Clans mark arrival of missionary

 EIGHT clans in the Usino local level government area, in Madang, celebrated the arrival of the first Lutheran missionary in PNG last weekend.

The Usino (Bekesin) congregation remembered the German missionary, Johane Flirl, in a small but significant celebration involving drama, traditional dances, music and worship. Flilr arrived 128 years ago on July 12, 1886.

The clans – Bige, Arolo, Nukul, Tai, Imiag, Kuade, Kibi – from Ward 31 and youths from Walum, in Usino LLG, and neighbouring Lutheran congregations, put all their daily activities aside and combined to celebrate the day for the first time.

Pastor Tom Kardis said the aim of the commemoration was to remind the youths of the significance of the first missionaries so they could uphold the Lutheran Church principals during the time when lots of development were taking place with huge social changes. “Johane Flilr didn’t bring God but brought the message to remind us the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

“That’s what we celebrate and want to remind our youths to uphold in the future,” he said.

Kardis said the Usino and Bekesin areas were well-known for cult activities and black magic practices but have gone through huge transformations following the introduction of churches, and lately huge development in loggings, mining and agriculture developments.