Agro staff urged to put God first

The National Farming

By Urshula Jim
See your jobs as a calling from God, was the simple message delivered to the management and staff of the
Department of Agriculture and Livestock. Speaking at the department’s dedication service at the Hiwick Seventh Day Adventist Church last week, DAL Secretary Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava appealed to his staff to practice Godly habits in serving the people of Papua New Guinea.
“For me, it is a calling from God. I appeal to all of you to not look at your job as a job but as a calling from the Lord.
“What is the message you want to take out from here? For me, God never fails and he will not fail.” Ila’ava also thanked the DAL staff for their continued prayers and support.
He acknowledged the O’Neill government for making agriculture sector the number one priority and for recognising the department’s hard work over the last five years.
Present at the dedication service were staff of different units under DAL, heads and members of commodity boards.
With the theme, “Our time has come, the harvest is ready,” the dedication  service was also an empowerment for all who attended.
Speaking on behalf of the commodity boards was the general secretary of the Oil Palm Industry Corporation, Leslie Wungen.
He said the message shared by Pastor Wanti Gani was about agriculture right from the beginning.
“This is not only a dedication programme but an empowerment exercise as well,” Wungen said.
Josephine Kenni, chairlady for PNG Rubber board told the commodity board members and other DAL staff they all had a responsibility.
“Whether you’re a cleaner, typist or a security guard, you are serving the people of Papua New Guinea,” Kenni said.
A representative from the Cocoa Board also came out to encourage and challenge fellow agriculture workers.
“Today’s message said we are stewards, the challenge for us now is to make it work.
“I’m empowered and challenged, 2018 will be productive or just the same,” he said.
He said the message was fitting for the sector and challenged everyone to work together with the minister and the secretary.
The Hiwick community representative said they were honoured to have the dedication service in their village.
Ila’ava also commented on the Apec meeting saying they are hoping to bring in new investments for the agriculture sector