Bundun, Morobe Province | July 1–4, 2025
The Lutheran Church has been a pioneer in health service delivery across rural Morobe since the early 20th century—well before World War II and long before Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975. From the earliest mission outposts, Lutheran missionaries served not only as evangelists but as healers, bringing compassionate health care to some of the most isolated communities in the country.
That enduring legacy was reaffirmed last week as Lutheran Health Services (LHS) Morobe Region hosted its 2025 Facility Managers Meeting at the Bundun Retreat Centre, just outside Lae from 1st to 4th July, bringing together 27 health officers from 22 facilities across the province. The event, led by Mr. Joel Ronapo, Morobe Regional Manager, provided a platform to assess performance, address critical challenges, and plan collaboratively for improved service delivery.
“Together, we serve under the cross of Christ—committed to life, service, training, and empowerment,” said Mr. Ronapo. “This gathering is about strengthening what began generations ago—health services built on faith, sacrifice, and love for people.”
From high-altitude stations in Menyamya to coastal Finschhafen and island outposts like Siassi, participants represented a wide spectrum of rural health facilities, including Braun Memorial Hospital and Etep Rural Hospital—both established before PNG’s independence and still serving today as vital referral centers for thousands.
One of the strongest foundations of Lutheran health work in Morobe was laid by Dr. Theodore Braun, an American missionary doctor who arrived in 1930 and helped establish what became Braun Memorial Hospital in 1932. Despite being captured and interned during World War II, and witnessing the bombing of the mission hospital by Allied forces, Dr. Braun returned after the war and continued serving faithfully for over 40 years. He not only provided vital medical care in remote areas but was instrumental in training local health workers and building rural health infrastructure—setting a standard of Christ-centered service that still guides Lutheran Health Services today.
Equally pioneering was Dora Flierl, daughter of Rev. Johann Flierl, the first Lutheran missionary to PNG. Born in 1890 at Simbang, she trained in nursing and education and devoted decades to serving women’s health and rural medical outreach across Finschhafen and Morobe. Dora not only cared for mothers and children but also trained local women in hygiene and child health, laying early foundations for community-based nursing. Her life of faith and service continues to inspire generations of rural health workers and nurses in PNG today.
At the Lae meeting, Dr. Umba from Braun Hospital led a significant discussion on rational antibiotic use, and the Principal of Braun CHW Training School contributed valuable insights on workforce development and the importance of institutional partnerships.
Topics discussed included:
- Maternal and child health outcomes
- Immunization and antenatal care
- TB, HIV, and malaria trends
- Rural infrastructure deterioration and urgent repair needs
- Strengthening local ownership and community engagement
- Training collaborations with the Braun CHW School
Mr. Japalis Kaiok, LHS National Health Director, also attended and addressed the gathering:
“Strong governance, effective administration, and responsive management across all levels of the health system are vital. As we review our 2015 policy and realign our structure to meet the ELCPNG Strategic Vision 2030, our mission remains anchored in Christ’s healing ministry,” Mr. Kaiok said.
The meeting, the first of two scheduled for this year, reflects a renewed commitment to regular coordination following a period of disruption. The next meeting is planned for November 2025.
As PNG prepares to mark 50 years of independence this September, and ELCPNG celebrates 139 years of mission on July 12, this event was a powerful reminder: the work of pioneers like Dr. Braun and Dora Flierl continues through the hands and hearts of today’s rural health leaders. Their courage, faith, and commitment still guide the Church’s presence in places where few others go.
From mission beginnings to modern health governance, the Lutheran Church’s healing ministry in Morobe continues—faithful to its past, focused on the future, and forever serving under the cross of Christ.
