Against the odds: The positive vibe, thrilled and persistent

 Against the odds: The positive vibe, thrilled and persistent

The 34th ELCPNG Synod in Ialibu promised a monumental event, and our audio/visual team was determined to make it shine. But little did we know, what awaited us was an odyssey of unexpected hurdles and ingenious solutions. Buckle up, for this is a tale of unwavering dedication and triumph in the face of adversity.

Planning Under Fire: A Month to MacGyver Magic

We knew our PTZ cameras, SRT protocol, VMix, and VSAT setup would be the magic wands. But with equipment arriving just one month before the event, we had to channel our inner MacGyvers. Sleepless nights were spent reworking plans, meticulously reviewing site surveys, and conducting endless test runs.

Landing in Ialibu: Time Crunch Meets Construction Chaos

We arrived with 72 hours in hand, only to find the main hall shrouded in construction dust. No space to unpack, no power – just 24 hours before the grand opening. Undeterred, we scoured a nearby school library, but then, another twist: no power!

Improvisation is Our Middle Name: From Plywood Screens to Phone-Powered Livestreaming

Time was our enemy, so we improvised. With lightning speed, our support team whipped up two projector screens from plywood. Audio took priority, and with the Synod committee’s blessing, the opening was rescheduled. We streamed live from a phone, recording with VMix from our three PTZ cameras amidst the construction frenzy. The entire setup and camera positions transformed overnight, a testament to our adaptability.

Challenges Pile Up: Power Outages, Projector Battles, and a Satellite Tango

Monday evening brought another power outage, forcing us to wait for a backup generator. Tuesday saw us streaming via phone and recording with VMix, the only two projectors managing to pierce the dimness. Time constraints meant settling for two screens, utilizing them to the max. Three LCD screens arrived late, one for the Bishop/Chairpersons and another for the tent outside, ensuring everyone, delegate or not, could witness the proceedings.

Wednesday's Hiccups and Friday's Triumph: Stable Uplink and Transparent Elections

Finally, by Wednesday, the VSAT aligned with the Kacific satellite, but internet woes continued. Wednesday's stream struggled with a 5Mbps uplink, plummeting to a dismal 0.1Mbps on Thursday. We pressed the satellite company, reminding them of our short-term contract and urgent need for stability.

Friday. The culmination of our week-long marathon. A stable 20Mbps uplink delivered uninterrupted eight-hour livestreaming! The highlight: the ELCPNG leadership election, projected with crystal clarity via cameras zooming in on every vote and count. Transparency reigned, both in the hall and beyond, thanks to the projector in the tent, Facebook Live, FM broadcasts in Ialibu and Lae (thanks to our FM transmitter!), and dedicated volunteer voice-overs adding context for radio listeners.

Beyond the Tech: Media Partners and Dedicated Heroes

Our work didn't stop there. Joan Bailey's exceptional writing graced national newspapers and our Synod Facebook page. Thorsten, our missionary advisor, not only mastered phone streaming but also captured stunning photographs and set up the radio transmitter. Inoch Katu, our ICT whiz, tackled cabling challenges and VSAT installation under tight deadlines and cloudy skies. Allan Yonny from NBC Morobe expertly controlled the PTZ cameras and projections, while Mark Ali from NBC National lent his voice during reports and elections. Samuel Elivong and Alesi Guti's drone footage, though not livestreamed due to time constraints, provided breathtaking cut-aways. And last but not least, Gau Thom, the audio magician, tirelessly optimized sound feeds, even cutting and modifying cables on the fly.

And also a big thanks to Asa, Popao, Valentine, Paneil, and Lolo, the young volunteers who provided invaluable muscle, always on stand by to move mountains shiting weights here and there.

A Chorus of Thanks: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The Ialibu journey was one of grit, creativity, and dedication. We faced every hurdle head-on, proving that transparency and a unified spirit can overcome any obstacle. This is not just a story of technology; it's a testament to the human spirit, one that will forever resonate in the annals of the ELCPNG.

And finally, all the equipment and resources wouldn't be possible if it weren't for Songang Jeremy Dupia from the host Immanuel, who was determined to deliver the Synod at this level with quality Audio / Visual set up in the hall. We would have not procure the equipment if it wasn't for him and the Synod host committee. And also Artech PNG, a locally owned Art and Tech business whom we purchased the equipment from. In fact they subsidized almost 1/3 of the the cost of all the materials making it possible. Thank you songs, Dr. Philemon Yalamu, owner of Art Tech PNG for the support.

And above all, we praise Anutu for all these wonderful souls who had a hand in this endeavor.

With humility, I sign off,

Wguti@2024