“Even people our age can go and serve. It is not too late.”

Kenneth and Jane Gibbs have recently spent five months serving at CTLC. Their key tasks at the college were to teach English (Kenneth) and work in the library (Jane). Kenneth also had the opportunity to teach study skills. This involved teaching the students the skills of skimming, scanning and taking notes, and supporting them to compose essays that were understandable and not written by AI.

The CLTC students come from a variety of backgrounds and have different reasons for being at college. Some students feel a call to minister to other tribal groups within their own country. Others have been sent by their church so that they can eventually return to work as a pastor or in some other church leadership role.

“One wants to be a politician with theological training,” says Jane.

As their time in Papua New Guinea progressed, it became evident that they were building relationships with the students.

“We met a couple studying at the college who are supported financially by their adult children.  He didn’t know when his birthday was, and she was born two months prematurely.  Her mother thought it would be too much work trying to bring her up, so she was about to throw her in the river. Thankfully, a missionary saw this and rescued her,” reflects Kenneth.

Meeting needs

Kenneth and Jane came to know different students and soon realised the needs they had.

“I found out that some of them were trying to save money and so weren’t having lunch,” says Kenneth, “so I brought along some bananas for them to have.”

It was challenging at times for them to see the needs of the students.

“We did what we could, and we wanted to help them in some way. We had a lemon tree behind our house, and so we gave these out to the students too. They did fundraising throughout the year to raise money for their missions week at the end of the semester, and we did what we could to support them,” comments Jane.

Kenneth and Jane were also aware of the need to discern the right path when it came to supporting those in their care.

“If people said they were struggling, we would take them at face value, but that was not always the case. We began to rely on college staff to tell us who was really in need – they knew them well enough to know what was going on for them,” says Jane.  

The financial situation at CTLC has changed over the years.

“The fees at the college have gone up considerably, and the funds for subsidising the fees have dropped. The students simply asked us to pray for them, as they knew that God would provide. Some had been promised money through sponsors, but then fees went up, and they had to face a shortfall. The college tries to give as much grace as possible. The worry of fees also means some students aren’t concentrating so well in class,” says Kenneth.

Jane also found out what the students knew about libraries.

“A lot of the students had no experience at all with how to use a library. For example, students simply wandered around the library, thinking the book they needed would simply jump out at them, rather than knowing how to use the computers to search for the book and how the numbering system worked,” comments Jane. “One student said he was looking for a book on the importance of life. I found out Kenneth had asked him to find the book, and I knew Kenneth had told his students to research the importance of having a balanced life. One word made a big difference!”

Many students are able to attend the college due to a sponsorship programme.

“The students really appreciate their sponsors, and when they have prayer times, they spend some time praying for their sponsors,” says Jane.

Saying farewell

Their time in Papua New Guinea was brought to a memorable conclusion.

“At the end of our time there, some of the students had written a song for us and sang it to us. It was such a wonderful community to be a part of,” reflects Kenneth.

One couple studying at CLTC attempted to give Kenneth and Jane a live bird of paradise to take back with them to New Zealand. This shows how generous and loving the students are.

Go and support

For those who are older, perhaps nearing retirement or are already retired, Kenneth and Jane want to encourage the possibility of serving overseas.

“Even people our age can go and serve. It is not too late. And there are so many ways to support the college. We know of an Australian couple who have been sending books to the college for years. They also send little gifts to mothers who are bringing their children to the medical clinic to be vaccinated.”

An email from a CLTC student to Kenneth and Jane:

“My apologies, it took me a term not sending you emails. I struggled with my outstanding fees after returning from the Mission trip. It took me three weeks to stay at home and raise funds for my fees. When I arrived at CLTC, the registrar gave me two weeks to settle my outstanding fees before I resumed studying. I was behind the rest of the students for five weeks, and I resumed classes for Term 3 in week six when I caught up on the huge workload exams. With this pressure, I did not email you during Term 3, but this doesn’t mean that I stopped my prayers or commitment to you. I always remember you in my prayers.

“Thank you so much, you and Jane contributed much to our success both physically and spiritually. What you did will never be forgotten. Many of us came to CLTC full of doubts in our minds and having no mouth to speak. We started our journey wondering if we would make it or not in life, while here in CLTC. But we see hope and light that enlightened our minds and spirits through the teachings and trainings we received from you. Now I can say that we are smart through speaking and through our communications. I remember your face, you and Jane, personally words can’t express…..but I thank God for you being such beautiful servants of God in His mission to PNG.

“May God bless you to be a blessing that you continue to share His blessing to the world through the gifts, talents, knowledge and wisdom He has placed in you.”

Contact SIM NZ today to find out where you fit in God’s mission – any age or stage of life!

To sponsor a CLTC student, visit here.