The Maip Mulitak Maramuni District, Western Highlands Mission, Papua New Guinea, have held a local church department dedication meeting at district headquarters on March 12, despite more than five months of living in a battle zone. More than a hundred congregants attended the ceremony, in an area where evangelism and regular church work has been disrupted by violence.
The district has seen ongoing battles within ethnic groups, which led to the closure of two organised churches and their branches. Properties have been destroyed and there have been deaths in the region.
With some church members leaving their villages and fleeing, people were living in fear of possible attack. However, under the leadership of the newly appointed District Director, Minister Solo Jaiman, all coordinators, field pastors, Bible workers and disciple makers were called to gather in full uniform to officially open the church departmental work for the year.
Pastor Paul Bopalo (Enga Provincial Area Supervisor) accompanied by Pastor Elias Keran and Pastor Daniel Philip (pastor of Wabag town church, Enga) made the visit to the Maip Mulitaka Maramuni District.
Pastor Bopalo preached, exhorting participants to remain focused on Jesus despite dilemmas faced in the district. “Satan has a powerless power and he is fighting a losing battle. His strategy is to kill and destroy but when God is on your side, you will shake the evil throne of Satan when you get down on your knees through prayer,” he said.
Minister Jaiman appreciated everyone for taking a faith journey to the district headquarters for the departmental opening, despite living in a war zone. “In situations like this you will see the hands of God and your faith will elevate,” he said. He continued to say that the departmental opening shows that God’s work will move again. “Each department has a mission and responsibility to support the church and reach people for Christ.” He encouraged all leaders to work together with unity, commitment and prayer.
“As we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, our district will grow stronger, and many souls will be won for the kingdom of God. Together, we will reach out and leave no one behind, for God will protect and guide His church,” he said.
Attendees made a firm commitment to serve God and to reach out to afflicted families in the area, with the message that God cares for them, despite their situations.
