Acknowledgements
We would like to make a special acknowledgement to one of the pioneer leader in the Highlands Region who impacted the lives of many people. He is late Pastor Kundi Pok. May his soul rest in peace. We also acknowledge the other former Superintendents such as Reverend Ponaka Lepatu, Pastor Tua Kaile and Late Pastor Nickodimas Kopilio. At the same time we acknowledge Reverend Peter Ropra as the current AOG Highlands Regional Superintendent.
We also acknowledge our Missionaries from Sweden and they are; Sven and Maryanne Goranson, Andes Olson, Ilding Erickson and Ludwig Erickson for sacrificing their lives to proclaim the Good News in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea.
Introduction from the Coordinator
We send you greetings in Jesus name from the office of the Assemblies Of God Highlands Region Missions Co-ordinator’s desk. Mission is the heart beat of God and it originated right from the beginning in Genesis after the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. In John 3.16 God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting live. The very act of God sending His only begotten son to this sinful world and through His death and resurrection, saved all mankind is ‘MISSIONS’ accomplished 2000 years ago.
Now God is calling for people like us to respond by laying down our lives before our master and in obedience to His commandments preach the gospel from Jerusalem, Judea and to the uttermost parts of the earth. Missions comprise of three important elements and they are 1. Pray 2. Send 3. Go.
Pray
Jesus said the harvest is plenty but there are few laborers. Pray that the Lord will send the laborers into the field to harvest. If you can not go or send then you have to pray for the missionaries who are out there in the field doing the work of preaching the gospel. Prayer is the key to revival therefore we ought to prayer without ceasing in and out of season. Also prayer moves the hand of God into action to rescue, heal, deliver, save and create things out of nothing.
Go
Mathew 28.19-20 says go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age,’’ Amen. The Lord is calling, whom shall I send to go and preach the gospel? The onus is on each one of us to respond and say, yes Lord, send me. The youths are specifically challenged to respond to the call of God and lay down their lives launch out starting at Jerusalem, Judea, Sameria and to the uttermost parts of the earth. If you are not then who will go? If it is not now then when? If not here then where? Now is the prime time when people of all works of life both young and old are challenged to personally respond to the call of God and launch out into the missions field. The fields are ripe but labors are few.
Send
Give and it shall be given unto you. Good measure press down shaken together and running over. For with the same measure that you give, it shall be given back to you. If you are unable to go then pray fully give and support those who go or if you are unable to give or go then you have to just faithfully pray for those who go and give. We make this clear that giving to the missions field is for a worthy course. Missions is a very fertile soil where we should sow cheerfully and reap in abundance. In essence giving is signified in Malachi 3:10 as ‘’ prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it’’ When we incorporate the three elements simultaneously, missions is then accomplished. Without one element it is impossible to full fill the Lords great commission.
Vision
Proverbs 29.18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law. A Christian will only remain focus in life if he/she maintains his/her vision which is not fabricated by himself/herself but initiated by God. God will only take responsibility over what He has initiated and not by man. God told Abraham to look up to the sky and count the number of stars and as Abraham was counting them, they were just too many so God told him and said ‘ your descendents will be as many as the stars’. Those words captivated Abraham’s imagination and he was struck with awe. In his imagination he could clearly visualize his descendents as many as the stars. Our imagination plays an important role in visualizing a God given vision. Let us catch the God given vision and run with it towards achieving the target. Let us pray fully wait on God to reveal the original blue print of vision upon your spirit by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Vision for World Missions
We have a 40 year plan in place for AOG world missions in Papua New Guinea and it was launched in 2002.Our vision is three fold;
Missions Administration
By the year 2042 we will build the AOG World Missions head quarters in Mt Hagen. We have secured a land to facilitate this building program. Starting from 2022 on wards construction will begin by faith. The building will accommodate offices representing different countries of the world. Each country will be represented by their flags and involve some administration staff to administer the vision to send more than 1000 missionaries to the ends of the earth.
Networking in Papua New Guinea
If God willing we hope that the missions work will establish its network through out the country.
History
In the year 1990 when I was praying, God challenged me and said ; ‘do you know that my heart beat is in mission”? I was challenged by this call that prompted me to make a covenant with God and it was;” As long as I live on the face of the earth I will serve in missions until my body goes into the grave through death”. That was the turning point in my live.
1. AOG Local Missions
(A) Church Planting
Western Highlands Province
Tambul-Nebilyer District Outreach
In the year 2008 we started the missions work in the Nebilyer District in the Western Highlands Province. We have planted five churches namely in West Kambia, Paipkola, Apwara, Giyamu and Balg. Now we have a total of seven churches in the Tambul Nebilyer District. By 2010 to 2011 we are looking forward to plant one church in Tomba and other in Tambul. By 2019 onwards we will target other districts and regions in the country.
Vision to establish Tambul-Nebilyer District
We have a vision to establish a new district in Western Highlands Province and that is Tambul Nebilyer District in accordance with the existing electoral boundaries. We have a total of six churches there.
Mt. Hagen Community Church
This church was established in 1994 and Pastor William Poiya was the first Pastor from 1996 to 2010. Pastor Poiya was appointed as the principal of Oceania National Bible College in Port Moresby and left in 2010 after serving almost 14 years. Pastor Larry Yora became the senior pastor from 2010 till now.
Kala AOG Church
In 2001 we have planted one church in Kala Village just few kilometers opposite Mt Hagen Technical College. We have built a permanent church with the pastor’s house. Pastor Onda Peng is the pastor of that church. From this church three new satellite churches were established and they are Biaprui AOG Church, Minimb AOG Church and Kuta AOG church.
Roldop AOG Church
In 2003 we have planted one church at Roldop Church just next to the sewerage pond. The pastor of that church is now Pastor Jacob Israel.
Waglpel CAF Church
In the year 2000 we planted one permanent church in Walgpel village and it was registered under Christian Apostolic Fellowship. In 2017 a Church Health Centre was built at a cost of K1.4 million.
Kumkala Gateway AOG Church
Kumkala Gateway AOG church was planted by Ps Simon Keri and Joseph Pam with the assistance from the missions department. Now we have a permanent church established and is pastured by Ps Caleb Yagi.
Komaka AOG Church- Paglum
Komaka AOG Church is located next to Paglum SDA High School. Ambra Sub District under the chairman Pastor William Wani had organized a convention there and some Christians got water baptism. We are now looking forward to build a permanent church.
Puglkimb Rise Up AOG Church
Rise up AOG church at Puglkimb next to Mt Hagen Technical Collage was closed for some years but revived again and now it is pastured by Ps Abraham Willie.
Enga Province
Porgera Mining – Paiam AOG Church and CRC Church
From 1998 September to 1999 Pastor Paul Ropa established two churches in the mining town of Porgera in Enga Province, one at the station and other at Paiam Town.
Southern Highlands Province
Ialibu Town AOG Church - Pastor Andrew & Family
Since 2000 we have supported Ialibu Town Church strategically located at crossroad Pangia and Kangua Erave of Southern Highlands Province. Part of our assistance included supporting two local pastors in the bible college training; the late Pastor Douglas Nane to CLTC and Pastor Kipa to AOG Highlands Regional Bible College. Currently Pastor Andrew and his wife are now pasturing the church.
Lama Outreach Church
They desperately need a pastor This is the church that we have started in 2004 between Pangia and Ialibu located at the old Lama Saw Mill, a place of blood shed. Pastor Mathew Pawa and Merilyn and Shalom pioneered this work for two years. We have built a church building and pastor’s house. We urgently need a pastor. Please pray with us.
Simbu Province
Mirane AOG Church - 2013
In 2013 Pastor Paul Ropa started a new fellowship at Mirane (Kundiawa) in Simbu Province. In 2016 we bought a land worth of K5000 and in March 2019 we started building a new church and it is still under construction. Pastor Daniel Lombi is pasturing this church.
Chuave Station AOG Church - 2015
In 2015 Ps Paul Ropa started a new church in Chuave Station. We have successfully secured a land title on a state land to build a church. Pastor Hans Kenna is pasturing this church.
Gembogl Station AOG Church - 2017
We bought a land at Gembogl Station in 2017. We hope to plant a church there as soon as the Chuave project is completed.
Mingende Bethel AOG Church
Mingende Bethel AOG Church was closed for two years but we praise God for his grace and love that this church was revived again in March 2019.
Vision to establish three additional Districts in Simbu Province
The existing districts in Simbu Province are Kundiawa Gembogl Gumine, SineSine Yongomugl and Kerowagi District. Our vision is to create three separate districts for Gumine, Chuave and Karamui Salt Nomane which will add up to six districts in total which is in accordance with the six electoral boundaries.
Provincial Missions Coordinator: Pastor Nicholas Kawage Kerowagi District Missions Coordinator: Elder/Pioneer Herman Kagl Kundiawa Gembogl Gumine District Missions Coordinator: Pastor Thomas Gewi SineSine Yongomugl District Missions Coordinator: Pastor Joe Konia
Eventually we will introduce this program to the other Provinces in the Highlands Region and then nation wide but first we are piloting it in Simbu Province hence to assess how it is progressing.
(B) Send Local Missionaries in PNG
We have trained and sent many Local Missionaries who are pasturing churches in the Highlands Region and the nation.
Elizabeth Humbu (Middle) - Missionary to Nepal
Joe Kagl Mokono with YWAM Mercy Ship
(C) Bible School Training
Like in any other institution, in order to achieve our vision there must be an ongoing training to facilitate the missionaries and send them out to the fields. We will train pastors and missionaries in our National, Regional and Provincial Bible colleges and send them out to the fields. We will integrate technical training as well as biblical training as it is a requirement. In 2011 I was also appointed the board member of the Simbu Bible School by the AOG Simbu Provincial Executive Council.
