Almost 200 Pathfinders and leaders from Papua New Guinea attended the Arafura International Pathfinder Camporee in Merauke, South Papua Province, Indonesia.
The camporee, held July 7-11, was organised by the Papua Mission in the East Indonesia Union Conference. A total of 191 Pathfinders attended from the Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM).
At the end of the camporee 24 Pathfinders committed their lives to Jesus through baptism. Six were Papua New Guineans.
PNGUM youth director Pastor Moses Melua said the camporee offered many spiritual, physical and educational activities.
“Pathfinders participated in worship, honours classes, drills, camping skills, community interaction, cultural exchanges and fellowship,” he said.
“These activities strengthened their faith, developed leadership skills and created lasting friendships across borders.”
PNGUM local mission youth directors assisted with the morning and evening devotions.
According to Pastor Melua, it was more than attending a camporee.
“It was a mission journey that strengthened friendships, built partnerships and opened new opportunities for God’s work along the PNG–Indonesia border.”
He added that the journey to Merauke was challenging but inspiring.
“Some of the Pathfinders and leaders walked for four days, crossing rivers and difficult, rugged roads before reaching the border,” he said.
“They then travelled another five hours by truck to the campsite. Others flew to Vanimo before crossing into Indonesia. Despite the hardships, everyone arrived safely.”
PNGUM local mission directors also met with Southern Asia-Pacific Division representative Pastor Heshbon Buscato and his counterparts from the East Indonesia Union Conference.
