Across the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG), the ministry of Wok Meri continues to shape, strengthen, and bless congregations in profound ways. The Tok Pisin term Wok Meri refers to Christian women who are trained for spiritual leadership, community service, and practical ministry within their congregations. These women lead Bible studies and […]

Across the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG), the ministry of Wok Meri continues to shape, strengthen, and bless congregations in profound ways. The Tok Pisin term Wok Meri refers to Christian women who are trained for spiritual leadership, community service, and practical ministry within their congregations. These women lead Bible studies and prayer groups, offer pastoral care, teach Scripture, support pastors and, in many places, teach Christian Religious Education in primary schools.

Their ministry also extends into the home and community: teaching sewing and craft skills, nutrition, hygiene, gardening, and small scale farming. In many remote and mountainous regions of Papua New Guinea (PNG) where pastors cover vast areas and travel is slow and difficult, the leadership of Wok Meri is absolutely essential. They are often the ones who carry forward the daily ministry of the church, share the gospel, and support households in ways that are deeply practical and pastoral.

The Wok Meri training schools began through missionary wives who gathered small groups of women, teaching basic domestic skills alongside Scripture, prayer, and Christian family life. These early gatherings grew into structured house groups, and eventually into formal residential schools.

A major turning point came when the Stang Wok Meri Training School celebrated its first graduation. This moment confirmed that Wok Meri formation was not simply an informal women’s fellowship activity, but an important leadership pathway for women across the Lutheran church. From that point onward, the ministry grew in both depth and reach.

Today, four main training schools continue this vital work:

1. Madang (Baitabag) – the original school, now located closer to town
2. Stang – one of the strongest schools historically, with deep roots in the region
3. Finschhafen/ Settleberg – situated on the historic Settleberg mission site
4. Gatop (Kote District) – known for strong music and discipleship training

Each school has its own strengths and story, yet all share the same purpose: forming women in faith, leadership, and service.

The Wok Meri program is designed as a two year residential course that weaves together biblical teaching, worship leadership, practical ministry skills, literacy, numeracy, agriculture, and community health. Many women arrive with little formal education, and teachers provide one‑to‑one support, especially in English and literacy.

Since 2015, married women have been welcomed into the program. Their life experience brings richness and maturity, but also complexity: childcare needs, family obligations, and financial pressures are constant realities. Many travel long distances or leave behind subsistence gardens and family responsibilities to study. Their commitment reflects a deep sense of calling.

In recent years, curriculum upgrade work has begun again, with modules now being strengthened in disability inclusion, gender justice, and preventing violence.

The testimonies of the women who study, reveal how deeply God works through the training schools.

Angela, from Enga Province, spoke of discovering a spiritual family at Stang. “Before I knew Jesus, I lived in darkness. But now I know He is with me wherever I go. When I came here, I felt like I had found a family.”

Roddy, whose mother was a Wok Meri before her, discovered her calling through teaching Sunday School and eventually found herself studying at Stang after an unexpected overseas encounter opened the way. Throughout every hardship, she said the promise of John 3:16 carried her.

Rolins described receiving a vivid vision during prayer and fasting that called her into Wok Meri training. She is now committed to sharing the gospel so that “people may have eternal life.”

These stories echo throughout every Wok Meri school: women encountering the gospel deeply, gaining confidence, discovering their gifts, and returning home ready to serve with courage and joy.

Please continue to pray for the Wok Meri schools. Enrolments remain lower than hoped, and many women face significant barriers that make it difficult to complete the two year program, such as English language challenges, the weight of family responsibilities, and the high cost of travel from remote areas. Yet, despite these obstacles, the dedication of both students and teachers remains strong and deeply inspiring. Please pray that God would open doors for more women to study, strengthen families who support them, provide the resources needed for travel and learning, and sustain the teachers who give so faithfully of themselves.

Through your financial support, Wok Meri schools remain places where women encounter Christ, grow in confidence, and return home ready to lead with faith and love.

May God continue to raise up women of courage whose witness strengthens the church for generations to come.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner church in Papua New Guinea at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/papua-new-guinea/