Australians celebrate PNG mission milestones

Two groups of former Papua New Guinea (PNG) missionaries recently had double cause for celebration, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) marks 140 years since the arrival of pioneering missionary Johann Flierl and 50 years since the church declared its autonomy.

Former missionaries, family members and supporters gathered in Queensland and South Australia to renew friendships, share memories and pray for the church in PNG, reflecting on a partnership that has spanned generations.

According to LCA International Mission Program Officer Erin Kerber, the story of the Lutheran Church in PNG is deeply connected to the faith and service of Australian Lutherans who responded to God’s call.

‘The Lutheran Church in New Guinea has been richly blessed because Australian Lutherans said yes to God’s call,’ she said, noting that missionaries crossed ‘geographical and cultural boundaries’ to share the gospel, build relationships and serve local communities.

That work traces back to the arrival of Pastor Johann Flierl at Simbang, Finschhafen, in 1886. Together with Karl Tremel, he established the first Lutheran mission station at Simbang, laying the foundations for what would become the ELCPNG, one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. Over time, leadership passed increasingly into local hands, culminating in the church’s declaration of autonomy in 1976.

While the mission context has changed, the partnership endures. Reunion gatherings continue to celebrate shared experiences, provide updates on ministry and hold the ELCPNG in prayer.

Reflecting on the continuing relationship between the churches, Erin said the anniversary celebrations are about more than remembering the past. ‘As we celebrate what God has done over the past 140 years in PNG, we are also reminded that Christ continues to call his church to share the good news, serve others in love and bear witness to him in our communities and wherever he leads us.’

Get more information about this story and read Erin’s reflections at www.lca.org.au/a-shared-story-of-faith-across-generations