Reflections on our recent visit

Sapos Bikpela I wokim bai mipela lukim yu!

If it is God’s will, we will see you again!

These words, brimming with anticipation, were the farewell we received after our visit to the last of the four schools associated with the Reformed Churches of Papua New Guinea.

In anticipation of Johan’s role as Reformed Education Support Worker commencing in July 2025, we visited PNG in mid- January to see each of the schools with their teachers and school boards. Johan’s role will take him to four schools. Two schools are in the northern part of PNG, and two are in the south (see map below). Unfortunately, we visited during school holidays however it was a useful visit to meet with the leaders of the schools, put names to faces, and get an idea of the needs there.

Four Christian day schools associated with the Reformed Churches of Papua New Guinea

In our travels we were grateful to reflect on God’s sovereign care over us as all our flights went smoothly and our five-month-old son travelled well. We came away excited about how God is using education to shape worldviews and build His church.

We approached each school with the same questions: What is going well in the school and what do you enjoy about teaching? What are some of the challenges you face? How does the Board function?

Wednesday 15th January

Our first visit was with the board and teachers at Logos Glory Christian school, located in the village of Wantun. Of all the schools, this is probably our most physically isolated. It is a two-hour drive on the main highway from Lae, and then over an hour (on a good day) along an intense four- wheel drive track. When it rains, the track becomes impassible, and we will need to walk to the village, crossing several rivers.

Johan meeting with Logos Glory school board & teachers in Wantun

Despite the remote location we were struck by the teachers’ passion for education and their spiritual maturity, their generous hospitality. We also marvelled at the sheer beauty of the LORD as He has shown Himself in creation

Thursday 16th January

Our second visit was with Living Waters Christian School in Lae. This school was the first to be established in PNG in 2011and has the most structural support around its teachers in terms of Board policy and involvement.

It was a helpful visit which gave some indication as to what can be worked towards in the other schools. At the same time, this school also has its challenges, such as a need for more classroom space, and new teachers requiring training and support to feel confident in their roles.

A very useful visit with the board and staff at Living Waters in Lae

Friday 17th January

We flew to Port Moresby from Lae on Thursday evening, in time for a meeting on Friday morning with the board and one of the teachers in 9-Mile Christian School

We observed some immediate practical needs in this school – some classes are currently held in the church building. However, the students graduating from this school show better results than their peers in the public system. We met some very talented and faithful teachers working in 9-mile school and the results are speaking for themselves.

Saturday 18th January

Our final visit on Saturday afternoon was with Beretete school. The small school room is next to the church building, on a hill close to the main road. Pastor Nawai and his wife, Daiva, are the driving force behind the school. They spoke passionately about how they see their work shaping the worldviews of the children in their local community.

It is clear the school is thriving, and although resources are limited teachers are creative in using the natural environment to achieve excellent results.

A classroom at Beretete school

Our conclusions at the end of the week

1. Papua New Guinea is a vibrant, beautiful country and its people are warm and generous.

2. Each school is operating at different levels, and they are eagerly anticipating Johan beginning his work in July. They are keen to receive consistent support and training to improve the functioning of the schools and day-to-day lessons.

3. Sapos Bikpela i wokim, if it is God’s will, we will be there soon!We recognise our plans are in His hands and trust that He will use us for His glory, in His timing.

May the LORD bless the work of our hands!