(D) Mt Zion Prayer Mountain
Mt Zion Prayer Mountain is a haven of prayer which was established since 1989 located near Mt Rondon AOG Highlands Regional Bible College with road access. We have opened an account for the prayer mountain with Bank South Pacific Mt Hagen and the account number is 1000805048. We believe God will enable us to upgrade this place into a modern facility. Pastor Israel Jacob from Roldop AOG Church is currently in charge of the prayer mountain in terms of spiritual matters and Pastor Paul Ropa is in charge of administrative matters.
2. AOG Overseas Missions
(A) Send Missionaries Overseas
We are targeting to evangelizing the nations of the world. Our vision is that by 2042 we should send more than 1000 missionaries to the ends of the earth. This is a mammoth task ahead and that can only be accomplished through consistent team effort from every one called by God and washed in the precious blood of Jesus. Let us come out of the inferiority complexity and possess a positive mind set in alignment with the word of God because Philippians 4:13 says we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. As long as we have Jesus in our hearts, nothing is impossible. Through God’s grace we can send more than 1000 missionaries all over the world. Amen. In the year 1993 the first missionary that left the shores of Papua New Guinea was Mr. Gabriel Kumi Pukup who is in Texas USA. The second missionary was Miss Elizabeth Benny who was in Nepal, India for 8 years and now she is in Texas, USA, Mr. Joe Kagl Mokono who is with the mercy Ship, Julius Walengi who is in Indonesian island of Kupang. Our vision for the world mission is that by the year 2042 Papua New Guinea will have sent more than 1000 missionaries all over the world. This is a daunting task but through the grace of God we can accomplish it if we put together our abilities and resources to facilitate this program.
(B) Plant churches Overseas
By God’s grace we will not only send missionaries overseas but we will also plant churches where ever they are located and be able to sustain them until they are firmly established.
(C) Send Students Overseas For Further Theological Training
We pray that God will help us to identify potential students who graduate in our National Bible College to sponsor them Overseas for further Theological Training.
3. Community Obligations
(A) To Set Up AOG Missions Education System In PNG
We have a plan to set up an AOG Missions Education System in areas in the Region and Nation where it is non existent with a bottom up approach.
(B) To Set Up AOG Missions Health Service In PNG
Assemblies Of God in partnership with the National Government will endeavor to set up AOG Mission Health Services in PNG.
(C) Provide Other Community Services Such As Electricity, Roads and Water Supply.
We will not only set up Mission Education System and Health Services but we will also provide other Community Services such as Electricity, Roads and Water Supply where ever it deems necessary and there is a need.
Conclusion
In conclusion mission is the heart beat of God. Therefore Christians in Papua New Guinea are urged to respond to this call in a positive way by way of Prayer, Send and Go principles. Papua New Guinea is a prophetic nation with 700 languages and diverse cultures. The people can adapt to any life style and can eat any food. This attributes with the spiritual qualities can qualify us to become good missionaries anywhere in the world.
Integrate Missions Department –in the Structure of AOG Highlands Region and PNG
Simbu Province is the pioneer province to integrate missions in the Assemblies Of God structure. We have a full missions team comprising of coordinators representing all districts in the following manner;
Network
Mission network in the AOG Highlands and Papua New Guinea is non existence. In 2006 we have launched missions program. In 2008 Mt Moriah district council under the leadership of Pastor Poiya Nukunts have appointed Pastor William Wani as the district missions coordinator and Pastor Jeffrey Ring as the assistant. At the Mt Hagen city sub district, the council appointed Pastor Larry Yora as the sub district missions coordinator and Pastor Jeremiah Konga as the assistant. We are now collaborating with the AOG Highlands Regional Superintendent to network with the District Chairman in each district in the Highlands Region to appoint a district missions coordinator. We want to make sure that a mission network is established in the region. It is our vision and prayer that the network will spread to other regions in the country as well. Once the network is established nationwide it will pave a way towards accomplishing our vision to send 1000 missionaries all over the world.
Missions Board
The Assemblies Of God Highlands Regional Missions Department constitute the chairman and the board of directors as well as the secretary and treasurer who will be elected once the net work in the region is established. Their responsibility is to discuss matters pertaining to administration and logistics of missions work in the Highlands Region. We need your prayers and your support by way of sending financial donations to promote God’s kingdom. Once the network is established, the board will then open one account for the region. In the next missions news letter we encourage Christians to forward any news and pictures to the editor to be published.
In missions we partner
Paulus P Ropa Born;
June 11 1967 (age 52 years) Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.
Education; University of Papua New Guinea.
Profile:- Bank officer with Bank South Pacific, Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea.
He has been serving in the banking industry for thirty three years. Religion: Assembly of God, Conversion in March 1985, Christian for thirty four years (1985-2019), Missions coordinator for AOG Highlands Region, Three specific key areas of ministry are church planting, Bible school, and sending missionaries overseas. Marital status: Married with two children.
