HOUSTON — When Delores J. Dillard first heard the stories of missionaries traveling to distant lands, she never imagined that one day she would embark on her own transformative journey. Her memoir, Papua New Guinea, 1983, recounts the extraordinary tale of a woman who answered a divine call, leaving behind the familiarity of home to serve in a place thousands of miles away.
A Love for Books and a Calling to Serve
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Delores developed a love for literature early in life. The daughter of a devoted reader, she found herself immersed in books, newspapers, and magazines, nurturing a passion for storytelling. As a high school student, she spent hours volunteering in the school library, considering a future as a librarian. But her life would take a different turn.
From a young age, Delores was captivated by the world beyond her neighborhood. Growing up in a segregated America, she longed to explore other cultures and experiences. Her curiosity was further fueled by stories of missionaries in her church, sparking a passion for service. Yet, she never envisioned that she would be called to serve in Papua New Guinea.
The Journey Behind the Book
It was through a periodical called The Messenger that Delores first encountered the idea of traveling to Papua New Guinea. At the time, racial tensions in America were high, and Delores, then living in Vancouver, Washington, had joined a racially diverse church community. When she saw photographs of missionaries serving in Papua New Guinea, she was unaware that the local people had been praying for a missionary who looked like them. Their astonishment at her arrival, believing her to be an answer to their prayers, affirmed her purpose.
Undeterred by financial obstacles, Delores trusted that her faith would pave the way. Her greatest test came upon landing in Papua New Guinea with no immediate means of communication. By what she considers divine intervention, she was met at the airport by missionaries who happened to be there for another arrival.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Purpose
Cultural adaptation was not without its struggles. Fear loomed over her fear of the unknown, of being alone in a foreign land, of failing. But she held firm to her faith and the knowledge that she had to return home to her husband and two young sons. The warmth and acceptance of the Papua New Guinean people reassured her, and in time, she became deeply embedded in their community.
A particularly poignant moment was the farewell ceremony held in her honor. The villagers demonstrated a profound sense of unity and generosity, sharing what little they had in a heartfelt gesture of appreciation. Delores left with an enriched understanding of faith, service, and human connection.
The Writing Process and Message to Readers
Unlike many memoirists who struggle to reconstruct past events, Delores found the writing process seamless. Her meticulous journaling during the mission helped bring every detail back to life as if no time had passed. Through her book, she hopes to inspire readers to embrace their purpose, even in the face of setbacks and delays.
Papua New Guinea, 1983 is not merely a memoir, it is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the boundless opportunities that arise when one dares to step into the unknown.
Faith, Inspiration, and Personal Growth
Since her inaugural mission, Delores has taken over 25 additional trips, including a 2001 journey to Ghana, West Africa, where she led a youth group. She believes that surrounding oneself with like-minded, positive individuals is key to success.
Her advice to those on the cusp of a major decision? Push past fear and take the leap. Quoting renowned speaker Joyce Meyer, she reminds readers, “Do it afraid.” Courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to act despite it.
A Call to Step Out in Faith
Delores J. Dillard’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that stepping beyond the familiar often leads to the most profound transformations. Her experience in Papua New Guinea underscores the impact of faith and the power of saying “yes” to a higher calling.
As she continues her work, she hopes her readers will be emboldened to take that first step. Because, as she has learned firsthand, once you step out in faith, the path unfolds before you.
Future Plans and Final Message
Delores has no plans of slowing down. She is currently preparing for a mission trip to Ireland in October 2025 and is also venturing into children’s literature. She firmly believes that as long as one is alive, there is a purpose to be fulfilled.
For those wishing to connect with her, she welcomes emails at [email protected] and invites readers to meet her in person at the LA Times Festival of Books on April 26-27, 2025, at the Olympus Story House booth (#182) in the Gold Zone, South Trousdale.
Her book, Papua New Guinea, 1983, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online bookstores.
Amazon Book Link: Papua New Guinea, 1983 by Delores J. Dillard
Visit her website at https://deloresdillardbooks.com/
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