The Bobonave Lutheran Congregation in the Kainantu District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG), located in Eastern Highlands Province, celebrated the opening of a new church building and a pastor’s house over the weekend.
The ELCPNG Head Bishop, Dr Reverend Jack Urame, dedicated the two buildings and officially cut the ribbon during a ceremony held in Bobonave village for the Bobonave Lutheran Congregation of Jomuna Parish in the Raipinka Circuit.
Reverend Urame highlighted that the successful completion of these buildings is a testament to the faith in God, demonstrated by the Bobonave congregation members.
“This is what we expect from all our congregations and parishes, but some still seek financial assistance from politicians, businesses, or other potential supporters, without taking the initiative to raise the funds themselves,” Rev Urame remarked.
“I have dedicated many churches built through the efforts of congregation members in the ELCPNG Kainantu District, and now it is Bobonave’s turn. These are the best moments in my pastoral duties because they show your faith in God and your commitment to supporting God’s ministry without asking and waiting for external help,” he added.
Reverend Urame emphasised that supporting the church rests on the shoulders of faithful Christians.
“When you stand firm like this, it gives assurance and confidence that the Lutheran faith will endure for generations to come.”
He commended the Bobonave congregation members, their leaders, and Jomuna Parish for their support, along with other churches that also contributed.
Bobonave Lutheran Congregation Chairman, Kibo Benny, shared that the church building cost K98,800, funded by donations from congregation members and other kind-hearted individuals. The pastor’s house was funded by the founders of Pastors House Ministries, Wayaki and Veronica Kemeve.
Mr Benny explained that they lacked a proper building for worship, which prompted discussions on 15 September 2021 about constructing a new church. Ground was broken for the project on 15 November of the same year.
“The first contribution was made on 15 November 2021, when K8,000 was raised. By 15 December, we had started gathering building materials, with actual construction beginning on 15 January 2022. Each month, on the 15th, contributions continued, raising over K2,000 each time, with one instance where K5,000 was collected. This was the support of the Bobonave congregation for the project.”
He added,
“With determination, we contributed whatever resources, finances, and labour we could to see our new church building and pastor’s house completed. We are grateful that our efforts, sacrifices, and commitment have become a reality.”
Pastors House Ministries founder, Wayaki Kemeve, said the pastor’s house cost approximately K100,000. This was the second house delivered under the ministry, the first having been built for his own Four Square Church.
Mr Kemeve, though a member of the Four Square Church, extended his support to the Lutheran Church, delivering a similar project for them.
Also witnessed during the event was the formal signing and release of a land portion by the landowner, officially granting it to ELCPNG for the Bobonave congregation’s use.
