Retired Uniting missionary Pastor Neville Threlfall, 92, has been awarded one of Papua New Guinea's highest honours by being made a Companion of the Order of the Star of Melanesia.
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The resident of Uniting Nareen Gardens Aged Care home at Bateau Bay made the PNG Government's New Year Honours Awards List in 2020 but only recently received his award from the High Commissioner to Australia John Kali (pictured with Pastor Threlfall).
The award is in recognition of his dedicated and distinguished services to education and the community as a Methodist pastor between 1961-1980 in East and West New Britain and New Ireland provinces.
Rev Threlfall was said he was happy to have his work, and that of his late wife Roma, who supported him in his pastoral work, historical researching and writing about Papua New Guinea, recognised.
"My children were just small when we packed up and left for PNG in 1961, which was a huge responsibility at that time with many tropical diseases around and my wife had to home school them as well," he said.
"I believe I was sent there by God to help the people of PNG; you need to be prepared to do whatever you are asked to do and go wherever you need to go. This often meant a lot of travel by sea in a canoe or dinghy along the remote coastal villages to spread and teach the word of Christianity.
"I was responsible for training local people to become leaders so that they could establish independent churches and not have to rely on us."
Rev Threlfall continues to take part in worship services at Tumbi Umbi Uniting Church where he is an active minister.
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Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
