Pastor Kingal to speak in Beijing Conference

Ps. Joseph Kingal with a Chinese friend in 2007. Pic by Jeffers Teargun

International students and foreign passport holders during the 2007 Shengyang Conference. Pic courtesy by Jeffers Teargun

Ps. Kingal during the 2007 Conference in Shengyang, China

Jeffers and Ps. Kingal trying out some Chinese dishes. Both are using chop-stick so I hope its easy for them to pick up the grains. Pic courtesy by Jeffers

By Mathew Yakai, Albert Tobby and Jeffers H. Teargun in China

LAE based and Papua New Guinea’s renowned Joseph Kingal Evangelistic Ministries has been invited to the foreign passport holder’s conference in Beijing, China.

This winter will be the second time for Pastor Joseph Kingal from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to tour the land that hosts the Great Wall of China.

Ps Kingal is the founder and director of the Joseph Kingal Evangelistic Ministries based in Lae, PNG.

Albert Tobby, a student in Beijing and member of the conference organizing committee said in an e-mail that total participants is expected to be more than 250 foreign students from over 40 nationalities studying in China.

“This is an annual conference which is usually held every year around the same time. It is facilitated by a team of Christian student’s leaders known as the Central Steering Committee SCS.”

“SCS is divided into two sections. The northern group is Northern Regional Steering Committee (NRSC), in which a PNG student Jeffers Heptol is the President,,” said Albert.

This conference is the Northern Regions conference.

Pastor Joseph Kingal will be speaking in the main evangelistic night from Wednesday Feb 4th through Friday 6th Feb.

The ministry started in PNG as Christ Ministries back in 1991 by a group of University students at the PNG University of Technology in Lae.

In May 1997, the ministry was then registered as The Word, The Spirit and The Cross Ministries Inc with the registrar of companies.

The ministry now operates world wide as Joseph Kingal Ministries (JKM).
JKM is a soul-winning ministry based in Lae. It has an office in Suracase, New York, USA under Advance the Kingdom Ministries under the leadership of Evangelist Buck Stephens.

JKM plans to extend offices to Australia for the Television Ministries (Australia). JKM exists as a ministry to serve the entire Body of Christ and work in partnership with the existing churches in the harvest field.

Ps Kingal said, “We bring our nets and borrow the boats of the churches and go out fishing together. We gather the wounded (souls) on the streets and bring them to the Inn keepers (pastors) to nurse them. We catch the fish (souls) and give them to the pond keepers (pastors)”.

In 2007, Ps Kingal made his first trip to Shenyang, China. He was invited as a guest speaker by foreign students and workers during their annual summer conference.

TSCF (Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship) brother Jeffers Teargun Heptol who is now the President of International Christian Students in China introduced Ps Kingal to this group.

“It was a blessing to have Ps Kingal as the guest speaker during that time because people were blessed by the message that he brought”, Jeffers recalled.

“We were so grateful that Ps Kingal sowed into the Ministry here to pay himself for the return tickets to come and minister to the people”. Jeffers quoted what Ps Kingal shared on Freedom in Christ.

“God made things possible for the people of Israel to come out of Egypt (bondages of slavery). God was dealing with the people of Israel for the forty years in the wilderness to remove the nature of Egypt out of them”.

“When God leads you in life, He takes you through the pit to prison and then to palace”, Ps. Kingal shared taking biblical example of Joseph in the Bible.

During the visit in 2007, Ps. Kingal ministered to foreign workers and students from 30 different nations of the world in those three-day meetings.

The team in China again has the privilege to invite Ps Kingal for the second time for the annual winter conference in Beijing from Feb 4th to Feb 6th.

He will be ministering on “Living the Power of Love” as the theme.

According to the organizing committee secretary brother Albert Tobby (another TSCF brother) the number of participants are likely to increase and they are from forty different nations attending a single meeting.

Albert said the conference is very much anticipating for the Spirit of God to move mightily during the meetings.

“We have not only organized this meeting but also a Great Wall visitation by Ps Kingal and his team with the PNG students in China”, Albert said.

He said arrangements are already in place for Ps Kingal to have a fellowship with PNG students and workers at the PNG’s Beijing Embassy.

The conferences are hosted twice a year. One in the summer vacation and the other during the winter vacation.

These meetings are facilitated by some dedicated leaders in a team known as the Central Steering Committee.

Due to government regulations, these meetings are strictly open to foreign passport holders only.

Ps. Kingal will also hold prayer and counseling within the days programs. Baptism service will also be conducted by Ps. Kingal according to the availability of believers to be baptized.

The PNG Embassy is also planning to host Ps. Kingal and the students for a fellowship at the Embassy.

In an e-mail dated Jan. 24 2009, Ps. Kingal confirmed his trip to Beijing for the conference.

“According to the Conference Planners, there will be over 40 nations represented in this major conference. I am looking forward to this major conference. I never dreamt that I would speak to 40 nations in one major conference in a country such as China.”

“Susan and I value your prayers as I depart for Hong Kong and China on the 3rd February. I will also be imparting an anointing to all PNG students studying in China. This is the hour for PNG to take the nations with the gospel,” Ps. Kingal said in his email.

“I vividly remember the prophetic Word spoken to me in October 1993 at Unitech " I will take you to nations you never dreamt to go".

“God has never forgotten His Word over our lives. Therefore stay focused and walk in humility before Him daily. He will exalt you in due time.” Ps Kingal said.

This scribe and PNG students in China are looking forward to meeting Ps. Kingal with his team in Beijing and wishing them a safe journey.

Happy Chinese New Year

Caption: Migrant workers wait for the free bus to Ruyang county in Luoyang Railway Station, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Gao Shanyue)

Caption: Passengers wait to board on the train at the Xi'an Railway Station in Xi'an, the capital city of Shaanxi Province, Jan. 6, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

ACCORDING to International Calendar, the New Year starts on Jan 1st every year. The world, including Papua New Guinea passed the 2009 New Year Thursday 1st.

But Jan. 26th, 2009 is the first day of Chinese New Year, popularly known as Chinese Luner Year by people outside China.

Thus, this scribe wishes all people of Chinese nationality “Xin Nian Hao” (Happy New Year).

Chinese Luner New Year is one of the most important and celebrated events by Chinese in China and abroad.

In major towns and cities in PNG, the beats of gong drums and Dragon dances with fire crackers will be familiar.

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival or sometimes called the Luner New Year is one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays.

The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th.

Chinese New Year Eve is known as Chuxi, literally means “Year-pass Eve.”

Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction.

According to Chinese calendar, this year is the year of Ox. The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things.

As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswearingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

Ox people need peace and quiet to work through their ideas, and when they have set their mind on something it is hard for them to be convinced otherwise.

An Ox person has a very logical mind and is extremely systematic in whatever they do, even without imagination.

These people speak little but are extremely intelligent. When necessary, they are articulate and eloquent.

People born under the influence of the Ox are kind, caring souls, logical, positive, filled with common sense and with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

Security is their main preoccupation in life, and they are prepared to toil long and hard in order to provide a warm, comfortable and stable nest for themselves and their families.

Strong-minded, stubborn, individualistic, the majority are highly intelligent individuals who don't take kindly to being told what to do.

The Ox works hard, patiently, and methodically, with original intelligence and reflective thought.

It is important to remember that the Ox people are sociable and relaxed when they feel secure, but occasionally a dark cloud looms over such people and they engage all the trials of the whole world and seek solutions for them.

The history of Chinese Luner Year is long, yet interesting.

But what impresses this scribe is the mass migration of people within China during this period.
They do not move in tens and hundreds, but in thousands and millions, depicting China as one of the highest migrating country within China.

The migration of migrant workers from major cities to their rural villages and towns for family reunion is an important moment.

For most, this is the only time in a year to visit their families.

China has learnt its lessons from last year’s chaotic travel rush out of its major industrial cities and has reportedly put in efforts to beef up security this Lunar New Year.

The disaster recovery management of the authorities was criticized as tens of thousands of passengers were left stranded at railway stations due to freak weather conditions last year.

The icy weather also managed to destroy power supply to whole cities for days and disrupted transportation that was essential to China’s food and trade.

This year, China faces the same challenge, with the number of travellers threatening to reach a record high.

The traffic administration bureau under the Ministry of Public Security reported that harsh weather conditions, such as snow and ice, have affected the south and resulted in the closure of certain roads to ensure public safety.

“We gained a lot of experience from last year’s freezing weather disaster,” said Xu Yahua, deputy director of road transport in China’s Transport Ministry.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, police and public security officials have been ordered to “fully prepare for responding to and handling freezing weather with icy rain and snow”.

Leaves and holidays have also been cancelled for all those involved in maintaining and controlling crowd security over this period that lasts from January 11 to February 19, a step deemed necessary in ensuring public safety.

The recent economic crunch, which left an estimated 10 million rural migrants jobless and discontented, intensifies the rush.

It is also a factor in making the journey back home start earlier than previous years.

Zheng Zizhen, a researcher with the Guangdong Chinese Academy of Social Sciences: “In previous years, when factories were busy with orders, workers could only go at a certain time and had to return by a certain time. Now, they are not restricted by work so the travel pattern has changed.”

The Lunar New Year is the only time where China’s 120 million migrant workers return to their hometown.

About 2.32 billion journeys are estimated to be made during this festive period, a 3.5 per cent increase from last year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

Of the 2.32 billion journeys, the Ministry of Railways (MOR) estimates 188 million commuters to make their way via trains, an 8 per cent increase from last year.

In Beijing West Railway Station alone, there were 130,000 departures made on January 1, 38,000 journeys more than its daily average, reported the station authority.

Another reason for the massive surge in commuters this season has to do with the timing of the festivities this year.

This places a greater amount of pressure on railways across China in terms of crowd control and public security.

College students, whose vacation also begins this month, will join the mass of migrant workers to make their way back to their hometown.

“Students and employees nationwide are heading for home for an early holiday, while migrant workers are also returning home earlier this year.

When most people are moving around at the same time, an earlier-than-usual travel rush is around the corner,” said MOR spokesman, Wang Yongping.

With transport safety as the MOR’s top concern, the ministry assured the public that railway departments are doing their best to ensure quality of maintenance and transport facilities for a smooth operation.

An emergency mechanism was also released by the MOR in case of severe weather such as snow storms and fog.

Wang also said that an additional 150 trains were put into daily operation.

This will bring the capacity of China’s railway system to 4.48 million passengers’ everyday, an increase of 180,000 from last year.

Besides adding trains, authorities have also stepped up security and opened more ticket booths at major stations to handle the increase in passenger flow.

Police have been mobilized to patrol stations where hundreds of thousands gather.

China’s social and political stability is also under threat during this festive season.

Public order has deteriorated because workers have become more frustrated as the country enters deeper into the economic slump.

This proves dangerous as crowds continue to gather at major train stations.

China’s officials are concerned about the tension among migrant workers resulted from the economic slump and have expressed that “stability is everything” during this peak season.

Liu Zhijun, Minister for Railways, who has been visiting the stations regularly to make sure that things were going smoothly, said, “it is important to have a safe and good order while providing quality service under efficient management”.

Liu also commented that China is looking to improve the situation by 2012.

Heavy snow storm last year 2008 that stopped many people to visit their family members will today have the chance to visit their homes.

One thing I find moving is the closeness that Chinese people have for their immediate family members.

It does not matter if one works in either Beijing or Shanghai, he/she must still travel the hectic 18 hours by train to spend the time with family members.

To most Chinese, seeing their family members and having time with them, sharing food and exchanging gifts during this important holiday is very important.

Even the Central Government realises the significance of family reunion and tries to make any transport means possible for millions of people moving across this vast landmass.

I am also looking forward to experience this peak travelling period on my way to Beijing Feb 1st.

Enquire at the local train ticketing office revealed that the slow train would take 18 hours from Changchun to Beijing and cost 70 Yuan (K27). This is very cheap compared to the short distance between Lae and Mt Hagen.

If I get the faster train then it would cost 240 Yuan (K92.) which is still cheap.

Frankly, I am little bit scared of travelling during this peak time but decided to give myself a challenge to face and experience what China is going through.

Perhaps, experiencing is better then being told.

In my next commentary, I might share the 18 hours travel experience with you. That’s if the purpose of visiting Beijing is not worth sharing.

Going through train stations that serve 200,000 passengers a day is interesting to share in my next commentary.

So stay blessed and“xin nian hao kuai le” …“Zhong guo peng you men”.

Been to "White House" in Changchun, China

Background is the Status of Liberty one would find in New York. But this is found in one of the parks in Changchun City, Jilin Province in China. In the picture are my university colleagues.

