Right from the beginning, humanity was created “fearfully and wonderfully” in the image of God with the ability to think rational and to engage with God in the management of God’s created world (Ps 139:13, 14; Gen 1: 28, 29). More so, been the crowning act of God’s creation, humanity was created uniquely a holistic (physical, social, emotional, rational, and spiritual) being. Despite the effects of the Fall evident all around, humanity did not lose all.

I am a member of that human race created and imbued with the capacity to think and act rationally. Hence, I still have the ability to function fully in all these key dimensions. Yet, I have to be determined to grow, develop and accumulate that wealth of knowledge, skills and wisdom especially against the backdrop of the Fall.

It is this space that, through the readings allocated me from taking Spiritual Formation with Professor John Matthews, I came across this piece that ever stuck with me and is relevant in this context; "Educated workers who are consecrated to God can do service in a greater variety of ways and can accomplish more extensive work than can those who are uneducated." Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, (1990), p. 54. Especially coming from a context like the South Pacific in general and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in particular compels me to strive more for to whom much is given, from him much will be required." Luke 12:48.

More so, the Research Writing class I took with Professor John Reeve gave me the urge to be committed to a life of lifelong learner as there are many issues in PNG and around Melanesia that needs research and answers to mainly in terms of pending cultural issues. Putting into good use what I learnt through the Research Writing skills and other areas like Social Science and Mission with Professor Wagner Kuhn and Intercultural Theology of Mission with Andrew Tompkins are definitely silver-linings which arm me to go out and help provide theological answers to these issues.

The following artifact is an example of what I worked on in terms of pressing issues in PNG in my class Urban Context for Missions and Ministry with Anthony WaggonerSmith.

Doing Urban Missions in PNG Context

In taking Mission Education and Training with Sheryl Doss, it has given me the basic foundation on how I can develop a workable work plan to train those under my sphere of influence also motivate them to become thinkers and not mere reflectors of someone else's thoughts. In this way, what I continuously learn can be trailed and tested to bring about the best results for the good of every stakeholder.

The Teaching Religious Education class with Professor Johns Matthew helped me especially to device ways to assess the learning process of my students to get the maximum results.

I am committed to a life of lifelong learner and to inspire others to do also as education does not stop until the day I die. And more importantly God has promised to give me wisdom and knowledge on the grounds that I ask him (Jam 1:5; Pro 2:6; 18:15).

As the above given biblical texts imply (for e.g., “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge.” Prov 18:15), wisdom, knowledge and intelligence are things I will continue to acquire, continue to access, and continue to explore to effectively carry out my role as life-long scholar in the science of knowledge. This makes my role one of complexity yet exciting and entertaining.

So crucial that in my capacity as life-long scholar, I constantly search for answers to hypotheses made by research enabling my functionality as Religious Educator more relevant. It is imperative, I continue to emerge myself into the world of knowledge through research, continued publication, and engagements in scholarly discussions both locally and internationally to keep ourselves afloat. By doing so, I am hopeful will remain relevant and applicable to the needs and contexts in which I serve. Earning a degree or a PhD is only giving me the tools to launch into the world of knowledge and continue to engage in that world meaningfully for the edification of everyone that looks up to me.

In summary, the work of education is a work of a lifetime and to this course I am committed as a lifelong leaner. To be effective, I envision to be committed, self motivated, assume responsibility and be open to both formal and informal education so to learn new skills and competencies. I will continue to increase my daily reading capacities, instill proper time management, and also adhere to proper self care practices for healthy brain and healthy body go together (Indeed Career Guide, 2003).

Hence, attached in this segment are my artifacts on conferences, seminars, and other activities that I had attended or done throughout the duration of my doctoral studies here at the Seminary. Also in here is an abstract for a paper I will be presenting at the ATS Meeting in June this year.

Keeping Connection: Rediscovering the Power of Prayer