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Tasmanian Anglican

October 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 


GFS visit to PNG - Isagoda greeting party and dancers

 

GFS in PNG - We reap what we sow

by Leonie Stitz

 

 

GFS Australia continues support in training and building of a GFS centre in Popondetta, PNG.

The last trip was from 25 June - 6 July, 2004 when Lilah Stovell and Val Gribble (Rockhampton Diocese) and Leonie Stitz (Tasmania) visited the Oro Diocese to assist in the implementation of a training program.

The theme used was 'We reap what we sow'. They all gained valuable experience and blessings from this training.

PNG - land of the unexpected (or as I heard someone say 'People Need God')

The 'unexpected' is all part of the charm and adventure and can be delightful (gifts, a smile, walks), or downright frustrating (Qantas' forgetting about Tasmania). A strong message comes through: make the most of what God gives us. Paul, when he was imprisoned, was a great example of this.

The people are so genuine, and their attitudes certainly have something to offer us 'civilised' people. To start with I wondered if I had landed back in Tassie - it was raining just like I had left it!

Some highlights of the trip for me were :
  • Renewing friendships with those I had met before
  • Leading a 'typical' children's programme; putting what Lilah had said into practice. A very interesting experience for me, reading and explaining in English then waiting for an interpreter to tell the children, even down to adults playing the game.
  • Honest way branches shared success and failures in their GFS gardens. Through difficulties, they hung onto the GFS seed and had plans to continue to grow.
  • Trip to Bakubari - the walk around the village observing life, and the walk along the beach when the good boat James Benson ran out of fuel.
  • Meeting Jean Haembo's new baby after a mercy dash when news arrived she was in labour.

The worst was the rain (nearly a week's worth). At Topatura the 'village green' below the church became a very full and overflowing 'Lake Topatura', but once it dried up, so did our despondency. The other was the flight home (21 hours late) as Tassie was left off the map again in Australia (not in PNG).

GFS says thank you!

We were thrilled with the response to our request for much needed materials to forward to villages in PNG and we wish to say 'thankyou' for your help. At the end of August, a large number of cartons delivered to Rotary/Launceston were included in their container which is now on its way up north.

We have decided to continue collecting items such as children's books, paper, pens and pencils, musical instruments and pre-loved spectacles.

Collection can be arranged - contact (South) Julie Smith 6267 1301, (North) Ann Richardson 6326 3145, (N.W.) Beryl Pridham 6331 4469