An international student group including me (red) visiting a park in Changchun, Jilin Province China. The students are all from Jilin University. The back ground is the replica of White House. When USA's new President Obama takes this office, I would imagine that its the top and powerful office behind me in the picture

Replica of White House at the background, the top office in USA where Obama will occupy as the 44th US President.

Obama: Challenges Real But They Will Be Met.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Barack Obama delivered a sobering assessment of where America stands and a hopeful vision of what it can become as he gave his inaugural address as the nation's 44th president.

President Barack Obama told a crowd at the National Mall that America's challenges are real.

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time," Obama told hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in front of the Capitol.

"But know this, America -- they will be met," he said.

He also vowed to end the divisiveness and partisanship he said was rampant through Washington.

"We come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics," he said.

In another allusion to Washington's shortcomings, Obama promised to hold accountable anyone who handles taxpayer dollars.

"And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."

The new president, who hugged civil rights stalwart Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, upon walking on stage Tuesday, also hailed the civil rights movement.

"This is the meaning of [America's] liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath," Obama said.

Wearing a navy suit and red tie, Obama was sworn in using the same Bible that was used in President Abraham Lincoln's inauguration.

Watch Sen. Dianne Feinstein open the swearing-in ceremony »
The crowd became silent as Obama began his address, with only an occasional "That's right" or "Amen" and scattered applause from the hundreds of thousands in front of him.

Saddleback Church founder Rick Warren delivered the invocation, applauding what he called "a hinge-point in history." Aretha Franklin sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" before Joe Biden was sworn in as vice president.

Watch Obama's grand entrance »
Hundreds of thousands of people were on the National Mall -- dancing, singing and vigorously shaking flags -- in anticipation of Tuesday's swearing-in.

"This is America happening," said Evadey Minott of Brooklyn, New York. "It was prophesized by King that we would have a day when everyone would come together. This is that day. I am excited. I am joyful. It brings tears to my eyes."

Minott was at Lafayette Square near the White House, where Obama and his wife, Michelle, had coffee with President Bush and first lady Laura Bush before heading to Capitol Hill.

The Obamas attended a prayer service earlier at St. John's Episcopal Church to kick off the day of events surrounding Obama's inauguration.

Watch the Bushes greet the Obamas »
As many as 2 million people are expected to crowd into the area between the Capitol, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial as Obama takes the oath of office at noon ET.

Source: CNN - http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.inauguration/index.html

Assault on Pacific Journalist Shocks Pacific

Marc Neil-Jones, the publisher of Vanuatu Daily Post, the newspaper I contribute my weekly commentary on "Asia Pacific Perspective: China +" was attacked. This brings the Pacific Media Freedom to risk. Recently in Papua New Guinea, the NEC gag Post Courier to cover the National Budget, threatening media freedom in that country.

The below article was extracted from David Robie's http://cafepacific.blogspot.com/ This blog urges the Island Governments not to kill the messangers.

PACIFIC journalists are angry over the cowardly weekend assault on Vanuatu publisher Marc Neil-Jones - allegedly by prison officers incensed over an embarrassing news story.

They are also disturbed over the implications for the safety of the region's media practitioners when faced with such an brutal attack by employees of a state agency.

According to Radio NZ International, Marc suffered a broken nose, a black eye and kicks to the body in the attack on Saturday at his Vanuatu Daily Post's newspaper office in Port Vila. He was alone in his office at the time.

The newspaper ran a picture of his injuries today. The radio said he had filed an official complaint, accusing police officers from the capital's Correctional Service Centre of the malicious attack on him.

He was reported as saying that the officers objected to his newspaper's coverage of the burning down of the French jail correctional centre. The Daily Post on Friday ran a picture of the jail gates being left wide open with no security guards.

A Daily Post story by Len Garae reported:A truck pulled up with angry officers allegedly under the influence of alcohol working with Correctional Services at the prison.

They stormed into the office and accused Neil- Jones of causing the dismissal of Joshua Bong as Acting Director of Correctional Services and demanding to know who was going to look after the prisoners now.

A shaken Neil-Jones advised police:“One of them was well built, strong and with a belly wearing shorts and a singlet punched me in the eye and nose and hit me four or five times.

“I was kicked a number of times when I was on the ground. The two others with him threatened to kill me because I hadn’t got their side of the story on the problems with the prison.

