Kenneth and Jane had previously lived in Central Asia for several years, both teaching English while they were there. Their next plan after Kenneth retired, was to head to Africa for an extended holiday followed by a few weeks teaching English again. But when they started exploring this idea, SIM’s response moved them in a different direction.

“There was a great opportunity in Papua New Guinea. They desperately needed an English teacher at CLTC (Christian Leaders’ Training College). It was my first time teaching English in a Bible college setting,” comments Kenneth.

When they arrived at their CLTC accommodation, they realised they had been there before! It was many years ago, during their time at a mission training college, that they had stayed in the very same house. God had brought them back.

Jane reflects on her work in the college library early in the year.

“It was challenging at the start, being quiet with not many students around. I didn’t have much to do. Then I remembered the scripture about working as for the Lord. That changed my perspective of what I was doing.”

Soon, other opportunities opened for her.

“I was invited to do a Bible quiz with the single female students. Some of them get quite homesick and miss their mothers. It’s a lovely time with coffee and cake and has become very social,” says Jane.

Kenneth has found his work very different to other English teaching he has done, Classes are bigger in size and there is a wide range of ability and experiences.

“There are a lot of opportunities here and some gaps to fill. For example, at the beginning of the academic year, a group of twelve students were shown around the college for their orientation. When they came to the library, they were asked, ‘Who has been in a library before?’ Only three of them put up their hand. So, for these students, some from remote villages, to get to study at this place, they’re doing very well. And they are very motivated.”

Many of the students have been sent by their church to gain a qualification in leadership.

“One of them is in his fifties, and he’s been sent here by his church to learn about how to reach young people. His church is concerned they are losing the youth,” says Kenneth.

However, not all of the churches can financially support the students in their studies.

“There is no real promise from the church to help fund them. Some of them trust that God will provide. Unfortunately, others are asked to leave the college because they can’t pay their fees. This is tough on both the college staff and students to have to deal with,” tells Jane.

On the campus, there is an early childhood centre and primary school so those who come with families are catered for. They are also provided free accommodation.

Jane has noticed how engaged the college staff are with the students.

“They have the best motives and desires for the students and alongside their teaching, bring sermons and lead Chapel, so are very spiritually involved.”

For both Kenneth and Jane, they are already developing relationships with staff and students and having opportunities to speak into their lives.

“I had a student who wrote in an assignment that he was conflicted about reconciling the Bible with science. I mentioned Answers in Genesis to him and encouraged him that you can believe true science and be a Christian at the same time. He found this quite releasing,” recounts Kenneth.

Through the cell group that they have joined, there have been other ministry experiences. As a group, they wanted practical ways to serve, and they began by helping one another in their gardens. Soon they looked further afield.

“Our cell group is serving the local Catholic church, and I’ve struck up a connection with the priest. It would be good to pray for this, that I can build a good rapport here,” says Kenneth.

Jane is disciplining a student who is working in the garden to support herself financially.

“She has been accepted into the Early Childhood course, and this is encouraging for her. Please pray that she will grow in her faith and have opportunities to share her faith as well.”

Pray for:

• Keeping healthy, especially our stomachs!
• Maintaining a supportive relationship with our sending church, Grace Bible Church, Dunedin.
• Stability and peace in the local community and nationally.
• Financial stability for the college. The theme for the college this year: ‘God is Faithful’ (1 Thessalonians). Pray for sponsors for both the college and students.
• Getting to know the students more, despite the challenges of language.

For more information about the college go to https://www.cltc.ac.pg