Bob and Aileen Spence arrive in Papua New Guinea with 10 month old Philip. Called as missionaries, their passion was to establish churches, provide education, and improve the lives of Papua New Guineans.

Missionary Jack Easton met Chief Wohwiehembe (above) in the nearby (15 km) Yangoru Hospital. When Jack prayed for him, Chief Wohwiehembe was healed; then he invited the missionary to visit his village. The current site of the church and school were chosen because this land is the hub between tribes. Historically this land is where the tribes would come for inter-tribal warfare. Missionary Jack Easton was able to bring the tribes together and performed a 'breaking of the spears' ceremony instituting peace between the tribes.

Bob Spence negotiated a ninety-nine-year lease of the church land. This was signed by him and the Clan Elders, in the presence of the Australian Patrol Officer and the Surveyor as witnesses. Bob and Aileen Spence built their first house from bush materials. They also established a church and school at Kusambuk. From this base they established churches and literacy classes in almost 40 villages. Many of these villages have Primary Schools to this day.

All the school and church facilities were up and running. A school report from the same year (show above) reflects the progress Aileen Spence had made in two short years.