One threatened me with a knife and said he would cut my neck and another threatened to shoot me with a gun. They said they were going to take me to the prison to look after the prisoners.

It was not a pleasant experience."Marc Neil-Jones, 51, is a Vanuatu citizen and an insulin dependent diabetic. He has been a strong campaigner for media freedom and has been assaulted on previous occasions.

The Daily Post said he had suffered from high blood pressure since being illegally thrown in the prison by police after he had demanded the suspension of a police officer for assaulting his sports journalist in a rugby game between police and USP a few years ago.After being freed, Marc wrote about human rights violations against prisoners.

In 2000, he was deported by then Prime Minister Barak Sope for publishing "state secrets"- including "the news that eventually got Sope convicted in court".Commander South Superintendent John Taleo says police are "investigating". Pictures: Vanuatu Daily Post

PNG Embassy in Beijing celebrated Christmas in Style

Caption: PNG Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Ambassador John L. Momis, Mrs. Elizabeth Momis and Ambassador’s daughter Marrycat Momis, Third Secretary of the PNG Embassy, Ms Lisa Gabina, Embassy Staff and their spouses and kids together with PNG students at the Ambassador’s Residence, in Beijing, People’s Republic of China (PRC). Picture by Albert Tobby


WHILE many in Papua New Guinea and around the world celebrated Christmas in every styles, the Papua New Guinea community in China is no exception.

At the Beijing embassy, PNG Ambassador to China, His Excellency John L. Momis and wife Elizabeth Momis hosted a Christmas gathering which saw the embassy staff with spouses and PNG students gathered for once in a year celebration.

A total of about 50 people gathered at the Ambassador’s residence on Monday night, 22nd of December 2008.

They were PNG students studying in Beijing, Staff of the PNG Embassy both Chinese and National and their spouses and kids, all gathered to celebrate Christmas.

The celebration started with singing of Christmas carols, and then followed by Ambassadors’ speech.

Ambassador started by thanking everyone for making themselves available to celebrate the special and great event in the history of the world, particularly, the birth of Jesus Christ the Lord.

He then thanked the Embassy staff, namely Lisa Gabina, Rose Zhang, Mr. Gau, Mr. Liu, Mr. Wu and others.

He expresses gratitude to his staff who tirelessly worked through difficult situation to make last year (2008) a success.

By saying difficult situation he explained that even though the embassy was under staffed, these few staff have contributed enormously.

He also expresses his appreciation and thanks to his wife Elizabeth Momis for her continuing support.

At the same time he recognizes and acknowledges the support the other embassy staff received from their spouses.

“Without the support of the spouses we couldn’t achieve all that we have achieved this year,” he said.

He went on to explain the tremendous team work, cooperation and collaboration that the embassy had experienced among their colleagues throughout last year.

Amb. Momis said, “In a small way what we have experienced is the cooperation and collaboration to bring about what the world is about and this is also what celebrating Christmas is about.”

He also thanked the students for being good representatives of Papua New Guinea in their various university campuses in China.

“Students, your very presence in the university you are studying fly’s the flag of PNG. It makes a significant contribution to China in cooperation and collaboration to improving the world we are living today.” Amb. Momis said.

He commend the students for taking the boldness to accept the Chinese Government Scholarship to come to China, leaving behind their family, friends and colleagues in PNG who in such a festive season like Christmas would normally have big celebrations and get together.

He encouraged the students that what they are doing right now is contributing to building a peaceful and better world.

When encouraging the PNG students studying in Beijing, Ambassador Momis used the example of Dr. Sun Yat Sen a brilliant political leader in China, who was often referred to as the Father of modern China.

Dr. Sun being educated in America and even hold an American passport, he never succumbed to the changes of America.

He came back to China and was instrumental in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and become the first provincial president when Republic of China (ROC) was founded in 1912.

“If you students can emulate the spirit of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, you are here to learn new knowledge and wisdom to accumulate knowledge to go back and contribute to your country. China with billion of population to educate some million students is not as important as you these few PNG students.”

“You are very important here. You are indispensable to PNG development and cannot be replaced,” Amb. Momis said.

Recalling his high school days in Australia under the watchful eyes of the colonial authorities, he said, “I learnt this phrase “you are indispensable to PNG development”, when I was 14 years old studying in Australia with people like Sir. Henry To Robert, and John Kaputin.”

