Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape visited the PNG Union Mission office in Lae on April 4 while on official business in the Morobe province.
Welcoming Mr Marape, Morobe governor Ginson Saonu and Lae MP John Rosso, with PNGUM staff formed a guard of honour and placed leis on the visitors.
The leaders were then shown around the Hope FM radio station before meeting with PNGUM president Pastor Malachi Yani, under-treasurer Kenton Ghona and South Pacific Division discipleship strategy leader Pastor Danny Philip.
After the meeting, Mr Marape, Saonu and Rosso met with staff in the conference room, where they were welcomed with singing and prayer.
Expressing how impressed he was with the cleanliness of the office, Mr Rosso highlighted that the facility was in line with the “Keep Lae City Clean” initiative.
He said he was also happy to have helped local Adventist churches in Lae get their land titles.
Mr Saonu thanked the Church for its partnership in the development of Morobe, especially for bringing peace and order to Lae.
Thanking staff for serving the Church, Mr Marape expressed his appreciation for all PNGUM workers. “You are working for eternity,” he said.
“Don’t worry about pay but use your talents. Give 100 per cent effort, not less,” Mr Marape added.
He also took time to take photographs with staff and share a light refreshment with the leaders.
The staff were grateful for the prime minister’s two-hour visit to the office.
