PNG runner Ratah embodies the spirit of Hope and a Future program
- simoneworthing
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
BY FAY FOSTER
In 2014, the first group of ‘Hope and a Future’ participants ran the Gold Coast Marathon. These young men and women from Papua New Guinea were trained to run the marathon, mentored in leadership skills and assisted with their education to help them become leaders in their corps, communities and country.
These activities are modelled around the four key pillars of the Hope and a Future program – faith, fitness, education and leadership.
One of the first Salvation Army officers to help and encourage these potential leaders was Major Heather Unicomb. Heather, who is now retired, served in PNG from 1990-1994 as a youth officer, and from 2014-2017 as Assistant Secretary for Program.
Since Hope and a Future began, Heather has put her heart and soul into supporting the teams practically, emotionally and spiritually, including making the annual trek to the Gold Coast once she returned to Australia.
On 3 July, just prior to the 6 July marathon this year, Heather saw the Salvos Online article promoting the event.
“When I saw the photo from 2023 (see above), it reminded me again how inspiring the Hope and a Future program is,” Heather commented on the Salvos Online Facebook post.
“This photo tells an amazing story of team spirit, of teammates being there for each other, of encouragement, of perseverance, and confidence to face current and future challenges of life. The whole team ran back along the course to meet up with Ratah and run her to the finish line.
“Since then, Ratah has embraced the four pillars of the Hope and a Future program. Most recently, she was featured in the PNG national newspaper, highlighting her achievements as a coach for The Salvation Army under-15 soccer team during a week-long tournament, where they received the Fair Play Award.
“Her advice to the girls, ‘Trust in God, put God first in everything you do,’ is how Ratah lives her life.”
Ratah’s response
Ratah responded to Heather’s comments via email. She wrote:
“That moment in the photo will always stay in my heart. It reminds me that when we walk together, believe in each other, and put God first, we can finish any race – no matter how hard it gets.
“The Hope and a Future program changed my life. It gave me the strength to believe, to lead, and to never give up. It taught me that we are not made to walk alone – God is always with us, and so are the people he brings into our lives.
“Coaching the U15 girls was more than just soccer. It was about helping them believe in themselves, stand strong, and trust God with everything. That’s how I live my life – always putting God first.
“This journey is not about me. It’s about what God is doing through me. All glory to him.”
