Church plays vital role in communities

Letters

SMALL church organisations and well-established ones play a vital role in helping the Government and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in terms of human development and nation building. Christian agencies have strong voice and are influential in critical decision-making and in reviewing laws.
They fight strongly against all forms of violence and crimes to maintain peace and good order in the country.
These are true qualities of humanity based on basic rights, responsibility and Christian values.
The movement of Christianity is to spread the Gospel.
It helps restore the good, maintain peace and unity, bring development, a good life and decentralisation of goods and services for the common good.
We should bear in mind that the preamble of the constitution of Papua New Guinea declares it as a Christian country.
Therefore, Papua New Guinea should prioritise and portray true qualities of Christianity in everything it does to find fulfillment and meaning in it.
This will reflect God’s glory so that other nations can see it.
Even though Papua New Guinea is a developing nation that strives to fulfil its visions, aims and goals, let it invest and strive in God’s glory.
God’s teachings convert many non-Christians to Christianity and it changes their lives.
The changes are not spiritual but physical and mental too.
When people give their lives to God they tend to cut out negativity and follow what is right based on Godly principles, constitutional laws, good customs and moral decency.
These minimise unethical behaviours and actions which are sinful and unlawful in the Christian faith.
Christian schools provide quality education for students.
The rules are very effective for both the staff and students.
This keeps students and staff on track in complying with school rules and regulations.
Academic teaching in schools is based on Christian principles and ethics.
As a result students developed academically and spiritually and are able to reason well and solve problems.
Spiritual youth gatherings or conventions help in educating others who are illiterate and provide goods and services in rural areas.
This brings change and development.
It also creates friendships and unity regardless of culture, race, dignity, sex and provincial groups.
This complies with our five national goals and directive principles.
The integral human development, where it calls for everyone to be involved in our endeavors to achieve integral development of the whole person for every person and to seek fulfilment through his or her contribution to the common good, education, all forms of beneficial activities, improvement in public hearth, family unity and development in all aspects of life.
The funds and resources of churches are transparent and used appropriately to allocated areas for projects etc.
Acquittal reports on the use of funds and resource are presented to the church members or the donors by the executive members or by the church elders.
Being truthful, honest, committed, cooperation and the habit of hard work in moving God’s work are second to none.
Therefore, there are great outcomes, both in short term and long term development where aims and goals are achieved.
Most people get to know the true purpose of their existence and change their way of living through God’s word.
When people are changed by God’s word they tend to fully use their conscience by reasoning what is appropriate and inappropriate to do.
This comes with virtues such as patience, peace, love, caring, happiness, satisfaction, willingness and creation of possibilities out of impossibilities.
Some church agencies own quite large portions of land but need money and other resources to put these lands into good use.
There is more to be said of the good work done by churches, however, the main message here is for the Government, NGOs, business houses and the individuals to ponder on how valuable and important church-based activities and organisations are in moving forward God’s word.
Therefore, if it means for churches to be given first priority, let it be.
God bless the beautiful land of Paradise and its good people.

Vincent Tambure,
Gama, Usino-Bundi,
Madang