April Update 2026
Another busy month here in PNG with plenty of things happening. At the beginning of the month Covenant Christian School (9 Mile, Port Moresby) experienced quite the transition in staffing. Two teachers handed in resignation letters at the end of March for separate reasons. Due to the training we had done last month there were available people ready to step in and the school board was able to hire two new teachers. We left for Lae around this time and Johan advised the board at 9 Mile not to wait for him but to finalise the hiring of new teachers and the saying goodbye to the old teachers. We are thankful how this worked out as it is easy for the board to look to Johan for guidance during this time and wait for him to sort things out. They were able to hire an experienced teacher and one who has no experience at all but has completed grade 12 and plans to attend teachers college next year. While the new hire is a younger, less experienced teacher, the head teacher at CCS has been impressed with her willingness to learn and her attitude to her work.
We arrived in Lae on the 9th of April. It’s only a 1hr flight and we’re thankful everything went smoothly and on time. Because our time was limited in Lae, we were conscience of making the most of our time and not doing things that can just as easily do in POM – e.g. sitting behind a desk. So, our visit to Lae was busy with visits to the Ombudsman Commission to address the ongoing issue of land title for Living Water Christian School (LWCS; Kamkumung, Lae), visits to the department of education to research how we can register our teachers without putting them through 3 years of college, and plenty of visits to the schools for observation and training.
On the 19th of April we attended church in Wantun and because it is a 3hr drive we stayed overnight in the church. After church (as this is the only time all the church members are together) Johan presented to them a speech about his role in the school as this was creating tension within the community. His speech addressed their role as parents in the covenantal education of their children and their ownership of the school. We are not sure how it was received as most of the proceeding conversations were in tokples (the language of their village) but we’ve been told it was well received. Pastor Tony was very appreciative of the speech and wants Johan to come back at the closing day of school and reach the whole school community.
Being in a village context where most families are subsistence farmers, school fees must be kept low to provide access for children. The school is highly motivated to create alternative local fundraising options that are sustainable, and we’re excited to work with them on this. As you can see in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ picture of the school building below, the school has slowly been building a classroom through local fundraising and some assistance from Mission Aid in Australia. Previously they held classes in a classroom made of bush materials which wasn’t ideal during heavy rain.
The next morning was spent bringing in the new shipment My Father’s World curriculum and observing in the classroom. It was great to sit with the teachers and discuss the curriculum. The teachers at this school clearly have seen transformation in their hearts and lives because of the work of Jesus Christ, and this overflows into their teaching. It was a privilege to deliver a training session on Covenant Education and biblical classroom management in a later visit during that week. A couple of teachers have had this before but it is always good to refresh and have conversations about how they can manage a few challenging situations in their classrooms.
The last week in Lae we spent a bit more time with LWCS. Johan was able to sit in Board meetings and discuss future plans. Johan still helps this school the most with the work he took over from the previous Mission Support Worker and we’re looking at ways to hand this over. In Lae as well, Johan gave a refresher course on Covenant Education and biblical classroom management. We were very encouraged by the Christian character of the school and look forward to developing this more through the implementation of the My Fathers World curriculum.
The last exciting development of the month was that the IPA (Investment Promotional Authority) accepted the Intent to Incorporate application of two of the schools. This is a big step into them becoming a recognised entity. Their names will be LOGOS GLORY REFORMED SCHOOL INC. and COVENANT REFORMED SCHOOL INC. The school leaders felt it appropriate to make the distinction that our schools aren’t just another one of many Christian schools but also wanted to keep the name that was significant to them. We had to buy an ad in the local paper and have a one-month objection period.
Personally, things still continue to go well. Flying to the other side of the country and staying in a different house for close to a month has its struggles but the kids did well. The kids are still unsure what actually is our house-house but they enjoy the travelling. Evelyn brought along all the homeschooling work and we try to keep the main routines the same no matter where we go. We did feel by the end of our time in Lae were very ready to go back home. The house at Lae (pictured below) is situated in the Lae City Mission compound. LCM is a centre that takes in struggling young men and teaches them life skills and presents them with the gospel. Reformed Ministries NE used to be based here before moving up to the Highlands at SIL and we still have one house at the compound that is available to RM members. It is a very big house and the kids love playing hide and seek in it. Throughout the month we were there we hosted a number of people/groups coming and going. The smaller area we are in has an energetic dog. At night it is very much appreciated as it is a deterrent for any curious people but during the day it is a bit of a hindrance as the kids don’t want to go outside and play meaning everyone feels a bit couped up by the end of the day. Thankfully Lae city is not too far away and we’ve found a nice playground where the kids can burn some energy. Lae also has a large main market. Below, right. As you can imagine, going to the market with small children is always an experience and a half. We stand out as it is and the Papua New Guineas love seeing white children as this is quite rare in PNG.
We arrived safely back in Port Moresby on the 2nd of May. It is great to be back. The main project for this month will be getting the timber and material for renovating the Campus Manager’s House. Two qualified tradies will be coming at the end of May to help us with the renovations. This will become our house for the remainder of our time in PNG. It is exciting to finally have something that will feel like a permanent house for us.
Thanks again for your ongoing love and support.
Johan, Evelyn and the kids
Prayer Points:
- Thankful – our visit to Lae could be productive and relationships strengthened.
- Thankful – we can start the process of renovating ‘our’ house.
- Request – the preparations for renovations may go well.
- Request – a continued blessing on the teaching happening in the schools.
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