Unity and collaboration were at the centre of the Western Highlands Mission (WHM) workers’ meeting, held in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, from June 21 to 27. The event prepared church workers for the new quinquennium under the theme “Integrated for Mission: Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission.”
More than 600 pastors, teachers and health workers from seven provinces across WHM attended the event, which also launched the Western Highlands Mission’s ministry priorities, aligned with the Papua New Guinea Union Mission’s (PNGUM) strategic plan.
PNGUM president Pastor Danny Philip encouraged workers to serve with humility and unity, emphasising that collaboration is essential for effective mission.
“If there is division, you cannot bring the church further. We are not supposed to do an in-house battle. If we are not united, we let the spirit of people down. Unity is the strength of integration,” said Pastor Philip.
Throughout the week, departmental leaders presented ministry priorities and plans aligned with WHM’s strategic focus on mission, service, holistic empowerment, and people and culture.
The meeting also featured presentations from PNGUM secretary Pastor Leonard Sumatau, who encouraged workers to remain grounded in Scripture and model Christ’s character through servant leadership. “Jesus ranked Himself as the chief servant. We should do likewise and serve God’s people,” he said.
WHM president Pastor Andrew Opis challenged participants to put that principle into practice by reflecting Christ in both their ministry and personal lives so their communities would recognise them as God’s servants.
Organisers said the meeting equipped workers to return to their fields with a renewed commitment to working together as the Church prepares for upcoming mission initiatives across the territory.
