Go light your world

My last post was about the darkness that we encounter in this place.  But I want to tell you about some candles in that darkness.  Eighteen candles, in fact.  Eighteen brand new nurses who have pledged to take the light into their world.

Last week was the 38th annual graduation at the Nazarene College of Nursing.  About 10AM the music began planning and the guests began filing in to the circus-sized tent on the field office lawn.  CON tutors welcomed the crowd and presented gifts of bilums and stone axes to the honored guests--among them were the new governor of Jiwaka province and the PNG national health minister.  There were about 3 hours of speeches by various dignitaries and other important people.  No kidding.  3 HOURS.  That is how things are done here in PNG!  The commencement address was given by the health minister.  Two of the students also spoke on behalf of the graduating class.

The students were called forward one by one to receive their diplomas.  This is also the first class that has received a certificate of lay ministry along with their nursing diplomas.  These nurse pastors will be taking health care and the love of Christ across this country!  The graduation concluded with a candle lighting ceremony.

Ten of the new nurses are staying on to work at Kudjip Hospital.  Thank the Lord, because we are desperately short-staffed (again).  The others will be working from the city of Mt. Hagen to the bush of Singape.  Here is a picture of Thomas, his first day as a new nurse working on medical ward.  By the way, Thomas was the recipient of the best academic AND best clinical student awards at graduation.  We are blessed to have him serving with us.  So fun to see that he has traded his student uniform for the white of a nursing officer!

Go Light Your World

~ Kathy Troccoli

There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold

There is a Spirit who brings fire

Ignites a candle and makes His home.

Chorus:

Carry your candle, run to the darkness

Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn

Hold out your candle for all to see it

Take your candle, and go light your world

Take your candle, and go light your world.

Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to

Light his own candle some other way

See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to

Still holds a candle without a flame.

Chorus

We are a family whose hearts are blazing

So let's raise our candles and light up the sky

Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus

Make us a beacon in darkest times.

Chorus