Board for Mission - News and Events

News

Introducing...Border Crossings

We've just posted you copies of our new mission magazine, "Border Crossings". It will tell some of the many stories of people and congregations of the LCA engaged in the mission of God in Australia and overseas. We hope that you will be inspired and encouraged by these stories. If you would like to know how you and the people in your care can join in new ways in mission with our overseas partner churches or how you can partner in some exciting mission endeavours in Australia, please contact us at the Board for Mission office. You're encouraged to share the copies of Border Crossings with others.

New Office Administrator...Sharon Minge

Sharon Minge is the new office administrator for the Board for Mission. Sharon writes..."It is a real privilege to work for the Board for Mission as I have a great desire to see others come to know our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to grow as his disciples. A little bit about myself...I have worked as an administrative officer for many years in different industries. This has equipped me with many skills which I am bringing to the Board for Mission office. I have traveled extensively overseas and lived in the UK for a couple of years. I love traveling and learning about different cultures and meeting new people. I feel it is a wonderful thing that God has called me to be a part of the work that the LCA's Board for Mission is involved in. I look forward to either speaking or meeting with you in the future and sharing our passion for mission, and the love we have for our Saviour Jesus Christ. God’s blessings to you."

New Publication

The publication "Our Church 2020" was launched at The LCA Synod in October 2006. The book is now available from the Board for Mission office, free of cost.

D.Th degree awarded to Rev William Chang

Former scholarship holder at ALC, Rev William Chang has completed his doctoral degree through the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology. The LCA was able to be involved in supporting William in his studies. Congratulations!

VIMO's come home with wonderful stories

In the past months we have heard heartening stories from volunteers in mission, Rosemary Winderlich and David and Ruth Craig.

Rosemary spent three months in Indonesia, primarily at Debora Orphanage which is run by the GKPA church. Rosemary was welcomed by the 19 children who all knew her from her previous visit.

Ruth and David Craig spent the same time preparing pastors for the TOEFL tests which are necessary for anyone doing post-graduate work at the HKBP seminary in Indonesia. This is also a second visit for them, and they had a very fruitful and happy time there.

Past Events

Buderim Mission Festival

This "first of its kind" festival, held on the 29th and 30th April 2006 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Buderim, was the brainchild of some Queensland pastors. Its chief speakers were Dr William Chang from Singapore, Rev Wayne Zweck, Dr Ulf Metzner and Rev August Fricke. Dr Chang spoke about the mission outreach of the Lutheran Church in Singapore and preached at the Sunday service; Rev Zweck showed a power-point presentation and spoke about mission work in Asia and the Pacific. Dr Metzner presented a paper on The Biblical Foundation of Christian Mission and Rev Fricke presented a paper on Lutheran World Mission in this New Age of Unparalleled Opportunity. The choir of the Chinese Lutheran Church in Brisbane treated those attending with beautiful music. There were other exciting presentations on recent mission experiences in Asia and a number of electives were also available.

Bung Bilong Yumi in Queensland

T63 people attended this year's "bung" at Faith College, Plainlands where Theo Helbig who grew up in PNG, is the Principal. He welcomed everyone. Rev Norman Wurst led the devotion, we sang 'God i gutpela', followed by Norm using some visual PNG arts so that he could illustrate his message. The collection from the Bung went to the Hartleys in Port Moresby to help with aids and resources in their work. A suggestion was made that children's Bible story books that aren't being used anymore in our homes could also be sent via Roy Materne until he retires in October from flying to PNG. Philip Holzknecht spoke about the trip he and his sister Irene, Stan Dudgeon and Vic Faulkner did last year in October to be part of the celebrations for the re-dedication of the Ampo Church. A CD/DVD is available to anyone if they wish to purchase a copy of the occasion. The usual fellowship was enjoyed for the rest of the day over lunch and catching up with new or old friends of PNG days.
Rita Jahnke