In July 2023 Andrew, Meredith, Bea and Hans Ronnevik started a new call to serve in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the Global Mission unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). They have committed to a four-year term, from summer 2023 to summer 2027 with a two-month home leave every two years (always […]

In July 2023 Andrew, Meredith, Bea and Hans Ronnevik started a new call to serve in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the Global Mission unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). They have committed to a four-year term, from summer 2023 to summer 2027 with a two-month home leave every two years (always in even years).

While in PNG, Andrew is a theology professor at Martin Luther Seminary (MLS), teaching men and women who are training to become pastors and church leaders, in the areas of doctrine and ethics. At the seminary they have a goal of training 80-90 students at a time with current enrolment slightly lower at just under 60 students. There are about a dozen faculty members, mostly from PNG but also including people from Germany and Australia (including Rev Mick Hauser). Founded in the 1960s, MLS is one of three seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG).

Meredith has a position with the ELCA as an Associate Spouse, meaning that she will do something in a part-time capacity, as well as getting the children/family settled into a new culture, climate, and location.

Due to the slow process of obtaining their work visas, the Ronneviks were only able to gain entry into the country in February 2024.  They used the waiting time to take part in a new missionary orientation, and to personally meet with a few former Lutheran missionaries who served in PNG. They also made some progress in their self-directed study of Tok Pisin (the most widely used language in PNG), undertook some substitute preaching at various churches and visits to sponsoring congregations, as well as some reading and writing related to theology and PNG.

As the Ronnevik family planned for their relocation to PNG, ELCA approached LCA International Mission to enquire about the family travelling via Adelaide when they were enroute to PNG. The purpose of this visit was to help them better understand how LCA International Mission are involved in PNG. This visit gave the Ronnevik’s an opportunity to meet with those involved in congregational partnerships and Lutheran Overseas Partner Churches (LOPC), visit Wantok Place, and to be introduced to the birthing kits and Stamps for Mission programs. They were also able to spend time with Hanna Schulz and connect with former missionaries some of whom continue to mentor, and travel to PNG to help prepare others for service. A meeting with staff from Australian Lutheran College also helped them gain some understanding of theological education in the LCANZ. The visit to Adelaide also gave the family some time to adjust their sleep schedules and acclimate to Summer, as well as enjoying the playground-inviting sunshine.

As Meredith, Andrew, Bea and Hans settle into their new home, learn about boiling and filtering their water, how to best (or at least better) manage the frequent power outages, and try cooking some local greens that are growing in their yard, please keep them in your prayers. Please also pray for PNG as it endures economic and political turmoil, as well as for the ongoing witness of the ELC-PNG.

The Ronnevik family are in PNG as paid, insured employees of ELCA. Because of ELCA’s commitment to global church service, the Ronneviks are not directly responsible for fundraising to cover their expenses. The ELCA’s global mission work is funded by generous congregations and individuals. If you would like to contribute to their work in PNG, go to ELCA.org/MissionaryGiving and select ‘Rev. Andrew and Meredith Ronnevik’ from the ‘Designation’ drop-down menu.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone LCA International Mission on (08) 8267 7300 or email lcaim@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/