On November 6th, approximately 50 MSI supporters gathered online for our virtual Meet the Teacher Night live from the Papuan Highlands.

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Harta (TfN Alumni), Martin and Evan (TfN Interns) joined the Zoom meeting along with 15 of their students. Even though the village where they serve is remote and isolated, with no electricity or running water, their high geographic location made it possible for them to access an internet connection and join the event.

Paul Richardson shared Mustard Seed’s vision of training teachers to be catalysts of transformative Christian education. Paul believes that teachers are influential agents with the unique opportunity to raise children up out of poverty and introduce them to grace and salvation in Jesus.

Johann John, MSI Board member and founder of the TfN program, interviewed the teaching team at our newest school, along with Elly, the current Director of TfN who joined from MSI’s Lab School in Java.

Teacher Harta shared about the struggles they are facing as they pioneer the very first school in the village. Since the children had no previous experience with teachers or classroom dynamics, Harta explained that introducing something new takes time for both the students and their parents to adjust. Intern teachers, Martin and Evan, then shared how they utilize nature in their classroom and the importance of introducing prayer and praise before class starts.

An MSI supporter from Singapore extended his gratitude. He wrote: “I am so glad to see that children in remote Papua have been taken care of by other people thousands of miles away. What you are doing is amazing. Jesus said what we are doing for the least of these, we are doing it for Him. I will keep your ministry in prayer and support it.”

To help the new school in Harta’s village to thrive, click the button below and choose “Papuan Schools” in the Donation Designation: