Lutheran Health Services Papua New Guinea

17/11/2025

LHS Dedicates And Installs New board Members

By Joan Bailey

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.

The board members are:
• Pr. Kinim Siloi – ELCPNG, Director Inter-Church & Ecumenism
• Pr. William Sugoho – Ministerial Institution, Principal Senior Flierl 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 and ELCPNG General Secretary Bernard Kaisom.

The first business at the first board meeting proper was the appointment of the office bearers:
• Chairperson Elect: Sr. Elizabeth Natera
• Deputy Chairperson: Ps. Kinim Siloi
• Board Secretary: Sr. Bing Tamu

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Source: https://elcpng.org.pg/lhs-dedicates-and-installs-new-board-members/

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Photo caption:

The new LHS board members, seated from left to right after Mr. Titus Denano (ELCPNG Treasurer) seated far left: Ps. Kinim Siloi; Mr. Kalvin Soki; Mr. John Kunzil; Ps. William Sugoho; Mr. Ales Saul; Sr. Elizabeth Natera; Sr. Bing Temu.

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).

Lutheran Health Services Papua New Guinea

15/11/2025

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Chancellor, Sir Robert Igara, has reaffirmed UPNG’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition of the existing School of Medicine and Health Sciences into the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS).

12/11/2025

LHS National Office Relocates to Ampo

On October 23, 2025, the Lutheran Health Services (LHS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) officially relocated its national administration office from Lae’s Top Town to Ampo, the church’s national headquarters.

The old building, previously used by Ampo Builders, was renovated and dedicated by ELCPNG Assistant Bishop Rev. Lucas Kedabing, witnessed by church executives, LHS officers, and national office staff.

Rev. Kedabing and ELCPNG Church Secretary Mr. Bernard Kaisom officially unveiled the plaque of the national administration building and opened its doors for the LHS national staff to move in.

The new office accommodates nine staff members, and the relocation comes at a timely moment, as the Health Building at 2nd Street, Top Town, will now have enough space to accommodate the Morobe Regional LHS staff.

Lutheran Health Secretary Mr. Japalis Kaiok said that with the recruitment of additional staff under the Christian Health Services structure, both the national and Morobe regional offices have seen new staff joining their teams.

Mr. Kaiok added that the building they previously shared with the Morobe region had space constraints, and the move to Ampo has helped ease this issue. He thanked Mr. Kaisom and the Asset Management Unit for their understanding and approval for LHS to occupy the newly renovated building.

ELCPNG Head Bishop, Rev. Dr. Jack Urame, said the relocation of the LHS national office back to Ampo reflects the broader vision of the church leadership. He explained that since Ampo is the main headquarters, it makes sense for all major church departments to be based there, where they can work more closely and support one another.

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Note: The LHS Morobe and LHS Mase offices will continue to operate from their current locations at Top Town. Only the LHS National Administration office has been relocated to Ampo, while regional operations remain unchanged to ensure ongoing service delivery and support within Lae.

Photo: Rev. Kedabing (left) and Mr. Kaisom (right) unveiling the signboard at the newly renovated LHS National Admin office at Ampo.

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

📢 2026 NEW INTAKE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea is pleased to inform all partners, stakeholders and aspiring students that our new programs for 2026 have been approved and applications are now open.

All programs will be offered in Lae and are non residential.
Course information and fee structures can be found in the application kits linked below.

📘 2026 Tuition Guide
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vMUG5S4t6RHsXLxlPLIMvz3jabGEVTOL/view?usp=sharing

📄 2026 Application Forms
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ul3kp_GSuCscmcQ-0maxvo3dRjLMAfFf/view?usp=sharing

For more information, please contact the university through their official communication channels or via their page : The Lutheran University of Papua New Guinea

Acting Registrar | LUPNG

02/11/2025

📜 Senior Flierl Seminary – 2026 Acceptance List🎓

Congratulations to all who have been selected for the 2026 enrolment at Senior Flierl Seminary! 🙌

Your journey in faith and service begins here. May God continue to guide and strengthen you as you prepare for this next chapter in ministry.

✝️

31/10/2025

Head Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Dr Jack Urame has called on the immediate arrest of those responsible for burning the Mambisanda Hospital in Enga.

He confirmed the facility belonged to the Good News Lutheran Church, under the Lutheran Health Services.

“I talked with the Bishop of the Good News Lutheran Church in Enga and received confirmation of the destruction of the Mambisanda rural hospital,” Urame said.

Read More: https://www.thenational.com.pg/bishop-urame-calls-for-urgent-arrest-of-warlords-who-burnt-down-hospital/

24/10/2025

Photos during the installation of LHS Board.
23rd October 2025

24/10/2025

🕯️✍️A Historic Day for Lutheran Health Services:

🙏National Board Installed.
🙏New Headquarters Opened,
🙏First Meeting Held.

📑 Thursday 23rd October 2025
📍 Ampo, ELC PNG Church Headquarters.

Under the Social Sector Department of ELC PNG and it's Head of Department, Mr. Bernard KAISOM,

🟦the Lutheran Health Services (LHS) Ministry Division of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea formally installed the members of its National Board.
🟦This marks a significant milestone in achieving the Church’s vision for unified national functions at the Church Headquarters in Ampo, Lae, to strengthen communication, coordination, and collaborative action in advancing the mission of the Gospel.

▶️Rev. Hans Giegere, Head of the Evangelism Division, and the Head Bishop of the ELC-PNG, Rev. Dr. Jack Urame, officiated the installation of the seven Board members.
▶️The Head of the Church Social Sector, Mr. Bernard Kaisom, highlighted to the LHS Managers, Hospital Executives, Administrators, and Principals of Health Training Institutions present that LHS is the first division under his leadership to have an active Board in place again after many years.

▶️Head Bishop Rev. Dr. Urame delivered inspiring remarks to the newly installed Board, acknowledging the progress of Lutheran Health Services and sharing strategic aspirations of the Church.
Also present were Deputy Bishop Rev. Kidabing, Dr. Komolong (Vice Chancellor of the Lutheran University), ELC-PNG Treasurer Mr. Denano, Divisional Heads from the Social Sector, Lutheran Development Services, Lutheran Education Services, and Ministerial Division Head Ps. Pangpang.

▶️Speaking on behalf of LHS, the National Health Director, Mr. Kaiok, acknowledged Mr. Kaisom as the Sector Head and the ahead Bishop with entire Church Leadership for their continued support and for their commitment to strengthening Lutheran Health Services.

🟦Following the installation, guests witnessed the official opening of the new LHS National Administration Office. Deputy Bishop Rev. Kidabing dedicated the office to God’s service and joined Mr. Kaisom in unveiling the office billboard.

🟦The newly installed Board proceeded with induction sessions together with regional, hospital, and training school leaders, before convening its first official meeting.

🙏✝️All glory and honour to God, for great things He has done.






Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea