Church of God Celebrates Ten Years in Papua New Guinea
PAPUA NEW GUINEA — The lyrics of Avalon’s song “We Will Stand” best describes the 10th Anniversary of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) – Church of God. Nearly four hundred (400) delegates from all over this remote South Pacific island nation attended the celebration held in the northern port city called Lae on March 29 – April 1, 2012. Most pastors and members traveled long and hard from the rugged highlands to show their love for the Lord, their church, and their international brothers and sisters.
On more than one occasion, the humble and amiable Overseer Aiya Pokoi expressed the PNG Church of God’s profound appreciation for the assistance of the Church of God churches in South Georgia, Overseer Ray Garner, former and current Asia Pacific Field Directors Harold McLeod and Ken Anderson for providing the funds to purchase the main church property compound.
The warm gentle breeze of the Pacific, however, was not the only wind blowing. The wind of the Spirit was touching these precious people, as well. During the singing and worship in Saturday night’s service, several people danced to the front as a sacrifice of praise. One gentleman even carried a large plant as a symbol of the land he had given as a donation to the Lord’s work to start a church.
“Truly, these people have a heart for the Lord…and we can learn a lot from their richness in worship in spite of the economic hardships,” remarked missionary evangelist Manning Thornton, who has visited the country all ten years. Pastor Jack Morris from Sydney also ministered in the anniversary convocation and rejoiced in the positive results of the church’s roofing project that the MacArthur Worship Centre sponsored.
“I was so honored to have had the privilege of representing the church and witnessing firsthand the tremendous work being done in PNG,” stated Regional Superintendent Marc Morris. “Should the Lord tarry, there’s no doubt that our PNG brothers and sisters will continue to stand and reach more people for Christ. Let’s keep holding their hands to encourage and equip them.”
© 2012 Church of God World Missions
