Missionary Profile: Jeffrey and Susan Myers

Jeffrey and Susan Myers arrived in Papua New Guinea in June 2001. Jeff takes care of family, encourages staff at the Nazarene mission station, and is working on classes toward ordination through Melanesia Nazarene Bible College. He enjoys this time with the national students, as well.

Susan is a pediatrician at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital and is director of Medical Services there.

They have two children: Jessica, 17 years; Ethan, 14 years.

Engage: How did you first recognize God’s call to missions? 

Jeff: Growing up, my family was very involved with missions in a variety of ways, so I have been involved with missions myself most of my life. At the time Susan and I were married, she had experienced a call from God to missions. I had not, yet we felt our relationship was a part of God’s plan for our lives. It was not until December 30, 2000, that I experienced, in a miraculous way, God’s confirming call to missions in my life. During a time of devotions I heard God speak audibly to my spirit my call to missions.

Susan: I felt a call to overseas missions when I was 13 years old. I was in a mission service listening to a missionary with World Gospel Mission from Tanzania. As she shared what God was doing in her life, I heard God speak to me asking if I would be willing to be a missionary for Him. I told Him, "yes."

Engage: What is your favorite aspect of what you do in your present assignment?

Jeff: The people. I very much enjoy times that I am able to pray with someone or times that I am able to preach and God uses my efforts to reach people’s lives. Taking courses toward ordination has been a blessing as it gives me opportunity to interact with our national students who are training for the ministry.

Susan: Patient care. It is incredibly rewarding to know that you have made a difference in a patient’s life.

Engage: What are some of the challenges that you face in carrying out your work?

Susan: The challenges come when I know if we had the right resources, we could do so much more for a particular patient.

Engage: Please share a story of a significant event or moment that has happened in your current assignment.

Jeff: When we came to Papua New Guinea, radio ministry was a dream that had not yet come to pass. The biggest problem was that no one had the extra time in which to commit to it because of other responsibilities. There was a group of five that came together to get radio ministry started -- two missionaries and three nationals. Our first program to air was a three-minute devotional program called “Kirapim Gutpela Sindaun” or “To Start a New Life.”  It aired for the first time December 30, 2002. As my wife pointed out to me, it was two years to the day that God had given me my call to missions that this  radio program first aired in Papua New Guinea.

God has indeed blessed His ministry and one of those blessings is Pastor Daniel, who is the director of the radio ministry. Without his call from God to radio ministry and his passion for the ministry, Nazarene radio ministry in Papua New Guinea would not be where it is today. Today we have three radio programs airing across the country, and because of this, lives are being changed and brought into a relationship with Jesus.

Engage: How do you maintain a close relationship with God and your family in the midst of the demands of missionary service?

Susan: For my relationship with God, I strive to make time every day for devotion and prayer, as well as seeking his direction in our work here. We attend either the local church or, when able, we travel to area bush churches. Also, our mission family meets once a week for a time of sharing and prayer which is a source of encouragement in my Christian walk. Our family is close. We are all able to be home for lunch and dinner together most days, which is very nice! There are not many options for entertainment off our station in the evenings, as it is not safe to travel after dark, and so we are home most evenings together as well. At times we will have other missionary families over, or are invited to their homes. We do not have access to a TV station, but enjoy certain TV shows from the States that Jeff’s mom records and sends to us.

Jeff: I would say the same as Susan. I would also add that taking my classes for ordination has been a blessing. The extra studying and digging into the Word and learning new things concerning preaching and the Bible have been a significant source of encouragement.

Engage: What are the rewards of what you do?

Susan: There is reward in simply knowing that you are doing what God has for you to do. There are the usual rewards of raising children and watching them grow. And helping to provide healthcare to those who may not otherwise have it is an incredible reward.

Jeff: The joy of being with the people. Part of Susan’s job is overseeing the chaplains at the hospital. She has done a wonderful job planning and implementing ways to encourage them and provide training for them. One of those ways is through a yearly chaplain’s retreat. The sense of family that has developed with our chaplains is priceless and is worth the effort to make it happen. They expressed this during the Christmas party we had for them this year. Chaplin Moses is a special friend and who just completed his schooling and graduated in November from Melanesia Nazarene Bible College with his Bachelor of Theology degree. I call him Chap Mo. It was a blessing being able to take some classes together at the Bible College. He is an encouragement to our family. He has come to our house to pray with us before leaving on home assignment, has sent text messages letting us know he is thinking about us. Our chaplain team is husband and wife Moses and Lucy, Regina and Taime.

Engage: What are some aspects of the culture where you live that you have come to love or embrace?

Myers: The people are very loving and welcoming. They are so very appreciative when you show them you care, as we all are! Coming through the Christmas holidays, I am reminded again that they are not bogged down with all the commercialism we see in the U.S., but rather are focused on the true reason that we celebrate. It is a wonderful blessing.

Engage: What do you like to do for fun?

Susan: Spend time with my family, read and run. Also, on occasion we are able to round up enough people for a good softball game. Occasional trips to the coast where we enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

Jeff: I follow my Cleveland Browns and other Cleveland teams. I like to read and currently I am working through my collection of Louis L’Amour westerns again. There is a group of us here who like to get together and play some kind of sport, be it two-hand tap football, basketball or Ultimate Frisbee. Also working out, lifting weights.

Engage: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Susan: I have run two half-marathons here.  Our family of four are certified open water scuba divers.

Engage: What advice would you have for others exploring a possible call to missions, or embarking on their first missionary assignment? 

Susan: Never lose sight of God's call on your life. When times are tough, or Satan tries to discourage you or lead you into self-doubt, rebuke him and remind yourself, and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you, of God’s amazing love and His ability to see you through what He has called you to!

Jeff: Just because you have a call to missions does not mean that you will not face frustrations and times of doubt. It does not mean that you will not have times when you think, “What am I doing here?” and other similar questions. I came across this quote the other day during my devotions and I think it is important for all Christians to keep in mind as we serve the Lord: “Know this – you cannot be united in your great friendship and bond to do My work, and in your great Love for Me, and not excite the envy, hatred, and malice of all whom you meet who are not on My side.” [A.J. Russell, December 14, God Calling] Remember your call and who it is who has called you and know that He will be faithful!