Supporting our LCANZ missionaries serving overseas is easier than you may think, with LCA International Mission offering opportunities to connect with them via internet conferencing. Here we share stories from two such ‘gatherings’.
SERVING ‘SO PEOPLE WILL KNOW GOD’
On June 2, we connected virtually with Hanna Schulz, who has been serving as a linguist and Bible translation advisor in Papua New Guinea since 2012. Why does Hanna serve there? ‘So that people will know God, know life, know hope and know joy – now and always’, she says. It was inspiring to hear from Hanna that even when things are constantly changing, God is still faithful and good. Thank you to everyone who joined us online and prayed with and for Hanna and God’s work through her. To see her presentation, go to https://vimeo.com/559793354
– Nevin Nitschke, LCA International Mission program officer
FELLOWSHIP OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT
A few months back, I made a quick trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG) – virtually that is! Approximately 20 of us spent an evening with Mick Hauser, his wife Milka and son Kelly, through Zoom (pictured above right). Mick, our only LCA missionary in PNG, teaches at Martin Luther Seminary, Lae. The only Australian in the area, he sometimes keenly feels his isolation, so our fellowship made it a pleasant evening for all.
Mick and Milka spoke about PNG life and his work at the seminary. We also discussed the importance of being solid in his Lutheran confessions, PNG people finding ‘prosperity gospel’ concepts attractive, the influence of evil spirits, magic and sorcery, and safety and security issues.
We encouraged Mick through our presence, asking questions before breaking into small groups for discussions and prayer. Please consider taking up an invitation from International Mission to encourage our overseas missionaries – after all, they are only (several) mouse clicks away.
– Gillian Heintze, LCA International Mission Committee member
For information on upcoming opportunities to connect with missionaries, email lcaim@lca.org.au
VOLUNTEER TO TEACH ENGLISH ONLINE
Another way to engage with and support our overseas partners in mission is to volunteer as an English language mentor. LCA International Mission and Wycliffe English online trainer Margaret Borneman are providing an online English program for Abdi Sabda Seminary in Indonesia from 12 July to 11 August and need
40 volunteers to mentor participants for 30 minutes after the sessions. If you love meeting new friends, have a teaching gift, have a talent for working with others, or you just love talking, International Mission wants to hear from you. Contact Nevin Nitschke: 0447 337 186 or nevin.nitschke@lca.org.au
Not a subscriber? Click here to receive stories & upcoming issues in full