“During a luncheon with Canal Murray, he (Canal Murray) said to us PNG students in Australia, “Each and every one of you is indispensable to PNG development, you are more important than the Australians.”

“These words are real and have helped me a lot in my life’s journey. I now would like to pass on this same message to you PNG students. Work hard, be diligent and don’t be backward coming in searching for information,” said Amb. Momis.

In sharing his Christmas message he said, “Christmas is the time when Christians throughout the world celebrate the birth of Christ. Celebrating the Word of incarnate, second person of the Holy Trinity, God opted to become one of us.”

“Celebrating Emanuel who was born unto us.” God option that Christ took to pitch his tent among human beings (us). That is a great event. We are actually celebrating Christmas which is about human dignity, human values such as equal participation.”

“When God decided to become like man He lifted the role of man to a higher level. Men now become indispensable in building a better world that is why in PNG constitution, the second Directive Principles calls for equal human participations. “

“Man is no longer just an object but man has a right to quality of life. As Christians we can call upon the Spirit of God to help us make a better world. “

“Just like Jesus did when He read the scripture in the Temple on a Sabbath. Jesus Said, “the Spirit of the Lord was upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18).

“In this message Jesus is talking about Himself as a man and therefore is applicable to all man. Promoting respect for human rights and dignity and empowering everyone for equal participation in decision making process, that is also why we have this in PNG Constitution.”

“Christians by celebrating Christmas is about respecting human dignity. Who are we to say only the rich in PNG will have access to better health and education.”

“The constitution calls for equal participation for all citizens. To conclude, the son of God became man and by doing so lifted the human dignity of every man, therefore men are obliged to uphold human dignity,” Amb. Momis said.

Albert Tobby representing PNG student’s studying in Beijing and around China, thanked Amb. Momis and his wife for hosting the Christmas celebration.

“There is a vacuum in every PNG students studying here in China. That is the vacuum of longing for family and friends that we’ve left behind in PNG especially in such period like Christmas.”

“However this celebration at the Embassy with the embassy staff and their family members has filled in this vacuum. We are so thankful that the embassy continues to offer timely support that actually made our life here in Beijing more comfortable.” Albert said.

This article is published after Christmas but the essence of the article appeals to us today.

Thus, this scribe, as always, would appeal to all Papua New Guineans from all the corners to leave behind our past and move forward with great hopes and mission.

The world is changing at an alarming rate, particularly in enhancing people’s live.

In PNG, we should not succumb to our weakness if there is any. We should not listen and believe what our friends from other countries tell us, though they may be genuine. We must not believe that when few people are capable, most are below par.

If there is one thing we should be proud of then we must tell ourselves that after 33 years of political independence, what kind of society do we want our children to live and enjoy their lives as long as they can.

We must ask what kind of society do we want to see our sisters, mothers and wives live without the fear of being raped.

We must ask ourselves what kind of society we want to have where our brothers and sisters from other countries can live with us.

2009 is the year we must answer all these issues and questions, including others that have always bothered us in the past years.

With a strong leadership both in the political and bureaucratic level, this scribe believes that PNG which is tarnished for human ignorance like rape, murder, corruption,…will one day rise and become the real Paradise, with thousand tribes living harmoniously.

Note: This blog acknowledges Albert Tobby, a Papua New Guinea student in Beijing for contributing most part of this article.

Wantok Radio Light Turns 7

Caption: The staff photograph infront of the new studio at Gerehu Stage 2 along Sivari Road, Port Moresby. God bless you all for the great job!

Caption. The new studio at Gerehu stage 2 along Sivari road, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Caption: Wantok Radio Light banner

Caption: Opening of Sam Rowley's studio in Oct. 18th 2008 by Opposition Leader Sir Mekere Morauta (right), Kairiku Hiri MP Paru Aihi (back) and Wantok Radio Light's Board Chairman Rev. Mondopa Mini (left). Pic courtesy by Martha and Georgina, Port Moresby.

By Mathew Yakai in Changchun, China

The widely heard Christian Radio station in Papua New Guinea, Wantok Radio Light turns seven years today (January 14, 2009).

The station which ministers the Gospel of God through the power of radio has penetrated through the rugged hills, mountains, terrains and jungles of Papua New Guinea.

From the remote Tari to isolated Milne Bay islands where newspapers and commercial radio signals could not reach, Wantok Radio signal on shortwave band was so powerful in the pillows and beaches of the isolate populace.

