The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2a) When we were in Papua New Guinea, we often experienced the phenomenon of flying ants swarming to the night light, especially if there was rain around. It would get […]
Can you recall when you were 22? When you were beginning to balance responsibilities in a world that seemed to offer many possibilities? That’s how old Sanglura is. He’s on his phone, ready for an interview that will explore his life and new role as a youth pastor for the Lutheran Church of Myanmar (LCM). […]
As Christian households, we have been uniquely placed by God into our community to offer a welcoming invitation of hospitality, to reach out to those who have no place to go and to let them know there is room at the table for them. God first opened his doors and made room at the table […]
My husband Michael and I were very surprised to read an email from Abdi Sabda Seminary in Indonesia, requesting that ‘Michael and Debbie Borgas help us with our English Program online’. We had no idea how our names were chosen, aside from the fact that prior to COVID-19, we had been in some discussion to […]
A lot seems to be made of mission. Complicated methods of how we should go about the Missio Dei are multiform, seeking to be true to the ‘Great Commission’ Jesus entrusted to the church. But at its heart, being in God’s mission doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as Paul’s exhortation: […]
Rev Ishak Jonius of the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, Bahasa Malay (BCCM BM), reflects on what he has learnt about youth ministry. Although from another culture, the former youth director’s insights about engaging with youth are also valuable for us. If the church wants to reach the youth, most importantly they must know their […]
Through LCA International Mission, over the past eight years the community of Good Shepherd Lutheran College at Howard Springs in the Northern Territory has formed a strong partnership with Bethany Home in Malaysia. As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Bethany is a training centre for young people with disabilities. As well as […]
In the cool morning air in northern Thailand, a young woman looks around at green rice fields across a flowing stream, all still partly in the shadow of the forested mountains. The lush vegetation that seems intent on blanketing her Lua community village is filled with the sounds of life. Even at this height, it […]
Serving as a missionary overseas is something Pastor Murray Smith never thought he would do. But then God’s call on our lives can often surprise. Because that’s exactly what Pastor Murray and his wife Tracy are preparing for, after his call to serve as a lecturer at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea’s […]
‘Every Lutheran Church in Asia should have at least one senior pastor who has trained at Australian Lutheran College [ALC]. Then you will have someone who knows confessional Lutheran theology!’ This was the heart-felt expression of an Asian bishop during a gathering of regional church leaders in 2019. ALC is recognised by our partner churches […]