Micronesia: less than a half a million people, speaking 13 different languages, living on 200 small islands spread over four million square miles of Pacific ocean . . . that’s the challenge of Micronesia.

Heeding the call of Hudson Taylor to reach the islands, German Liebenzell missionaries arrived in the Chuuk and Palau islands over 100 years ago. They eventually reached Yap as well. Their legacy includes three independent church groups, two Christian high schools, and a Bible school.

Bible and Theological Education

That school eventually became the centerpiece of Liebenzell’s work in Micronesia, Pacific Islands University (PIU). The school’s main campus is in Guam, and it operates remote teaching facilities (RTFs) in Yap, Chuuk and Palau. The U.S. accredited institution has approximately 170 full- and part-time students. In addition to the remote teaching facilities, the school also offers a growing distance education program.

Students come from all regions of Micronesia – Guam, Chuuk, Palau, Yap, Pohnpei, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Marianas Islands – as well as China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Bangladesh. The university is comprised of three distinct schools: Pacific Islands Bible College offers AA and BA degrees in Biblical Studies; Pacific Islands College is a Christian liberal arts school; and Pacific Islands Evangelical Seminary offers a Master of Arts degree in Religion. Visit the school’s web site: http://piu.edu/

Church Development

Liebenzell continues its strong commitment to support the local churches in Palau, Chuuk, and Yap. Missionaries serve in Palau and Yap, coming alongside national church leaders to encourage and strengthen their ministry. An active short-term missions ministry brings staff and students from Pacific Islands University to provide training, continuing education, and program support. Church and mission short-term groups from Germany and the U.S. visit Micronesia each year, assisting in a wide variety of ministries and roles.

Discipleship

Two missionaries – one employed and one retired – in Hawaii provide a ministry to Micronesians living there. Their ministry includes two weekly Bible studies – with printed resources that can be shared throughout the islands – and visiting and caring for seriously ill Micronesians and their families who come to Hawaii for acute medical care.