A long and winding road to PNG

Wycliffe Today Autumn 2026

by Deb Fox

A short-term trip to Kenya changed Peter Boal’s life. He participated in a number of medical trips that involved visiting Bible translation workshops and began praying about how he could get involved. Now Peter and his wife, Fleur, have settled into their new roles as ‘house parents’ to the children of mission workers in Papua New Guinea. They did not imagine, however, that the journey there would take so long. 

Peter and Fleur met during their university studies. Peter then worked as a science and maths teacher before changing careers and becoming a paramedic. Fleur worked as a counsellor, chaplain, and social worker before taking on more home duties while raising their children. The couple considered serving God cross-culturally but it took over six years of waiting from the time they were accepted as members of Wycliffe Australia to arriving in PNG and overseeing a residential hostel for children attending the Ukarumpa International School. The parents of these children are serving with SIL Global, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and other mission organisations.

There have been a few delays and challenges in getting to PNG. How have you stayed focused?

Peter: Holding onto the dream is what tests your faith. I never thought I’d be going overseas to serve the Lord AFTER my retirement, but God often has a different idea of timing to what we do.

Fleur: God was preparing us during that time. We needed to be home for our family and work out what we were passionate about. This job requires an equal partnership and after Peter retired as a paramedic, we realised we could both give time to domestic roles so we could share the work among us. 

What do your roles involve?

Fleur: We’re working in partnership with MAF Australia and caring for five teenagers. Our youngest daughter, Mikayla, will also be with us in the hostel. Having stability for the kids will be wonderful as they have not had consistent caregivers for more than two years, which meant that families involved in aviation and Bible translation often had to take time away from their tasks to do homeschooling. We’ll be looking after the everyday needs of the teens, homeschooling two school subjects, and also managing the property. Peter is also volunteering with the fire brigade.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to use their vocational training in mission?

Fleur: The interpersonal skills we’ve both developed through our various roles are proving to be very useful now. There are generally roles for everyone who feels called to support the work. Anyone from mechanics to doctors, dentists, teachers and administrators are needed to keep things running smoothly. 

Peter: Take the time to look after yourself. You can’t say yes to everything! You have to concentrate on the things that God has called you to. The goal is ultimately Bible translation but you need a team. 

PRAY:

• that Mikayla will adjust well and make good connections 
• for wisdom for Peter and Fleur

For more information or to support the Boals, visit https://wycliffe.org.au/member/peter-fleur/.