A Ship's Name Rooted in Faith but met with controversy

 MV Ialibu: A Ship's Name Rooted in Faith but met with controversy

The MV Ialibu, a vessel owned by ELCPNG and operated by iroks limited, is more than just a ship. For those who don't know its story take the name as a source of controversy when it was first launched back in 2019 but for those who knew, the name always stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lutheran missions in Papua New Guinea.

Initially, the choice of "Ialibu" for a seafaring vessel raised eyebrows. After all, Ialibu is a landlocked mountain region, 2,000 meters above the waves. Whispers of political influence swirled, linking the name to a hefty government donation by then-Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who represented the Ialibu/Pangia district. It was O'Neil who donated the 10million kina of public funds and as expected the rumors of controversy in naming the ship. But the name ialibu was more than just a political electorate.

The story goes deeper, beyond whispers and controversies. The original wording is a Jabem word, "Jaliŋbu," with a German-influenced "J" pronounced like English "Y," and the "ŋ" character pronounced as "ng" in English. Later on, as found in many old documents it was referred to as Jalibu and most recently to Ialibu. This backdrop reveals the name's origin to a Jabem word. And this Jabem word "Jaliŋbu", spoken by early missionaries from Morobe Province, translates to "I came, I saw, and I washed myself." It echoes the transformative journey of faith undertaken by both missionaries and converts.

The recent 34th ELCPNG Synod, hosted at the Ialibu mission station, has brought renewed focus to this historic place and its namesake ship. The MV Ialibu, in carrying this name, embodies more than just the language of coastal communities. It carries the spirit of those early missionaries, their dedication to spreading the Gospel, and the profound impact their faith had on the people of PNG.
Despite the initial controversy, the name Ialibu always stands as a symbol of the Lutheran mission's remarkable efforts and the transformative power of faith. It serves as a reminder that even the most unlikely vessels can carry names steeped in history and significance.

In conclusion, the MV Ialibu's story is not just about a controversial name or a government donation. It's about the enduring legacy of faith, the transformative power of words, and the unwavering dedication of those who dared to spread the message of hope across mountains and oceans. The ship, bearing the name of a mountaintop mission, continues to sail, carrying not just passengers and cargo, but also a piece of PNG's rich history and the spirit of its people.

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NOTE: We have a series of videos telling the stories of the early mission work in ialibu/pangia area on this Youtube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/@missionarieshistoriespng983

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