Thousands attend week-long synod

MORE than 5,000 people were welcomed by Lutheran Immanuel district at Ialibu station, Southern Highlands for the 34th Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) synod.
Head Bishop Dr Jack Urame officially opened the week-long conference with a Sunday service and welcomed delegates.
Host ELC Immanuel district put on a colourful welcome ceremony for the 16 Lutheran districts in the country, overseas missionaries, invited guests and staff from the church’s headquarters, including church executives.
Ialibu was packed to capacity as people flocked to see the welcome ceremony with welcome songs, traditional dances, and speeches as well as a mock ship float that led delegates into the arena.
It was an emotional ceremony for many who were part of the early missionary work in that part of the Southern Highlands and also a day of reunion to meet overseas missionaries, including children of other missionaries that came from Morobe that had served in Immanuel district in the early 1950s.
Dr Urame said the synod was a unifying event for all Lutheran faithful. He said it showed solidarity and all members could grow together in faith, evangelising the Word of God and win more souls for God’s Kingdom.
He challenged the delegates to be real on earth and a light to the world, adding that their behaviour, actions and lifestyle had to reflect their Christianity.
“We are a church of witness, and it is God’s calling to each one of us to be his witness and evangelise to others,” Urame said.
“We are nothing but the salt and light bring peace, hope and unity to those near us and being a Christian means to reflect the true image of Christ, so you must know that you are the Gospel to others.”