SIL-PNG Bi-Annual Conference
SIL-PNG Bi-Annual Conference in Ukarumpa, PNG 
My name is Mick Bandy, and I serve the Branch as the Director of the PNG-S.A.L.T. courses and as the Project Resources Coordinator.
From 1985 until 2001, I worked as a Texas Trial Attorney. During most of this time, I helped my clients resolve conflict in a courtroom… relying on the laws of man. However, in 1997, I was introduced to Peacemaker Ministries, upon which the "Dealing With Conflict Biblically" program is based. The idea that conflict was an opportunity to glorify God was a new idea, which I had NOT learned in law school! This idea changed my world view and eventually led me into the mission field.
Seeing conflict as an opportunity leads to an amazingly effective approach to managing conflict, which I refer to as "stewarding." This approach gives the phrase conflict management a unique emphasis. A steward is not supposed to manage things for his own pleasure, convenience, or benefit. Instead, he is expected to follow his master's instructions and look out for his master's interests, even if they conflict with his own personal desires or convenience (John 12:24-26).
The concept of stewardship is especially relevant to peacemaking. Whenever you are involved in a conflict, God has given you a management opportunity. He has EMPOWERED you through the gospel and ENTRUSTED you with abilities and spiritual resources. His Word clearly explains how he wants you to manage the situation. The more faithfully you draw on His grace and follow His instructions, the more likely you are to see a constructive solution and genuine reconciliation. It is exciting that during the last biennium, SIL-PNG has made "Dealing With Conflict Biblically" a priority; and it has been my honor and privilege to serve as a Branch mediator.
2 Peter 1:2 says, "Grace and PEACE be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."
2 Peter 1:8 says, "If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
By dealing with conflict in a Biblical way, the Holy Spirit is able to achieve healing and reconciliation; and by managing conflicts according to God's Word, we are able to retain valuable personnel to work in the mission field and to bring about God's Kingdom.
So… in conclusion, let me ask you…
"Are you being a good steward of the conflict God has given to you to manage on His behalf? Are there any conflicts you are "stewarding" today according to your own desires--rather than His desire? Are there any conflicts you are managing by your principles rather than His?"
With God's grace, ANY conflict you're facing can be transformed by seeing it as a stewardship opportunity for which He has given you ample resources to manage.
Thank you!
For more information about Peacemaker Ministries, go to Peacemaker.net
