Members of the Eastern Highlands Adventist Students Association (EHASA) at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) visited more than 100 Indonesian prisoners at Bomana Prison in Papua New Guinea on September 5.
This is the second time the students have visited the group who, according to the prison chaplain, have received little outside support since arriving at Bomana. Many have been unable to stay in touch with their wives, children and families in Indonesia.
Led by EHASA president Benjamin Sunupera, the students brought small gifts and spent time with the prisoners. “They brought comfort and reminded the inmates that they had not been forgotten,” said Minister Harry Nasi.
Language presented a challenge during the visit, with many of the prisoners unable to speak English or Tok Pisin. The students used songs, prayer and fellowship to engage with them despite the language barrier.
The visit also aligned with Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) plans to develop ministry across the border with Indonesia.
Minister Nasi said building relationships with Indonesians in Papua New Guinea could help prepare the Church for future border ministry.
“This is a great opportunity to build relationships before engaging in border ministry,” he said. “It will be more effective if we first build bridges with Indonesians in our own country before we step onto their land to share the love of Christ.”
