I was the first in my family to become a Christian. I was 18 years old when I heard the gospel and felt it was very meaningful to me. At first, my family were not happy. They didn’t kick me out, but they didn’t treat me normally, either. My friends also distanced themselves from me. […]
Students at Tatachilla Lutheran College have raised enough funds through self-led charitable endeavours as part of Challenge 4 Charity to afford the purchase of a block of land in rural Cambodia. The block – which comprises 1,400m2 of uninhabited bushland in the small village of Tuek Chenh – has since been bought by the Lutheran […]
When 10 young people spoke at the General Synod dinner at Concordia College on the first evening of Convention, those gathered were captivated. Delegates, visitors, staff and volunteers who sat and attentively listened to heartfelt reflections and moving testimonies later said how encouraged and inspired they were by the presentation. The seven representatives of Lutheran […]
This year, 2024, marks 90 years since several crucial developments for the Lutheran church in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. In 1934, the first group of Highlanders were baptised, they were eastern Highlanders; the Lutheran Mission stations of Ega, Kerowagi, and Ogelbeng were founded; and a plane was bought to aid the spreading of […]
Women living in the influential patriarchal system in North Sumatra, Indonesia, are often faced with significant challenges and injustice as they seek to carry out their responsibilities in their home and serve as leaders among their workplaces and in their church communities. The Lutheran Study Centre in Indonesia, recognising the importance of empowering women in […]
The bustling city of Pematangsiantar, not far from the equator in Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, is a world away from Geneva, in the shadow of the Swiss Alps, where The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) headquarters is located. But it is in Pematangsiantar where Rev Dr Rospita Siahaan was born, has lived most of her life […]
A group of thirteen people from St Paul’s Lutheran church, Box Hill, Victoria recently visited Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra to spend time with their overseas congregational partner GKPS Jalan Jenderal Suriman. The visiting group ranged in age from 18 to 75 years; and included five young adults, congregation chair Ben Gargett, and Pastor Neville Otto. ‘I […]
It was only for ten days, but the blessings from the journey of thirteen of St Paul’s Lutheran, Box Hill members to visit our partner church, GKPS Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, Indonesia have already proved to be mighty – both for the participants and for the congregation. We knew before we left […]
For a relationship to grow and develop, it is essential that there be an intentionality to spend quality time together and have moments of consistent connection. Though his time on earth was consumed with teaching, healing the sick, and performing miracles, Jesus was never too busy to constantly and purposefully make himself available to his […]
In January 2024 the Women Care and Counselling Centre (WCCC) farewelled Deaconess Elizabeth after 14 years of service and welcomed me, Ms Daphne Abraham, into the role of supervisor. I was formerly a bank officer and have also had some exposure to the diakonia/social work through Malaysian Care. This has been helpful for me to […]