In 2008, the words of Hebrews 13:20–21 stirred something within me and prompted a significant step of faith. As I stood in Heldsbach, Papua New Guinea, I could see the declining infrastructure and the absence of meaningful educational opportunities for young children. I felt completely out of my depth. I was hesitant, uncertain, and very […]

In 2008, the words of Hebrews 13:20–21 stirred something within me and prompted a significant step of faith. As I stood in Heldsbach, Papua New Guinea, I could see the declining infrastructure and the absence of meaningful educational opportunities for young children. I felt completely out of my depth. I was hesitant, uncertain, and very aware of my own limitations. Yet those words from Hebrews reminded me that God does not simply call his people; he also equips them. With that assurance, I began supporting local women to establish kindergartens and provide early learning opportunities for their children.

From those first tentative steps, the ministry has grown in ways my husband Tony and I could never have imagined. Looking back, it is unmistakably a testimony to God’s faithfulness and to his promise that he provides everything needed for the work he sets before us.

What began as a handful of small village kindergartens which are led by devoted mothers who simply longed for a better future for their children, soon drew wider attention. Leaders across the Kote district began to notice the impact these humble learning spaces were having and they made the decision to adopt the model throughout the entire district. What struck me most was that this growth was not driven by facilities or funding, but by the extraordinary commitment and determination of these women.

By 2021, more than 500 children were enrolled across 34 kindergartens in remote villages. We had planned a large teacher training workshop for 100 participants to support this expansion, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to delay those plans. Even so, the work did not stop. In the face of uncertainty and limited resources, the women continued faithfully, doing what they could with what they had.

Through every challenge, God’s faithfulness remained. By 2023, enrolments had grown to more than 1,000 children and in 2024, we were finally able to run the long-awaited teacher training workshop. The response was overwhelming. One hundred and forty teachers came from across the Kote district to learn and share together. These women may not hold formal qualifications, but they bring love for the children in their care.

This growth has been sustained through faithful partnerships and generous support. Donations have enabled us to provide essential teaching materials, kindergarten supplies, and Bible Society storybooks in Tok Pisin. Even the simplest items must be carefully chosen so they can withstand the intense heat and humidity during transport.

We have also been supported by South Pacific School Aid, a project of the Rotary Club of Adelaide. Tony and I have spent time in their warehouse packing boxes of pencils, crayons, and other learning materials. These items, so ordinary in Australia, become treasured resources in Papua New Guinea and their journey is remarkable. They are shipped from Adelaide to Lae, transported by a small boat 150km along the coast to Heldsbach, and then carried by women in bilums as they walk back through the jungle to their villages.

By early 2025, there are now 92 bush kindergartens operating across the district. These simple spaces, which are sometimes little more than thatched huts, are alive with children learning, playing, and preparing for school in ways that were once unimaginable. And the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Entire communities are being shaped, and neighbouring villages are now asking how they too can begin kindergartens. Children who attend are arriving at school more confident, capable, and ready to learn.

At the heart of this ministry are the ordinary mothers who give their time freely and faithfully. Their work reflects the truth found in Hebrews: God is actively at work in them, equipping them for every good purpose.

We are also deeply grateful for leaders like Taningnau, the kindergarten coordinator, who travels tirelessly between remote villages distributing resources and offering encouragement, often without pay.

This is not a story about what we have achieved. It is a story about what God has done. What began with one hesitant “yes” has grown into something far greater than we could have planned or imagined.

If you, your school or your congregation, would like to know how you can connect to the mission of God through a LCA International Mission partnership, you are invited to phone Erin on (08) 8267 7300 or email erin.kerber@lca.org.au. For more information, go to www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/start-a-partnership/

Read more stories about congregational partnerships at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/local-partners/congregations/