Lae, Morobe Province – June 22, 2025
Nearly a thousand believers from the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Ukata District who now reside in Lae and surrounding communities gathered in unity and thanksgiving at Benong Parish, Lae City Circuit, on Sunday, June 22. The special event was organized to raise funds to support preparations for the upcoming ELC National Pastors Conference, scheduled for September 2025 in the Ukata District.
The gathering, led by the Ukata Urban Committee, was filled with heartfelt offerings, cultural singsing, and dances as representatives from the district’s 10 circuits and 50 parishes came forward to show their commitment. Each parish was tasked with contributing K1,000 towards the fundraising drive.
Speaking at the event, Committee Chairman Mr. Nick Sawong highlighted the purpose of the thanksgiving: “We’re here to support infrastructure development for the Pastors Conference. Our district previously hosted the National Youth Conference and National Women’s Conference, and now we’re honored to host the National Pastors Conference. It’s our turn again to stand together for Ukata.”
Mr. Sawong emphasized that while the group resides in Lae and are active members of Jabem parishes, their connection to their home district remains strong. The Ukata Urban Committee comes together specifically when the district hosts national events to coordinate support from urban believers.
The ELC National Pastors Conference is a biannual event of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG). The last conference was held in Karkar in 2023. This year’s event will be hosted by the ELC-Ukata District at Komba High School, situated in Komba Seket. The location, perched approximately 1,800 meters above sea level, is accessed via coastal voyages from Lae, Madang, or Kimbe/Rabaul to Wasu jetty using MV Momase or MV Ialibu of Lutheran Shipping, followed by a 3–4-hour uphill road journey depending on road conditions.
Significantly, this year’s conference coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in September 2025, giving the event national prominence.
Mr. Sawong also confirmed that support had been pledged by senior leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP Hon. John Rosso, and Minister for Housing and Tewae-Siassi MP, both of whom have expressed commitment to the success of the conference.
Another fundraising event is planned for August 2025, focused on supporting meals and hospitality expenses for delegates from all 17 districts of ELCPNG expected to attend the conference.
“This first event focused on infrastructure and groundwork,” Mr. Sawong said. “The next will ensure we are ready to feed and house our guests. We are committed to honoring our faith and our district by making this conference a success.”
