|
LEA CONVOCATION REFLECTIONS
What an experience! Warm spring weather; cold wind and blowing snow; the University receiving a strong
affirmation from Rev. David Birner, Associate Director of LCMS’s World
Missions; meeting, sharing and receiving ideas from other International schools; presenting the story of the Lutheran
University to many educators attending the Convocation; participating in various sessions and worshiping with fellow Lutheran
educators were just some of the highlights for the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea’s delegation.
The Lutheran
University of Papua New Guinea’s delegation participating in the 2008 LEA Convocation included Governor Luther Wenge of the Morobe Province, Rev.
Giegere Wenge, Principal of Martin Luther Seminary; Rimbink Pato,
Establishment Committee Chairman; Kautil Mileng, Principal of Balob
Teachers College, Colin Bairo, Governor Wenge’s Executive Officer;
Dr. Brent Kilback, Executive Establishment Officer, and Dr. Lee Schluckebier, Project Director.
The delegation arrived on a clear warm spring
day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a state in the upper Midwest and left on a windy, cold day with the snow flying.
The Convocation began with a meeting of International Educators and individuals interested in international
education. There were representatives from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, South Africa, and the Lutheran University’s delegation from Papua New Guinea. The meeting also included representatives
from Concordia Publishing House, Lutheran Life Communities, LCMS World Missions, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association,
and the Asia Lutheran Education Association.
The meeting began with a devotion and presentation by Rev. David Birner of LCMS World Missions.
His devotion was based on Acts chapter 2 with an emphasis on the need for institutions to be porous, accepting individuals
as they are ministering to the individual on a personal basis.
Rev. Birner pointed out the establishment
of the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea as an example of a growth and development in a former mission field.
He emphasized the importance of the New Lutheran University in Papua New Guinea for the Lutheran Churches and the country
of Papua New Guinea. His words of encouragement were important to the LUPNG delegation, encouraging the Church to provide a Lutheran Christian tertiary education bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to
its students.
During the International Meeting the delegation from LUPNG made a presentation which included Governor
Luther Wenge, Chairman Rimbink Pato, and Dr. Lee Schluckebier.
The Honourable Governor Luther Wenge (MP) was excited
to tell the story how the Lutheran Churches and the government were working together to develop the 7th university in Papua
New Guinea. He stressed the importance of the cooperation between the two Lutheran Church bodies, the Morobe Provencal Government,
and the National Government in the development of the Lutheran University. He stated that the Morobe Province’s
population is predominately Lutheran making the Province and the city of Lae
the ideal place for the establishment of the Lutheran University. The location provides easy access to a large portion
of Papua New Guinea and it provides a safe environment.
Governor Wenge stated that this was the time to develop
the new Lutheran University. There is a growing need for tertiary education in the country.
Chairman Pato empathized
how important Lutheran education is in Papua New Guinea. Half of all elementary, primary, and secondary schools
are Lutheran. He stated that both Lutheran Church bodies are behind the new University’s development. Between the two Lutheran Churches, they have a total of 180 years of education experience
in Papua New Guinea. He stressed that through education he was able to become a prominent lawyer coming from very humble
beginnings.
Mr. Rimbink Pato (OBE) emphasized the importance
of higher education meeting international standards and the need to have it available for as many citizens as possible.
Presently, a number of students travel to Australia, Canada, Europe, or the United States to receive a quality international
tertiary education.
The Lutheran University will begin with a faculty of education, primary and secondary, a faculty
of theology with a program leading to ordination, a school of agribusiness, and a school of nursing.
Both
Governor Wenge and Chairman Pato placed emphasis on the fact that the development
of the Lutheran University is a grass roots endeavor by the Lutheran Churches to provide an international education
for the country.
Dr. Schluckebier presented a power point presentation placing emphases on the vision and mission of
the Lutheran University. He also pointed out that the University will be Lutheran in its teachings.
He presented information
about Martin Lutheran Seminary and Balob Teachers College which will become the foundation for the new Lutheran University.
During the LEA Convocation there were ample opportunities to meet with individuals and present the story of the Lutheran
University of Papua New Guinea. To Mr. Mileng’s surprise he met his former high school teacher, Terry Schmidt, presently LCMS Director of “National Lutheran School Accreditation.”
Mr. Mileng and Mr. Schmidt had a joyous reunion.
Thursday morning marked the official opening of the Convocation with
an arousing worship service which was highlighted by the baptism of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bergmann. All 3,600 Lutheran teachers and Lutheran administrators were the God Parents
to Mr. and Mrs. Bergmann’s son.
During Thursday evening’s banquet, a Christian inspirational humorous
speaker, Ken Davis, presented an exciting and uplifting message.
During the presentation Mr. Davis highlighted the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea, encouraging its development.
After the presentation, Mr. Davis pointed out Mr. Rimbink Pato to the audience and presented Mr. Pato with a set of recordings
and books for the University’s Library.
Thursday and Friday of the Convocation the LUPNG delegation participated
in sectional sessions and visited with individuals presenting the story of the Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea. Out
of these discussions contacts were developed which could be used to help develop the new Lutheran University’s library.
On Friday afternoon Dr. Schluckebier participated in a Sectional entitled “Me? An International Teacher?”.
He had the opportunity to present the story of the Lutheran University. He stressed that the Lutheran University is
built on the work of missionaries dating back over 120 years. He also said there is a continuous need for experienced teachers
in a variety of areas in International Schools.
Dr. Lee Schluckebier, the Project Director of the
the Lutheran University, set up a booth presenting the story of the University to individuals visiting the display area.
The members of the Martin Luther Seminary Guild prepared miniature
billums as a Christmas tree ornaments to be given to individuals visiting the booth. Some individuals asked how they could
help the University. Several people asked for information about how they could send a chapel offering to the Lutheran
University. Other individuals asked if there may be teaching opportunities available at the Lutheran University.
One individual, Dr. Doreen Moyo, formerly of Zimbabwe, and a former
student of Dr. Schluckebier’s was given a miniature bilium. Later she returned to the booth with tears in her
eyes thanking us for giving her the bilium (PNG string-bag) and made a donation to be given to the Martin Luther Seminary
Guild as a thank offering. It reminded her of her home in Africa.
The Convocation concluded with a communion service.
Dr. Brent Kilback was asked to help with the distribution of communion to the congregation of educators attending the service.
The service ended with prayers for safe travel and God’s blessing.
New acquaintances were made, new experiences
were had; there is a reality that all of us are a part of a larger group, Lutheran Christian religious educators. Good-bys
were said with the reality that all of us are working in God’s kingdom.
During The Convocation Rev. Wenge,
Governor Wenge, Dr. Kilback and Mr. Pato attended a session on Marketing and Development of Lutheran Schools. Later
Dr. Kilback attended a sessions on “How to ask for Money” and How to Support Lutheran Schools. Theses sessions
concentrated on the importance of researching and knowing your donors.
|
