Standing behind (left to right): Rev. Hans Giegere (Evangelism Head); Mr. Timmy Ahi (HR Director); Rev. Panpan (Ministerial Training Secretary); Dr. Komolong (LUPNG Vice Chancellor); Rev. Lukas Kedabing (Assistant Bishop); Rt. Rev. Dr. Jack Urame (Head Bishop); Mr. Bernard Kaisom (Church Secretary); Mr. Japalis Kaiok (LHS Secretary); Mr. Daniel Suan (Lutheran Education Secretary); Mr. Bonnie Keoka (LDS Secretary).
The National Lutheran Health Services (LHS) now has a new board in place to guide the governance affairs of its health facilities and health training institutions.
A total of seven board members were dedicated, installed, and inducted into their roles and responsibilities on October 23, 2025, at the National Headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) in Lae.
They were formally installed and recognized as members of the Lutheran Health Services National Board by ELCPNG Evangelism Department Secretary, Reverend Hans Giegere. The installation was witnessed by Church Executives including the Head Bishop, Assistant Bishop, and National Church Secretary, along with pastors, academics, LHS staff, and ELCPNG staff. Also present were principals and deans of studies from church educational institutions, and the women coordinators from the 17 ELCPNG districts, who were in Lae for their meeting this week and joined the event.
Rev. Giegere shared a Bible text from Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, I am there among them.” He said this Scripture reminds the church that Jesus’ promise to His disciples continues to guide leadership and fellowship today.
He emphasized that having a board is crucial when it comes to decision-making on issues faced by officers serving in the three LHS regions of MaSe (Madang/Sepik), Morobe and Highlands.
“The board will have authority to make decisions collectively, not from one person alone, to guide all decisions of LHS. It is very challenging being a board member, but I thank those who have accepted this call to serve on the board. Members come from different career professions, bringing valuable experience, skill, and knowledge,” Rev. Giegere said.
Lutheran Health Secretary Japalis Kaiok said the establishment of this board now allows the LHS National Office to perform its functions fully as an administrative office, while the board oversees governance matters such as implementing policies, procedures, and the laws of the church, as well as complying with Christian Health Services and the National Department of Health.
Mr. Kaiok explained that when the boards were previously abolished by Synod in 2010, and during his term, ELCPNG General Secretary Bernard Kaisom had to step in as the high-level governance link between LHS, the Church Executive, Church Council, and Social Sector Board, especially for issues that required major decisions.
He thanked the National Church Council for its decision to revive the boards, saying this makes it easier for issues to be discussed by board members and decisions implemented at the appropriate levels.
“Our board members have now been inducted and have already held their first meeting, so we have a defined structure to work with,” Mr. Kaiok added.
ELCPNG Head Bishop Reverend Dr. Jack Urame said he was pleased that LHS was the first department to implement the council’s decision. He noted that since the abolishment of boards across departments, the church had faced many challenges in addressing emerging issues.
Rev. Urame said the council’s wisdom in reinstating the boards demonstrates the church’s commitment to strengthening governance at all levels.
Board Members
- Pr. Kinim Siloi – ELCPNG, Director Inter-Church & Ecumenism
- Pr. William Sugoho – Ministerial Institution, Principal of Senior Flier Seminary
- Sr. Bing Tamu – Nursing Officer, Morobe Provincial Health Authority
- Sr. Elizabeth – Retired Nursing Officer & Former Deputy Principal, Madang Lutheran School of Nursing
- Ales Saul – Lutheran Health Service, MaSe Region
- John Kunjil – Lutheran Health Services Highlands & Principal, Kitip Secondary School
- Kalvin Soki – Lutheran Health Services Highlands & Chairman, Asaroka Lutheran Secondary School
Ex-officio Members
- LHS Secretary: Japalis Kaiok
- ELCPNG General Secretary: Bernard Kaisom
First Board Meeting – Office Bearers Appointed
- Chairperson Elect: Sr. Elizabeth Natera
- Deputy Chairperson: Ps. Kinim Siloi
- Board Secretary: Sr. Bing Tamu
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