PNG, Philippines churches sign deal for mission work

THE Evangelical Lutheran Church has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Lutheran Church in the Philippines to strengthen bilateral relations to support established mission work.
The signing of the agreement at Ampo in Lae was witnessed by Bishop of ELC Bavaria Prof Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, director of Mission OneWorld (ELCB) Rev Hanns Hoerschelmann, and secretary for PNG-Pacific-East Asia for Mission OneWorld Rev Dr Traugott Farnbacher.
It allows for exchange of pastors, church workers, lay leaders, theologians, senior experts, technical experts and others.
It also allows for the training and development of pastors, academics, church leaders and workers, and technical experts.
“Through partnership we learn from one another to extend God’s love to humanity,” Bishop Jack Urame Urame said.
“The Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP) is our active partner, so we are happy that the agreement is signed.
“We are grateful that there are three pastors and one technical officer serving in ELCPNG. They have been a blessing to our church, and we have enjoyed the fruits of their service to our church.”
Four missionaries from the Philippines had a two-year contract serving at Amron Evangelist Training Centre and Memorial Lutheran Church in Madang, and Senior Flierl Lutheran Seminary at Finschhafen, Morobe.
The LCP was established in mid-1940 by the Lutheran Missouri Synod of America.
It has four districts at present, with more than 60,000 Lutherans.
LCP president, Rev Antonio Reyes said the agreement would show the world that the two churches were one in Christ.
“From this day on, we will be working together,” he said. “We will be helping each other in whatever ministry we can.
“We will work together for the expansion of God’s kingdom, and the proclamation of the gospel, both in the Philippines and in PNG, and other countries.”
Reyes thanked ELC Bavaria, in Germany, for being the bridge that helped the two churches establish relations.