Koney Samuel, an associate senior church elder at Gordons Seventh-day Adventist Church in Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), has been appointed by the PNG National Government as acting Secretary for Planning and Monitoring department.
Before his appointment as secretary, Mr Samuel completed his Masters in Public Administration, and is currently the longest serving officer in the planning department. A native of the Roma village in Maprik, East Sepik, Mr Samuel, his wife Nancy and their three daughters have been active in building their village’s local church, pastor’s house and other projects including Gordons where they now reside.
Before taking his new seat, Mr Samuel invited Central Papua Conference Secretary Pastor Rex Koi, Stewardship Director Pastor Fred Malawae, Gordons Church pastor Wali Kapi and ADRA Planning Director Darren Yori to lead out in a special dedication service for his office. Also present was Sepik Mission Secretary Pastor Martin Sungu, who flew in from Wewak. Reading from Pastoral Ministry by Ellen White, Pastor Sungu challenged Mr Samuel and his staff on the importance of “not building walls” to separate them as believers from a dying world.
“We should not hide our Bibles under the office table and lead this nation according to our own wisdom,” he said. “God has called you, Koney Samuel, and it’s time to lead in the fear of God!”
The position of planning department secretary is one of the most sought after jobs in public service, as it is mandated to prepare the national budget and allocation of foreign aid to key development projects. Hence, Pastor Sungu said, it calls for an attitude of utter dependence on God Almighty for His wisdom and strength to perform His duty.
Mr Samuel thanked the church workers for the time together and asked for them to continue praying for all in Government.
“It is now high time for all to live out our faith in active discipleship,” he said.
A solemn session of dedicatory prayers were offered by the pastors and leaders present on Mr Samuel with his staff before he took his seat in his appointed office.