Even in the jungles of West Papua in Indonesia to Okinawa in Japan, across to Changchun in China, Wantok Radio Light signal reaches Gods’ people.

In Papua New Guinea, Wantok Radio Light has brought the Gospel to people isolated as one would imagine, yet shows the omnipresence of God.

When Papua New Guinea struggles to address its social problems including rape, murder, robbery, HIV/AIDS etc, Wantok Radio Light, the only inspirational radio station promotes the unconditional love of God to all mankind to consume, digest and experience the power of Holy Ghost.

In this time when Papua New Guinea struggles to survive in the international system, the country is yet denying the fact that power of God is all the country needs, thus, Wantok Radio Light tries to promote the concept.

Wisdom only emanates from God. Therefore, believing and having fellowship with God without any compromise is paramount. Radio Wantok Light has been trying fervently in the past seven years to promote the positive aspect of living that God loves and expects from humanity.

Past seven years is history but the future is yet challenging. However, God is good and He will take this station to a higher level where men and women of God shall be blessed.

With the above, I would like to congratulate Wantok Radio Light on its 7th Birth Day. When this powerful station grows older, it depicts the wisdom and caliber it possesses and will grow in strength within the power of Holy Ghost.

Without the hard working men and women with the station, the radio station would not come this far. Thus, I humbly salute those who are behind the running and operation of the station.

In financial terms, the station, I believe has been operating on donations in cash and kind. Those, whether churches, business houses, and individuals who have given and donated, I pray that God shall bless them ten times more then what they have given.
Thank you and long live Wantok Radio Light.

Mathew Yakai
China

................

Email from Martha in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

From: napatana07@hotmail.com

Subject: Wantok Radio Light turns 7 Jan 14
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:53:00 +1000

Hi email family, just wanted to let you all know that Wantok Radio Light will be turning 7 tomorrow (Jan 14). God has been with us since the station first went on air on Jan 14 at 3pm 7 years ago and He has still been faithful to us.

Please stand with us for more souls this year and that the staff and their families will make it their desire to know Christ in a new way and make Him known as we together proclaim Jesus Christ over the airwaves in PNG and abroad.

For those who wish to be part of the praise party you can call our studio line and share with us how Christian Radio - Wantok Radio Light has been a blessing to you. The studio number is 326 1679 or the reception on 326 2933In His Grip

Martha.

................

Email from Georgina Tumu after I called the station to be part of the celebration.

Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:40:26 -0800

From: tumu_gina@yahoo.com.au

Subject: WRL Pictures

To: gaul_bire@yahoo.com.au; thjeffers@yahoo.com; m_yakai@hotmail.com

Shalom Beloveds,

God has been good to us. We celebrated Wantok Radio Light's 7th birthday today. Thankyou Mathew for calling on behalf of you brothers in China. Find attached are some of our pics.

Caption: Opening of Sam Rowley's studio in Oct. 18th 2008 by Opposition Leader Sir Mekere Morauta, Kairiku Hir MP Paru Aihi and WRL's Board Chairman Rev. Mondopa Mini. The other 2 are the front of the studio and the front gate of the station and the staff serving here.

God's Blessings and will inform yous on Ps Kingal's interview here before he departs for Beijing.

Blessings,

...............

Brother Albert replied to Georgina's email above.

Thank you Georgina for the pictures and Mathew Thank you for calling on our behalf.May God's special anointing and blessing be upon you all.

God Bless

Albert.

................

Up-date on a trip to Harbin

Jeffers and me (Mathew) in my room. Jeffers arrived on Friday 9th January 2009 and spent the nights with me till Sunday 11th January. After meeting on-line for sometime, I finally came to meet Jeffers in person. God is great and He made things possible for us to meet.

Group picture of Jeffers and Changchun Onnuri Church Members. From left is me, Jeffers, Henry Zulu, Pastor Joseph Kim of Onnuri Church (my pastor), Fabian and Alvin. Group photo taken after our meeting with Jeffers.

During the meeting at a hotel in Changchun. Pastor Joseph Kim treated us with delicious Japanese dishes in varieties. I can remember only one dish that Jeffers had, and that was Sushi, the Japanese raw fish. Jeffers had with Washabi, a spicy greeny staff. When having the sushi, he kept on saying "delicious". I wonder how he can say delicious when the thing is spicy....heheheh. Our meeting was fruitful. Jeffers briefed us on the upcoming festival in Beijing and the future activities involving students and foreign passport holders. Pastor Kim was so impressed.

