College of Nursing Graduation

This was the 33rd yr for the College of Nursing Graduation here at Kudjip, which graduates 25 students each year. The students come from all over Papua New Guinea to study nursing and when they leave they go all over the country to serve and minister to God's people. This year was a special graduation because the Governor General of Papua New Guinea - Sir Paulias Matane, was the guest speaker. PNG was once a British colony, and he is the Queen of England's representative. The Governor General is elected by parliament who acts on the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet.

Everyone came out for the event because of the Governor General. There had to be around 1000 people there if not more. After prayer, Doctors Andy, Jim, and Bill played the PNG national anthem on their trumpets. Dr. Jim also played a solo of Here I am Lord, which was very good.

The Governor General is 76 years old, has written 44 books, and has been to all 7 continents. As he spoke, he used the example of Christ in Matt 20:28 "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. " He talked about leadership and service, how we need to serve with love, as Christ did, and not to work for money. He also urged the people to quit fighting and to serve each other with love.

After his speech, he handed each graduate their diploma. I had worked with many of the nursing students in the hospital, so it was neat to see them graduate. Throughout the year, the students rotate with the doctors and spend between 1-2 weeks with us. When they rotate, we have the opportunity to work with them on physical exam skills and on diagnosis. Some of these students will go out to small aid posts or health centres and may be one of the only caregivers there.

After the graduation, Bill got to sit with the Governor General at the reception. He asked why we, the Americans, come here and serve the people of PNG. Bill got the privilege of sharing with him that we take Jesus seriously and when He says to follow me, we do. What a testimony.