Graduates of the Omaura Adventist School of Ministry in Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, were challenged to bring positivity into the country’s chaotic state.
Chimbu Governor Noah Kool told the 88 graduates on Sunday, November 17, at the school’s 28th graduation ceremony that “PNG is in chaos and Satan is starting to take control of PNG”.
Mr Kool said: “The Government is worried, there is no more respect for others. There is corruption, abuse, family violence and many people are doing bad things instead of the good things. Evil doings are growing. Who will teach people the right things?”
“You will go and serve the communities. Do not compromise. Be vigilant,” he said.
He urged the graduates to be steadfast and to help bring changes in the lives of people.
“God has singled you out. Be true to your calling. God needs people who can serve. From Genesis to Revelation, God used individuals to bring change. He used Peter, a fisherman, to baptise 3000 people in a day, Mathew the tax collector, two demon-possessed men and the woman of Samaria.
“As you go, you will also make a difference. Pray a lot and be a transformational leader, be creative and innovative as the church must grow,” Mr Kool said.
Meanwhile, Omaura district director Pastor Messach Komiloko also encouraged the students to be faithful to their calling.
“I challenge you to go to a place or church that has one or two members,” Pr Komiloko said.
He acknowledged principal Pastor Garry Leana for his leadership and for the changes that were taking place in the school, adding the surrounding communities must care for and support the school.
PNGUM stewardship director Pastor Leslie Yamahune led the weeklong consecration programme. He presented messages on stewardship and encouraged the graduates to be effective missionaries through the sermons he preached. Graduates and their families lit candles and were prayed over on Friday evening. Pastor Yamahune also blessed a marriage and ordained elders, while he was there.
Earlier this year, during the PNG for Christ program, Avondale seminarians presented programs at Omaura and the surrounding villages.
Omaura trains ministers, especially for remote and rural ministry in Papua New Guinea.
