News
Preparation begins for 36th Lutheran Synod in 2028
(L-R) Rev Lukas Kedabing-Assistant Bishop, Rev Bon Nelson-Madang District President, Ramsey Pariwa-Madang Governor & Synod Patron, Daniel Aloi-Synod Planning committee Chairman, Rev. Francis Ambuk-represents History and Pr Reina Kubong-represents future church (NBC News)
A groundbreaking was held recently in Madang, marking the commencement of preparatory work by the Lutheran Church in the province towards hosting the Church's 36th National Synod in January 2028.
The ceremony was held at Nagada Plantation, an old plantation owned by the Lutheran Church, towards the north coast.
Nagada will be the central location or site for the 2028 Synod.
Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa and Provincial Administrator, Daniel Aloi, were joined by senior clergymen from the church; Rev. Lucas Kedabing, Assistant Bishop of ELC- PNG,
Rev. Bon Nelson - District President of Madang,
Pastor Francis Ambuk, representing older pastors in Madang and
Pastor Reiner Kubong, representing younger pastors, in the ceremony.
The event was witnessed by the General Secretary of ELC- PNG, Bernard Kaisum, Lutheran faithfuls, and the general public.
Mr Kaisum emphasised the importance of the upcoming synod, stating it will be the first for the next 50 years; both in the Church's calendar and the country's journey after independence.
The groundbreaking was followed by the unveiling of a huge billboard at the Nagada Junction, which declares that the next 50 years for ELC- PNG begins at Nagada, which will be the site of the 2028 Synod.
He also expressed gratitude to the local working committee, headed by Chairman and Madang's Provincial Administrator, Daniel Aloi; for starting the ground work early.
"People of Madang, you must be prepared for the Synod. As host, we must prepare the groundwork. It's gonna be a lot of hard work, but we must work with absolute faith in God that we can do it.
"We, from the headquarters; are happy to see those of you who have come to witness this special occasion. You represent the thousands of Lutheran faithfuls in this province who can not make it here to witness this event.
"The Synod will test our transport systems, and our ability to host such big event so we must be well prepared," Mr Kaisum said.
Chairman of the local organising committee and Madang's Provincial Administrator, Daniel Aloi, said it's a long road ahead for the committee.
"We have come this far with no political or business support. This is only one part of the Synod, and I can't think of any other way to do this but to continue to pray. What we are doing is like what John the Baptist did; preparing the groundwork for the Synod.
"We report to the Madang District Council, and we all must have a responsibility in this," he said.
Mr Aloi added that the committee is going ahead with the preparation despite critics from certain people that Madang is not ready to host the Synod.
Governor Ramsey Pariwa, meanwhile, was not happy that it has taken a long time for the groundwork to begin.
"It's been nine months since the last Synod ended in Siassi, Morobe Province and we brought the Synod shield to Madang. I am not happy that it took us this long to make decisions and start working. We have delayed work by nine months, and we cannot afford to waste any more time. It's time to work," Governor Pariwa stated.
He added that God has a plan for Madang, and the people must be ready to receive what He has to give.
Pariwa said, "Madang has not hosted a Synod in many years. We have been roaming in the wilderness, indulging ourselves in too many ungodly things like killing and cutting; and law, and order has deteriorated.
"We have played too much Church politics, and this must stop now. God wants to visit us, and we can't stop Him. Church politics has destroyed the church. Put your differences aside, and start working together. We are not here to please anybody. This is God's business."
Governor Pariwa is the Patron of the 36th Lutheran Synod.