MAF aircraft provide vital air transport for pastors of the Gut Nius Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea attending a conference with a powerful message
Story by Aquila Matit
In a significant step towards fostering unity and reconciliation, pastors from isolated communities convened for a two-week conference in Wabag, Enga Province.
The event, which focused on addressing the issue of ‘bik het pasin’ (arrogance) within the Gut Nius Lutheran Church, concluded with a powerful message of reconciliation and encouragement for the local congregations.
MAF flights from remote areas across Papua New Guinea brought many of the pastors together for the face-to-face talks.
“The church used to have factions or divisions, and I am one of the bishops that led one faction,” explained Rev Pastor John Nathan, who was part of the team that led the conference.
“We came together, reconciled and appointed one Bishop from the Evangelical Lutheran Church, our brother church here in Papua New Guinea.”
Pastor John Mos from the remote village of Yifki also emphasised the importance of the breakthrough.
“A lot of politics has occurred in the church of God,” he said. “The man who died on the cross is Jesus alone, but the men of this earth have claimed that they are the owners of the church and that is how politics came. We do not want this; therefore, we have come to this conference.”
A lot of politics has occurred in the church of God. The man who died on the cross is Jesus alone, but the men of this earth have claimed that they are the owners of the church and that is how politics came. We do not want this; therefore, we have come to this conference.
Two MAF Cessna Caravan flights transported pastors from isolated locations as far as Hewa, Ipki, Wanakipa, Yifki and Waiki. Though these pastors have come from remote places they still have hope that the message from the conference will be shared and will become an encouragement towards change in the church and the society.
Pastor Nason Epas, also from Yifki, said that with MAF the message and the encouragement from the conference has been made possible.
My village at Wanakipa is so far. When we walk to Mount Hagen town it takes us four weeks to get here. With the rough terrain of mountains and rivers it is so difficult. But through the access of the MAF plane it takes only one day to get back to my village.
“I will take this message back to Yifki and preach it, for it’s now clear to us. Also, people will be informed of MAF’s work in making this happen so that our prayers will be with you for your continued support.”
Pastor Perry Ken of Wanakipa said with MAF’s service he can now return home and do his job as a pastor despite how isolated it may seem.
“My village at Wanakipa is so far. When we walk to Mount Hagen town it takes us four weeks to get here. With the rough terrain of mountains and rivers it is so difficult. But through the access of the MAF plane it takes only one day to get back to my village. There I will serve by preaching the word of God to my families, brothers and sisters, and the Christians at my place,” said Pastor Ken.
Rev Pastor Nathan also appreciated the support of MAF in strengthening remote churches.
“We are happy that MAF provided us this air transport, we are thankful for their services,” he said.
“As Bishop, I am happy that the service is provided and that MAF is doing a ministry that is given by God. We as a church like to work in partnership with MAF and look forward to more of the same.”