Episode 1: It All Started in Simbang | ELCPNG Historical Documentary Series

It All Started in Simbang is a historic documentary on the beginnings and growth of the Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea. This film is Episode 1 of the six-episode ELCPNG Historical Documentary Series, produced between 1983 and 1986 during the early years of ELCPNG’s life as an autonomous national church. It is being shared as part of ELCPNG’s 2026 anniversary documentation, as the church gives thanks for 50 years since becoming an autonomous national church in 1976 and 140 years of Lutheran mission in Papua New Guinea since 1886. The film traces the story from Johann Flierl’s arrival in 1886 and the first Lutheran mission station at Simbang, through early encounters with local communities, the challenges of colonial rule, the move to Sattelberg, the spread of the Gospel into the Highlands, the impact of World War II, and the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church through the first Synod at Simbang in February 1956. More than a mission history, this documentary tells a story of faith, courage, cultural encounter, painful lessons, education, health work, local evangelists, and the birth of an independent church that found its own voice. Produced in cooperation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, West Germany, using historical film and photo material from the archives of ELC-Bavaria / Missionwerk Neuendettelsau. Production credits: Direction and production: Gerhard Wahl Camera: Marian Czura Focus puller / camera assistant: Edda Schneegelsberg Sound recorder: Antonella Stillitano This historic film helps us rediscover how one coastal village, Simbang, became the foundation place of our national Lutheran story in Papua New Guinea. As ELCPNG celebrates this important anniversary, the series is shared to preserve our history, honour those who carried the Gospel before us, and pass this story on to the next generation. #ELCPNG #ELCPNG50 #LutheranChurch #PapuaNewGuinea #PNGHistory #ChurchHistory #Simbang #JohannFlierl #LutheranMission #140Years #50Years #HistoricalDocumentary