have played a crucial role in improving healthcare in underserved regions.

Moreover, YWAM's educational initiatives extend beyond biblical teachings, encompassing sociological aspects and reaching elementary and primary schools in rural areas. This educational support fills critical knowledge gaps, particularly in rural regions where illiteracy is prevalent, contributing to the personal development and empowerment of local communities.

Community engagement remains a pivotal aspect of YWAM's work. In the health sector, YWAM actively reaches out to communities to provide medical support and treatment, involving the entire community in the process. This hands-on approach fosters trust and collaboration, making healthcare services more accessible and effective.

Furthermore, community engagement is instrumental in creating missionaries and leaders. YWAM's discipleship programs have a transformative impact, equipping individuals not only for ministry but also for leadership roles in various sectors, including education, government, and media.

Religious missions and Bible translations are essential components of YWAM's work. Importantly, YWAM's approach respects local cultures and languages, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural authenticity while spreading the Gospel. Oral Bible translation has been instrumental in ensuring that people from various linguistic backgrounds can access the Word of God.

Overall, YWAM's impact in Madang province is deeply intertwined with its commitment to faith-driven community development. The organization's voluntary nature, dedication to healthcare and education, community engagement, and emphasis on respecting local cultures all contribute to its multifaceted impact.

In conclusion, YWAM's mission to bring positive change to Madang Province is a testament to the power of faith-driven organizations in promoting community well-being and spiritual growth. The findings of this research underscore the organization's contributions and its alignment with global trends in volunteerism and community development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

Alexander, (2022, April 7). What are the Benefits of Community Engagement? – In-Depth Analysis & More. The Digital Side Hustle. https://thedigitalsidehustle.com/what-benefits-community-engagement/

Arthur, E. (2013, June 6). Mission Dei and the Mission of the Church. Wycliffe Global Alliance. https://www.wycliffe.net/more-about-what-we-do/papers-and-articles/missio-dei-and-bible-translation/   

Ball, W. J, (2005). From Community Engagement to Political Engagement: Political Science and Politics, 38(2), pp. 287- 291. American Political Science Association. 

 Beverlein, K., Adler, G., & Trinitapoli, J. (2011). The Effect of Religious Short-Term Mission Trips on Youth Civic Engagement. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 50(4), 780-795. 

Bhattacharya, S., & Deb, P. (2016, December). Role of International Organization on Lifelong Learning. (Paper Presentation). Lucknow, India.  

Greenstein, L. E. (n.d). Assessing a Bible Translation. Brown Judaic Studies. 

Khafagy, R. A. (2020). Faith-based organizations: humanitarian mission or religious missionary. Journal of International Humanitarian Action, 5(1), 13. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s41018-020-00080-6  

Mayer, J., & Siliva, S. (2017). Exploring the whole value of corporate volunteering. The journal of corporate citizenship, (67), 95-119. http://doi:[10.9774/T&F.4700.2017.se.00008] 

Mercer, M. A, Thompson, S. M., & Araujo, R. M. D. (2014).  The role of international NGO’s in health systems strengthening: the case of Timor-Leste. International Journal of Health Services, 44(2), 323-335. 

Milton, B., Attree, P., French, B., Povall, S., Whitehead, M., & Popay, J. (2012). The impact of community engagement on health and social outcomes: a systematic review. Community Development Journal, 47(3), 316–334. Oxford University Press.

Sherradan, M, S., Lough, B., & McBride, A, M. (2008). Effects of international volunteering and service: individual and institutional predictors. Voluntas: international journal of voluntary and non-profit organization, 19(4), 395-421. https://doi10.1007/S11266-008-9072-X  

White, C., Bruce, S, & Ritchie, J. (2000, May 15). Political interest and engagement among young people. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/political-interest-and-engagement-among-young-people

 

 

Research compiled by: Audrey. JAKAM, Raphaella. GEGEYO, Jonathan. KUNAI

Reinhard. MINONG, Germimah. KAWAS, Sweden. KUK