As the academic year draws near for most schools in the country, Ependa School of Evangelism in Southern Highlands; not your regular academic institution has already begun training its students. According to Evangelist David Paki, classrooms were constructed the in 2021 and completed construction in 2023. Once the classrooms were completed, he started the training in May 2023 and has continued into 2024. Depending on attendance, the school trains between 5-20 students from the highland’s provinces and Morobe Province. Mr. Paki said this two-week intensive program that takes place every month, was created with the intention of teaching interested individuals on how to prepare and present well-structured sermons to an audience. “Many laymen who are passionate about preaching lack theological education.” “Therefore, when it comes to presenting a prepared sermon, they become confused and unsure where to begin – anyone who is interested, I gather them together and help them prepare sermons.” Mr. Paki added that the people who attend his school come from all walks of life. “Although my initial target audience were laymen seeking training, people from different backgrounds, ages and careers started attending as well.” “We’ve had teachers, villagers, tribal war lords and drug addicts attending; and it has also become sort of a rehabilitation centre as well.” When asked about challenges, Mr. Paki mentioned that finances are an issue as he relies solely upon the K200 fee students give, which in turn pays for their food and keeps the school running. He is also the only instructor teaching his students. Yet despite these challenges Paki and his students remain enthusiastic. Mr. Paki stated that once the students leave, they spread the word, encourage others to attend and sponsor those attending. “There’s been a steady increase of people who are educated to a degree within the country; therefore, the standard of sermons presented must also increase to meet the demand of the people.” Mr. Paki added there’s been a growing interest towards his program and people from other regions are interested in establishing similar institutions both within the country and overseas. He is also working on a textbook for his program.