It was my joy and privilege to spend two weeks with the staff and students at Sihabonghabong. Soon after our course was underway, one of the girls called me ‘Grandpa’ and this rapidly took off. In response I called them my ‘cucu’ (choo-choo), my grandchildren. This was typical of the affectionate way I was welcomed […]
In October 2019 I travelled to Singapore to offer a teaching seminar for pastors and church workers of the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS). The seminar was on the Person and work of the Spirit in mission, and was based on some of the material in a new book ‘Spirit Filled: Normal Christian Living’ (written […]
The first Bahasa word I learned during my visit to Borneo was ‘awas’ meaning ‘watch out’. I saw it again and again on signs along the highway of the island’s north coast, warning of impending dangers. Sometimes, when there is an especially sharp turn, or rise or dip in the road, ‘awas’ is preceded with […]
Since 2007, Dianne and I have been involved with Myanmar mission work, having travelled there quite a number of times now. In early September 2019 we arrived in Myanmar and spent five weeks doing volunteer work. On the night we arrived, I went to bed and prayed to God, as I was feeling overwhelmed and […]
Just over 500 years ago something happened. Many would say this something was the Reformation but I beg to disagree. Just over 500 years ago, a man realised that something was not quite right in the church and decided to do something about it. The Reformation led to the church we know today. I have […]
John and I have taught at the Bibel Frau for four years and each time we feel as though we are experiencing a little slice of heaven and unconditional love. Two students are assigned to look after us. As well as clean our house, they cook and bring over a variety of delicious healthy meals […]
In July to August, three LCA International Mission volunteers travelled to the isolated island of Nias, Indonesia. Under the guidance of LCA International Mission and in cooperation with KN-LWF, we participated in a month long volunteer program of teaching English. This experience contributed to the growing relationships between various Lutheran-oriented Christian churches within Indonesia. We […]
Where have all the young people gone? I wonder whether this is the wrong question to ask. Imagine a farmer standing arms folded and asking, ‘Who didn’t shut the gate?’, while watching his sheep flee up the road and onto the highway. Would he not instead close the gate to protect the sheep still in […]
Debora orphanage is located in a remote region of northern Sumatra, Indonesia and is supported by the Lutheran Women of Australia. In 2019, Rosemary Winderlich visited Debora, as she has done on many previous occasions, this time with the company of Jo Veerhuis and Chris Stott. Spending even just a few minutes with Rosemary highlights […]
Warren and Marianne Schirmer have been long term supporters of the LCA International Mission work in Cambodia, promoting the work of the Lutheran Church in Cambodia within the LCA. Recently, they visited Cambodia and spent time with the ministry team in Phnom Penh. Warren reflects on one of their experiences which left a profound impression […]