Mr Ulgenes even asked to be put in touch with his son's attacker, once he is found, so he could offer his support and forgiveness.
Jacob and Scott, room-mates at Montana Tech at the University of Montana, had travelled to New Zealand and Australia to celebrate their graduation. They had been in New Zealand less than 48 hours when the attack occurred.
Mr Ulgenes, a pastor at St John's Lutheran Church in the town of Helena, described his son as "a kind and trusting kid" who had worked the previous two summers as a Bible camp counsellor.
"When unprovoked violence is experienced or heard about, it shakes a person and a community to the core and raises fear in our hearts," he said.
"Fear creates distrust and destroys community. But the kindness and love that Jake and his buddies have experienced in New Zealand have lessened our fears and has reminded me that there are good people all over the world as well."
Jacob was fortunate his jaw did not have to be wired shut and, after his discharge from hospital, he and Scott headed to Matamata for a tour of the Hobbiton set from the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
"So he must be feeling better," Mr Ulgenes said.
It was difficult when his own son had been assaulted to follow Jesus' teaching to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you". However, Jacob had had the privilege of being raised in a loving, caring home.
"I feel sorry for the young man or men that attacked him and wonder what kind of 'home' they have experienced or what personal problems led to their violent outburst. I have forgiven him and will pray for him and hope that someday he will experience love that can transform his life," he said.
"In The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies, which we have just seen, Thorin says: 'Farewell, Master Burglar. Go back to your books, your fireplace. Plant your trees, watch them grow. If more of us valued home above gold, it would be a merrier world.' I pray they find the 'home' they are looking for. We are grateful for the 'home' Jake has experienced while in your area."
Open letter from the father of attack victim Jacob Ulgenes
Dear editor, friends and residents of Paihia,
My son was the young man whose jaw was broken and had surgery to repair his jaw.
I want to thank you for the kindness, care, and attention you have given my son and his friends as a result of this unfortunate incident.
We realize it was a random act of violence and does not reflect your community or nation. My son said the police were professional, thorough, and showed great compassion to him.
The medical care he received was wonderful. We we're surprised that your nation covers emergency medical costs for tourists. He and his friends were even offered a home for recovery.
Though it has been hard to be this far away while he was injured and recovering, we are so impressed by your community's response. I would only hope that if someone from Paihia were to experience a similar trauma here in Montana that we would be as helpful and responsive. Thank you for your care and concern.
Someday my wife and I would like to visit your beautiful community and Northland. Your response to my son's injury shows the true heart and soul of your community and gives us hope and comfort! Thanks Good Samaritans!
Sincerely,
Brad Ulgenes, Helena, Montana
