Like Jonah, Daniel’s lot already cast by God

The National People

By JOY OLALI
BECOMING a pastor was furthest from Daniel Beibi’s mind when growing up, even telling his pastor dad and family that it would be his last option for a career.
“My father was a pastor in the Assembly of God (AOG) church and served most of his life in village churches in East Sepik. My family moved a lot from one village to another because of my father’s duty as a pastor.”
But similar to the story of Jonah in the Bible, who tried to run away and ignore God’s calling, and finding himself in the belly of a whale at sea, God’s plan for Daniel had already been set. He must become a pastor to spread the gospel, just as the Lord Jesus Christ had said to his disciples (Matthew 28: 19): “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost!”
His lot in God’s world had already been decided for him.
“God knew me before I was formed, and His calling on my life is irrevocable. E ven though I wanted to run away from becoming a Pastor, God redirected my plans.”
God opened the door for Daniel to pursue a Bachelor in Theology degree. Last week, Daniel was among 13 students who graduated at the AOG Oceania Bible College in Port Moresby.
“I thank God because even though I doubted getting the financial support to complete my studies, God opened a way for me.”
One of his uncles in the village supported him by buying a public transport vehicle to be operate to generate money to pay his school fees.
“It assisted in paying my school fees. I also received support from the local AOG churches.”
As the eldest in the family of four siblings, Daniel had dropped out of school at Grade 10 so that his parents could afford the school fees for his two younger brothers and sister.
“Seeing the financial challenge my family was facing, I told myself I would never become a pastor. My father served mostly in rural churches and most of the time we did not have the financial support.”

“ God knew me before I was formed, and His calling on my life is irrevocable. Even though I wanted to run away from becoming a pastor, God redirected my plans.”
Daniel Beibi (left) with Assembly of God Oceania Bible College principal, Pastor William Poiya during the college graduation last week. – Picture Courtesy of Daniel Beibi

Daniel grew up under the ministry of his father and was engaged in many church activities. But he never contemplated becoming a pastor himself because he did not want to face the financial challenges again.
“I wanted to become a teacher or work in a government department because I wanted a different life for myself. I wanted to be paid on a fortnightly basis.”
Daniel now wants to further his education to equip himself to be a pastor of a church.
“There are many educated men and women serving in churches today. So we as pastors must be educated too so that we know how to correctly interpret the word of God in our sermons so we are able to hold the church together at this time.”
Pastor Daniel today acknowledges the relevance of that Bible verse (Jeremiah 1:5): “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I sanctified you. And I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” It indeed is Daniel’s lot.