PNG Holds Countrywide Pastors' Retreat

Gathered under the huge yellow and white tent in the cool Western Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, nearly 500 pastors gathered for the 7th national pastor conference January 21-25 2008. Pastors from 12 districts across Papua New Guinea made their way by boat, bus, air plane, some even walking for several days coming from remote highland valleys to isolated island villages to make it tothis event.  The theme was "to make Christlike disciples in thenations" and by the time the pastors left, there was no doubt in anyone 's mind as to what is the mission of the Church of the Nazarene. Speakers from around the Asia Pacific Region as well as General Superintendent Dr. Jesse Middendorf were a part of this five-day event.  Dr. Middendorf said, "I will remember it as one of the most significant and satisfying events of my ministry. God helped us all, and I am grateful to Him." Wednesday night, Dr. Middendorf conducted a mass ordination of elders that came from several districts.

One pastor summed it up this way "this was the single most important event in the history of the Church of the Nazarene in Papua New Guinea".

Melanesia and South Pacific Field Strategy Coordinator, James Johnson said "Considering that each one who attended this conference is a pastor, this conference has huge potential for moving the church forward to reaching their national goal of 100,000 church members by 2016.  The impact of this event will be measured by the increase in Christlike disciples in the nation in the years to come".

by: James Johnson, South Pacific/Melanesia Field Strategy Coordinator

this post was filed under Around The Region on Feb 13, 2008