News feature: Papua New Guinea growth recognised at Congress

TEN years ago there was no Salvation Army presence in the Sepik area of Papua New Guinea but today the Army's work is growing more quickly there than in any other part of the country. The latest step forward for work in the area – the first Sepik District Congress, held in Wewak – included the enrolment of 17 soldiers.

More than 300 soldiers and children gathered for congress meetings, held in the open air under a scorching sun. Some Salvationists took two days to arrive in Wewak, walking through dense bushland to meet a dinghy, then connecting with two buses. They were obviously thrilled to be there and feel part of The Salvation Army.

Congress leaders were Papua New Guinea Territorial Commander, Commissioner Andrew Kalai, and Chief Secretary, Lieut-Colonel Neil Webb, supported by Majors Bugave and Tomuna Kada, the District Officer and District Director of Women’s Ministries. The theme for the congress was 'Alive in Christ – Seek First God’s Kingdom'.

Salvation Army work in Sepik began after disaster relief was provided to people affected by a tsunami in Aitape. An outreach was held and one man accepted the Lord and decided to return to his village and start the Salvation Army by himself without the knowledge of territorial headquarters. He was present at the congress.

Following the relief work, the then-North Coastal Divisional Commander Major Sere Kala and the then-field secretary (now the territorial commander), did some preparatory work before the decision was made to go ahead and buy some land in Wewak for the site of the first corps (church) building.

From those beginnings, the corps at Wewak has been joined by 17 fellowships (outposts) scattered in the rugged hillsides of the tropical rain forests. There is also a district headquarters and currently a large water project is being funded through Japan International Community Aid and The Salvation Army in Japan.

On the Saturday morning, after an open-air meeting, around 150 soldiers took part in a march of witness through the town past the busy shops and market place. The march was led by Koki Band from Port Moresby and the Sepik District timbrellists.