SOUTHERN Directory

Shirley Fogleman first served in Papua New Guinea in the early 1980s. After living in the US for 30 years, she was privileged to return to PNG where she began working in partnership with the national leadership of the Bible Fellowship Church of PNG – a group of about 65 congregations located in the Southern and Western Highlands as well as in the cities of Lae and Port Moresby.

“As an older single lady,” Shirley shares, “I had some misgivings, but the Lord went before me and opened a door of service. I taught in Tega Bible School. I joined the Bible Fellowship ladies in their weekly meetings. Once a year I attended their National Conference.  What a thrill that was!”

Shirley has a BA in Theology and MA  in Christian Education. But, her favorite place was her “Table Top Ministry”.  “I can’t tell you what a joy is was to serve coffee and dessert at my dining room table. It was there that I heard their life stories and testimonies of God’s saving grace.”

Shirley also helped to launch a Shepherds Global Classroom training program for Christian leaders in PNG.

Although she can no longer live full time in PNG because of Macular Degeneration and the ongoing treatments required to control it, nevertheless, her heart is still there. And she continues to serve on our missionary team as our liaison to our ministry partners in the Bible Fellowship Church of PNG.

Born and raised in South Africa, Maricka completed her studies in missions, Bible, and theology at God’s Bible School and College [in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA], after which she served for three years at the Bible Methodist Shepherds College in the Philippines.

Returning to South Africa in 2020, she helped launch Africa 85, a joint initiative between Bible Methodist Missions and Hope International Missions, which seeks to provide accessible training to underserved pastors in Africa, of which she manages most of the day-to-day administration.

Whenever her primary assignment with Africa 85 allows for it, she’s also involved in her home Afrikaans-speaking church denomination with music and youth ministry, as well as global mission awareness initiatives.