The Memorial Service in the Tifalmin Church
A bell was rung to signal the time for the service to begin. The church also was built on stilts, was more
open and fairly large. During the service the women sat on one side and the men on the other, as is the
tradition in Papua New Guinea.
Two men, Mark and Tobisak, whose names were recorded and who knew Walt and Vonnie, had a part in
the service. There was a time of sharing and music. Tobisak shared about the Scripture Walt spoke on
that Sunday morning before he died – Mark 12:1-12.
Tifal church at the landslide area in 1993. (Photo Courtesy of William and Faith Steinkraus)
Al led in a memorial prayer. It became a special time of honor to the Steinkrauses’ loved ones as they
sensed the presence of the Lord. There were tears, but also joy as they thought of that day, March 21,
1971, and the fact that Walt and Vonnie and the children had already been rejoicing in heaven for
twenty-two years!
William Steinkraus was asked to share his thoughts while Al translated in the Tifal language. After the
service the group sat under the nearby trees where it was somewhat cooler. The men of the village
brought gifts – bows, arrows and bilums (string bags). The Steinkrauses were overwhelmed by the
generosity of the villagers.
When the service finished, the group walked down to the nearby river where the Tifal people swim.
They all remarked what a beautiful spot this was and how much Walt, Vonnie, Kerry and Kathy must
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