New Apostolic Church in Papua New Guinea Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Community-Focused Events

Papua-New Guinea is known for its vibrant community spirit, as demonstrated by various events that highlight the strength of shared experiences among its people. From a shoe-sharing initiative during a children’s weekend to large-scale gatherings in challenging weather conditions, the New Apostolic Church in the country consistently showcases the values of unity and mutual support.

District Apostle Andrew Andersen and his successor, Peter Schulte, often speak fondly of the community-driven initiatives that take place in Papua-New Guinea. The Church, which has approximately 100,000 members, is deeply embedded in the local culture, offering unique experiences to both its members and visitors. One such event was a children’s summit where students from both rural and urban areas came together for a weekend. During a divine service, it became apparent that some girls from the rural regions were walking barefoot, while their urban counterparts had shoes. This led to a spontaneous act of sharing, with some girls wearing shoes and others wearing socks, symbolizing the spirit of generosity and care.

The recent visit of the Chief Apostle to Papua-New Guinea further exemplifies the community’s commitment to service and hospitality. During his arrival in the remote village of Kombikum, the pilot was surprised to see a large gathering of people under the open sky. Over 24,000 participants had traveled up to seven days on foot to attend the divine service. The congregations in the surrounding areas had not only built shelters but had also prepared food through careful planning, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility and care for one another.

The New Apostolic Church has been present in the provinces of East Sepik and West Sepik (also known as Sandaun) for 40 years. This milestone was celebrated with a divine service in Wewak, the largest city in the region, where the Church’s teachings are well known. However, the celebration faced challenges due to the weather, which disrupted plans. Despite these obstacles, the Church’s dedication to its mission and community remains steadfast, demonstrating a commitment to service and faith that resonates with the values of Micah 6:8—justice, mercy, and humble service.

Source: Read the original report