Jeffers with one of the church goers from New Zealand (named). We were there on Sunday before Jeffers left for his home city. Praise God, the Church gave an opportunity to Jeffers to talk more on the up-coming festival in Beijing. Many people showed interest.

Outside the Changchun church. You can see that it was snowing heavily. Jeffers and Alvin with a kenyan family for a group picture.

Note: Jeffers Teargun Heptol stood the cold temperature in Changchun which was at -23 degree celsus to make an awareness of the upcoming Foreigners Festival in Beijing from Feb 4 to 6. He arrived on Friday 9 and left on Sunday 11 January 2009. Below is an E-mail update of his trip.

Dear Beloveds through out China,

Greetings! Blessed be the Name of the Lord. God is doing marvelous things in this land and I am honored to be part of this great move of His Spirit. From the tip of the North of China all the way down to the edge of the south of China, His glory is rising. The banner of Jesus is rising across this land, and it's not a mistake that God placed all of us strategically in this land.

This email is to update you on the trip to Changchun. Firstly, I thank God for the opportunity meet senior Pastor of Onnuri Community Church Rev. Joseph Kim, Dean and Mentor Henry Zulu, Bro Fabian, bro Mathew and the Music team of Onnuri Community Church. Rev Joseph and his elders hosted a lunch and we had a quality time of discussion. Thank God for their heart of openess and I appreciate all that.

On the same note, it was indeed an honor to be given an opportunity to address the congregation of Changchun International Fellowship. I thank God for the elders Xavier & Nicola Lynch, bro Alween, bro Josephert of Changchun International Fellowship. May Lord bless you all for your openess and willingness to be part of what the Lord is doing in this land.

We had a quality discussion about the Foreigners Annual Vacation "Festivals" both in the Northern and Southern Regions of this land. It has been noticed that, we did not involve Changchun and Harbin Fellowships in these meetings for last 10 to 15 years. They were willing to involve in the coming years and even put up their hands to host any combine any vacation "festival".

They questioned me why they did not receive the information few years back. And I appologized to them and informed that no-one has taken the risk to make the awareness campaign of the "Festivals".

Both regions have "festivals" coming up this winter vacation In the south (Shanghai - Jan 30 - Feb 1st). the theme is Worshipping God in Truth and Spirit (John 4:23-24). The Guest speaker is Ps Johnathan Mesai from Kenya.

For the northern region is in Beijing from 3rd to 6th Feb. The theme is Living the power of Lord (Col 3:14). Guest Speaker is Evangelist Joseph Kingal from Papua New Guinea. Continue to uphold these "festivals" in your quite times.

I will be paying a visit to Harbin fellowship this weekend. Bro Peter and other beloveds are anticipating to receive more information about the "festival". Keep me in your prayers.

We also discussed about inter-church visits. The Changchun Fellowships have given an opportunity to Shenyang International Fellowship to visit them. As time goes on, they will visit Shenyang Fellowship. We will have seninars and training together.

Please find attached are photos with Rev Kim while having meeting and dinning plus elder Xavier in Changchun ICF with fellowship members. Also attached is the RSC northern Region Newsleter.

Lord bless you all.

For His Kingdom
Jeffers Teargun Heptol
RSC Chariman

That's me at the Onnuri Community Church in Changchun on Sunday Jan 4th 2009. This is the first Sunday service for the New Year 2009 in China. The Sunday is also special for me because I started on the day as the Church drummer in the fellowship band. Though I left playing drums for almost 10 years, God is always good and made it possible for me to get along well with the music, and the worship was perfect. As long as I live, I shall PRAISE my God because when God is with me, nothing of this world will be against e.

This picture was taken in Harbin on Dec 27th 2008 during my trip there with other international students from Jilin University, China. The building's wall is entirely covered with Ice and Snow, as part of Harbin Snow World Festival every winter. We were outside but for God's sake, the temperature was at -19 degree celsus and we could not stand the cold so got into this building to warm ourselves. However, the waiters rushed to us and asked us to pay for drinks or other services or they will not allow us to stay inside. And believe me, the drinks are pretty expensive so we justgot this picture and left.