Time truly flies. I graduated in June of 2017 and now it is almost the end of 2019! Having completed my Master of Theology degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) Hong Kong, I returned to Sabah, Malaysia to serve in the Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) as a lecturer. In my first semester at STS […]
There are 7361 known living languages, including sign languages, in use in the world right now. However, readers of only 683 of these languages have the complete Bible available, with another 1534 languages having just a New Testament translation. While there is translation and/or linguistic development happening in 2658 languages across more than 170 countries, […]
Any LCA congregation which supports an overseas organisation or conducts activities overseas is now responsible for ensuring its donations and other forms of support get to the right places and in the right way. Coming into effect in July this year, new government regulations are intended to minimise the risk of children and other vulnerable […]
Just over 500 years ago something happened. Many would say this something was the Reformation but I beg to disagree. Just over 500 years ago, a man realised that something was not quite right in the church and decided to do something about it. The Reformation led to the church we know today. I have […]
Several key Australian missionaries and their families recently went back to Papua New Guinea to celebrate the 50th anniversary of St John’s Lutheran Church, West Goroka. The anniversary celebrations took place over three days from 27–29 September, which included a service, a one-day seminar and a cultural show featuring traditional dancing. Pastor Brian Schwarz and […]
South Asia is a captivating place that overwhelms the senses with its vast crowds, loud noises, vibrant colours, spicy food and overpowering smells. There are thousands of distinct groups of people, who speak hundreds of different languages in this region. The majority of people follow Hinduism or Islam, meaning that most people have not heard […]
John and I have taught at the Bibel Frau for four years and each time we feel as though we are experiencing a little slice of heaven and unconditional love. Two students are assigned to look after us. As well as clean our house, they cook and bring over a variety of delicious healthy meals […]
“God is alive and leads every step I take. He is dynamic and flexible and always shows his love in many ways. He is simple but gorgeous, awesome and wonderful in the reality of my life.” Friska Pakpahan Friska Pakpahan is an English teacher at HKBP vocational high school in Sidikalang, North Sumatra (Indonesia). Sidikalang […]
Karkar, or ‘High Island’, is an island about 40km north east of Madang, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The community of 90,000 people is nestled around a dormant volcano. German and Australian churches have provided support to the people on Karkar Island and, in particular, for Gaubin hospital which serves the local community. During my recent […]
In July to August, three LCA International Mission volunteers travelled to the isolated island of Nias, Indonesia. Under the guidance of LCA International Mission and in cooperation with KN-LWF, we participated in a month long volunteer program of teaching English. This experience contributed to the growing relationships between various Lutheran-oriented Christian churches within Indonesia. We […]