The Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) has appointed a woman as secretary for a local mission, reportedly for the first time in the country.
Pauline Yorio, 44, of New Ireland and Manus provinces, was appointed secretary of the Morobe Mission at the 17th PNGUM session held, from September 5-8 in Port Moresby. She has served at PNGUM for 20 years. She began work in February 2005 after graduating from Pacific Adventist University.
Together with her husband Darren Yorio, they are blessed with two sons and a daughter.
Mrs Yorio had the privilege of serving the church, primarily within the PNGUM Secretariat Department, and most recently as the Union’s first female officer in the role of undersecretary.
“These years of service have been both a blessing and a learning journey, strengthening my faith and commitment to God’s mission,” she said. “I am humbled to serve God in this role as I continue in the journey of faith, dedication and service to His Mission.”
During the session, a number of other appointments were made including PNGUM departmental leaders and Mission executives.
A number of missions were appointed new presidents at the session including Pastor Solomon Sanu (Eastern Highlands Simbu Mission), Pastor Enosh Enopa (Morobe Mission), Pastor Lua Bobore (New Britain New Ireland Mission), Pastor Thomas Bem (South West Papua Mission) and Pastor Andrew Opis (Western Highlands Mission).
The presidents who remained in their roles are Pastor Mathias Foxsy (Bougainville Mission), Pastor Peter Bani (Madang Manus Mission), Pastor John Nickel (Northern and Milne Bay Mission) and Pastor Henry Monape (Sepik Mission).
New local mission secretaries who were appointed are Pastor Mathew Walter (Bougainville Mission), Pastor Samuel Mollen (Eastern Highlands Simbu Mission), Pastor Jerry Pane (South West Papua Mission), Pastor Charles Paul (Sepik Mission), Pastor Edward David (Western Highlands Mission) and Mrs Yorio (Morobe Mission).
Secretaries who were re-appointed are Pastor Joses Peter (Madang Manus Mission) Pastor Richard Koroi (New Britain New Irelands Mission) and Pastor Liborius Ato (Northern and Milne Bay Mission).
Meanwhile, PNGUM under-treasurer Thomas Ariku was appointed chief financial officer (CFO) for Bougainville Mission while Central Papua Conference Associate CFO Julie Gotaha was appointed CFO of East Highlands Simbu Mission. Other CFOs appointed are Peter Daniel for Morobe Mission and Veali Kwalu for Western Highlands Mission.
The appointment of CFOs for Madang Manus, New Britain New Ireland, Northern and Milne Bay and Sepik missions have been referred to the PNGUM Executive Committee.
The PNGUM Department directors for the new quinquennium (2025–2030) are: Pastor Miller Kuso (Sabbath School Personal Ministries/Discipleship), Elis Ricky (Women, Children and Adsafe), Pastor Moses Melua (Youth and Family Life), Jethro Rabie (Education), Grace Robert (Health), Reeves Papaol (Communication and Media), Pastor Daniel Ricky (Ministerial Association Secretary), Pastor James Kiangua (Stewardship director), Pastor Leslie Yamahune (Associate Stewardship director) and Pastor Solomon Paul (Adventist Mission).
