Lutheran youths trained to tell the story of pioneering missionary

THIRTY Lutheran youths are undergoing theatre skills training at the National Performing Arts Centre, in Goroka, to stage part three of the Johann Flierl story, a pioneering missionary.
The production is titled The quest for Anutu. The production has four parts, with parts one and two produced by most of the youths attending the training.
The church is a permanent working partner of the theatre.
Flierl established mission schools and organised the construction of roads and communication in remote interior locations.
Under his leadership, Lutheran evangelicalism flourished in the country. He founded the Evangelical Lutheran Mission.
Mission Station Youth adviser Matthias Troeger said part one was about Flierl’s entry into New Guinea to preach the gospel.
Theatre director John Doa said the part showed the challenges Flierl encountered with locals when he first set foot at Simbang in Finschhafen, Morobe.
“Part two is the acceptance of the gospel by locals, the erection of church buildings and training of laymen and evangelists, and baptism,” Doa said. “Part three will be about tribal fighting between the Wampar and Wamba (of Lae) people, and peace – the gospel is trying to dissolve conflict among communities. Part four is Go for go, where locals follow Flierl’s footsteps in spreading gospel,” Doa said. “Flierl Production is about imparting the cast, mainly youths about acting or theatre skills,” said Martin. He urged the youths to remain disciplined and learn as much as they cans.