The second week in Papua New Guinea gave the team the opportunity to travel through the New Guinea Islands District and visit with Lutherans in our partner congregations.
One day the group traveled to the Bialla district where they passed by beautiful rivers, palm plantations, an active volcano, exquisite flowers, and Solilebu Hot Springs. On that day, they were able to visit Holy Trinity Parish in Bilomi, Good Shepherd Parish in Bialla, Barema Parish and So-ka-na Parish in Soi.
On another day, the group visited five congregations partners throughout the Kimbe Circuit of the New Guinea Islands District. They were welcomed with songs, speeches, and gifts.
As the trip was drawing to a close, the group had the opportunity to go to Mingai – a mission start of the NGI District where Pastor Gobson spoke of the holistic mission of Mingai: a congregation, an ELCPNG health clinic, an early childhood school, and a primary school. This mission start tends to the whole life of God’s people: body, mind, and spirit. It’s an amazing example of how to be church! Following the visit to Mingai, the group gathered with partners from all four circuits (like a Virginia Synod conference) of the NGI District: Kimbe, Bialla, East New Britain, and Kavieng for conversation about how to accompany one another better as partners in the ministry of the gospel. Pastor Gedisa Okamaisa (interim District president) said: our Virginia Synod partners are the bridge bringing us all together; and Christ is our cornerstone! Thanks be to God!!
