Contact: Rachel Elwood, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7255

MEDIA ADVISORY, May 11 /Standard Newswire/ -- As college graduations across the US send out students into the career world, students at Christian Union Bible College in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are embracing their new stage of ministering to their people and sharing the message of love and eternal reconciliation in Jesus Christ.

With a population of only seven million people, PNG is one of the most linguistically and tribally diverse countries in the world. With 850 distinct language groups, tensions between tribes have caused conflicts that have hindered the growth of the church and the spreading of the gospel. However, Christian Union Bible College, a ministry of missionary-sending organization World Gospel Mission (WGM), is changing that. Located in the city of Mount Hagen, the college is a "neutral" place where members from many different tribes learn to peacefully coexist for the sake of a common goal.

"PNG has seen more than its share of tribal conflicts and wars," said Dennis Johnson, WGM's vice president of International Ministries. "The Bible college is a place where men and women who have been called by God to minister can see peace and reconciliation acted out."

Christian Union Bible College focuses on in-depth Bible training, holiness theology, and practical teaching on church planting and pastoral care. Most importantly, graduates are equipped to help the people of PNG understand the meaning of having a relationship with Christ. During the school year, students are sent out to minister in villages, often in groups representing multiple tribes. According to Johnson, these exercises have forged close friendships among students from different tribes.

"One missionary told me about a 'light bulb moment' in class when he discussed with the students the two greatest commandments: to love the Lord your God, and to love your neighbor as yourself," said Johnson. "As the students discussed the implications of this teaching, they began to realize what this meant for how they interacted with others from different tribes, especially each other."

Christian Union Bible College is in need of teachers, vocational instructors, and mentors for pastors. For more information, please visit www.wgm.org/png.  

About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missions organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more here.