In Irelya, the Gutnius Lutheran Church headquarters, waiting for the installation service of the new General Secretary of the GLC to start.

The praise band plays music while we wait.

The Enga women lead the way.

Here comes the rest of the processional.

Led by Bishop Piso and his posse;-)

A plethora of pastors.

Followed by many of the bigmen of the community (including our very own Dr. Steve)

I just thought this was a fun picture. Old school women (singing in their traditional way) facing new school youth (praise band).

The bigmen too approach the altar with respect.

It’s a hot day.

But that doesn’t keep people from worshipping God.

Rev. Gary Magiri preaches a sermon on Joel 2:12-17, calling for repentance and reconciliation in the GLC.

Piso prays for David Ezekiel Peter, the new General Secretary for the GLC.

Bishop Piso offers a blessing.

All the bigmen take turns greeting Mr. Peter, including Dr. Steve:-)

it’s time for the speeches to start (about a dozen of them). Mr. Peter goes first.

Dr. Steve takes his turn as well, as the representative of the LCMS.

Gov. Ipatas finishes the speeches, saying that he hoped that reconciliation may occur in the GLC and that money won’t stand in theway of the gospel.

The Engan women then shared more of their powerful music.

Banging on kundu drums and singing with all their hearts.

Time for Communion.

This is always one of my favorite parts of my worship time, even if the lines are long.

Liz and I wait to commune at the Lord’s “table”.

David also waits. This picture makes me smile, because the whiteskins are always so much taller than the nationals. Living here makes me feel tall.

Dr. Steve receives the bread/body and wine/blood.

After the service concludes, it is time for lunch/dinner. We get to sit next to Governor Ipatas (we’re so special;-).

But we don’t leave empty-handed. In addition to bilums and Hagen hats, we receive two Silky Cuscus as thanks.

Time to make the hour and a half trip home with our two new friends plus a truck full of old friends from Mambis. What an eventful day:-)