GREAT-GRANDSON AND GREAT-GREAT-GRANDSON OF MISSIONARY JOHANN GOTTLOB GEISSLER ARRIVE IN MANOKWARI FOR THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOSPEL MISSION CELEBRATION

Manokwari, West Papua – Hans Geissler and his son, Lucas Geissler, who are the great-grandson and great-great-grandson of the legendary missionary Johann Gottlob Geissler, arrived at Rendani Airport, Manokwari Regency, on Saturday (1/5/2025). Their arrival was warmly welcomed by church leaders and the organizing committee of the 170th Anniversary of the Gospel Mission celebration in Papua.

Hans and Lucas Geissler, both German nationals, arrived on a Super Air Jet flight and landed at Rendani Airport around 8:00 AM WIT. Upon arrival, they were greeted with a series of traditional Papuan ceremonies, including traditional dances, the placement of traditional headdresses, the presentation of noken (traditional woven bags), and the traditional plate-stomping ritual.

The Chairman of the 170th Anniversary of the Gospel Mission Committee, Derek Ampnir, expressed his gratitude for the arrival of Johann Gottlob Geissler's great-grandson and great-great-grandson. “We are grateful that, by God’s grace and will, Hans Geissler and his son Lucas have safely arrived in Manokwari after a long journey from Germany. They are here to join the celebration of the 170th anniversary of the Gospel Mission, which will be held on February 5, 2025, on Mansinam Island,” said Ampnir.

According to Ampnir, Hans and Lucas are part of the international guests who had confirmed and registered their attendance with the committee. “They are international guests who had previously confirmed their participation in celebrating the golden anniversary of the Gospel’s arrival in Papua,” he explained.

During their stay in Manokwari, Hans and Lucas Geissler are scheduled to visit several religious sites of historical importance to the Christian mission in Papua. These sites include the Zendeling Kwawi area and Mansinam Island, the historic location where the evangelistic mission first began.

“They will visit and document these sites as evidence of the civilization legacy left behind by their great-grandfather, Johann Gottlob Geissler,” added Ampnir.

Johann Gottlob Geissler was a German missionary who, together with Carl Wilhelm Ottow, first brought the Protestant Christian mission to Irian Land, now known as Papua. They arrived on Mansinam Island on February 5, 1855. This historic moment is commemorated annually in Manokwari with parades and grand celebrations and is recognized as an official public holiday in the Papua Province.

Johann Gottlob Geissler was born on February 18, 1830, and passed away on June 11, 1870. His legacy in spreading Christian teachings continues to be felt to this day, and the arrival of his great-grandson and great-great-grandson serves as a reminder of the significant role missionaries played in shaping the history and religious life of Papua’s people.

With Hans and Lucas Geissler’s presence, the 170th Anniversary of the Gospel Mission in Papua is expected to be a moment of reflection, gratitude, and tribute to the missionaries who brought the light of the Gospel to Papua. The committee hopes that this spirit will be passed down to the younger generations as part of the identity and important history of the Papuan community.