In 2016 the LCA, through International Mission, sponsored Lutheran seminary lecturer Gabriel Sogimo from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to begin pre-Masters studies at Australian Lutheran College (ALC). In 2017 and 2018, our support for Gabriel has continued through sponsorship of his Masters degree studies at Pacific Theological College (PTC) in Suva, Fiji. Into his second […]

In 2016 the LCA, through International Mission, sponsored Lutheran seminary lecturer Gabriel Sogimo from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to begin pre-Masters studies at Australian Lutheran College (ALC).

In 2017 and 2018, our support for Gabriel has continued through sponsorship of his Masters degree studies at Pacific Theological College (PTC) in Suva, Fiji.

Into his second year of studies, Gabriel is now focused on writing his thesis and fitting into study life. ’We share our study and leisure time together in feasting, sports, worship and praying together’, he writes of life at PTC. ‘In times of joy and sorrow, we continue to live in solidarity in sharing good and bad times with each other.’

Gabriel is thankful to the LCA and the Leipzig Mission, Germany, for the sponsorship and for our prayers for his journey.

As with all students studying in a foreign country, he faces many challenges, as does his family.

Gabriel is married to Make Sogimo, who remains with their three children in their home village in the highlands of PNG. Allan, their nine-year-old-son, naturally misses his father. He writes, ’I love my daddy so much that sometimes (I) cry for him because I miss his presence. Two years away from me and my siblings is too much to bear, however, our good Lord always takes care of us and also our daddy.’

Study life at PTC is demanding and the workload requires commitment and discipline, but Gabriel is pleased with his results. He writes that his lecturers are helpful, providing him with good guidance and advice, and willingly sharing their academic wisdom. Gabriel’s immediate focus is to have his final draft for his thesis completed by August.

One of the aims of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea is to increase the theological capacity of its leaders, pastors and lecturers, and Gabriel’s studies form part of this process. We thank God that we are able to walk beside our partners and provide support for Gabriel’s studies.

Gabriel’s struggles with family separation and the challenges of cultural change are among reasons to consider alternative ways for our partners to study in their home countries for qualifications.

This year LCA International Mission and ALC are exploring the possibility of establishing a ‘hub’ at Martin Luther Seminary in Lae, PNG, with the view that this may enable students to study for Masters and Doctoral courses while primarily being based in their own country.

LCA International Mission gives thanks to God for your partnership in the gospel. Please pray for Gabriel and his family and for alternative study doors to be opened in future.

If you would like to know more about opportunities to personally support a scholarship recipient in your congregation during their stay in Australia, or ways in which you can financially and prayerfully support LCA International Mission’s scholarship program, you are invited to phone Nevin on (08) 8267 7300 or email nevin.nitschke@lca.org.au

Read more stories about LCA International Mission scholarships at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/scholarships/