03/04/2026
National Lutheran Students Easter Camp begins at Tarabo
Friday, April 3, 2026 | 9:00am–12:00pm
TARABO, Eastern Highlands Province — The National Lutheran Students Easter Camp opened on this morning with an inspiring gathering of primary, secondary and tertiary students and staff from Morobe, Madang and the Highlands, as participants assembled at Tarabo Lutheran Secondary School for the first official opening of the camp. Participating schools, all travelled by road from the Highlands provinces, Morobe and Madang, arrived during the night and into the morning ahead of the 9:00am opening session.
The morning program began with an organised welcome and opening ceremony at the grandstand, where schools assembled in their designated areas before entering the arena in a formal march. They were led by a traditional singsing group from Tarabo, followed by camp chaplains, delegates, host province schools, Morobe schools and other Highlands secondary schools. As they entered, each school sang praises and performed cultural dancing and singsing, creating a colourful and reverent opening that reflected both Christian faith and cultural identity. The ceremony continued with a drama presentation by the Tarabo community and a welcoming song from the hosts.
Tarabo Secondary School Principal then welcomed the guests, chaplains, participating schools and the two universities present, including the University of Goroka and Martin Luther Seminary, while also encouraging students to remain obedient throughout the camp.
The sermon of the day was shared by Pastor Erick Ronuc, based on John 19:28–30. He reminded students that Jesus died on the cross, defeated Satan and set believers free through His blood. His message urged the young people to stand firm in Christ, continue believing in Him and walk daily with Him in the freedom won through the cross. The sermon aligns with the camp theme "We Are Free, Stand Firm. Galatians 5:1" Rev. Hans Giegere, Secretary for ELCPNG Evangelism Department, then officially opened the 2026 National Lutheran Students Easter Camp.
The schools and institutions participating at the opening session this morning included Bumayong Lutheran Secondary, Malahang Secondary, Baiyune Lutheran Secondary, Busu Secondary, Balob Teachers College, Banz Lutheran Secondary, Milep Lutheran Secondary, Kawamgul Secondary, Kewamoge Lutheran High School, Kundiawa Lutheran Day, Bugandi Secondary School, Lae Secondary School, Good Shepherd Lutheran Secondary, Okapa Secondary, Asaroka Lutheran Secondary School, Gama Lutheran High School, Henganofi Lutheran High School, Lufa Secondary, Faientina Day High School, Goroka Secondary, Bena Bena Secondary, Onerungka Lutheran Secondary, Tarabo Lutheran Secondary and Igam Junior High School.
Tertiary institutions participating included the University of Goroka, Martin Luther Seminary and the Lutheran School of Nursing - Madang, while the primary schools present were Tarabo Lutheran Primary and Raipinka Primary.
After lunch, the program is expected to continue with the Stations of the Cross, a reflective Christian activity that helps participants walk through the major events of Jesus Christ’s suffering and crucifixion. In the camp setting, the activity is expected to give students a deeper and more personal engagement with the Easter message, helping them reflect not only on the death of Christ, but also on its meaning for faith, repentance, gratitude and discipleship. The morning briefing by the ELCPNG Youth Director signalled that this afternoon session will be an important spiritual part of the day’s program.
Overall, the opening hours of the National Lutheran Students Easter Camp set a strong tone for the gathering, combining worship, preaching, cultural expression and fellowship as students from different schools and provinces came together in a shared Easter witness.
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Updates by Jeremiah, Genevieve and Raynold - ICT/Communications
