Churchman always at forefront of challenges

 By WAIE DAWAI

THE late Rev Megan Zeriga was a no-nonsense man when it came to getting his way in chuch matters.

Even in the face of tough political pressures exerted by his church, Rev Zeriga had always pushed ahead stubbornly and achieved all he set out to do. 

Nothing in his past gave any indication that he would achieve such success in the history of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Papua New Guinea.

He rose to new challenges and timed his actions to suit people’s moods as he led a congregation by persuasion.

Zeriga with his congregation in the Port Moresby suburbs of Tokarara, Waigani and Morata went up the mountain of Morata overlooking the Ensisi valley and the University of Papua New Guinea to establish the Towamo Lutheran revival church.  

Most of the time, he attended conferences and held seminars encouraging the congregation to develop people not just spiritually but physically and mentally too.

He taught people to forgive those who did wrong to them.

His passion and commitment saw the linking up of various denominations such as the United church, Evangelical Brotherhood of Christ church, Four Square church, Apostolic church, Baptist church and the Church of Nazarene. 

Together they started the world mission centre at Towamo hoping to train evangelists and exchange PNG missionaries with churches overseas.

Some missionaries were sent to India, Mozambique, United Kingdom and on the mission ship MV Doulos. 

In 2002, a shot rang at the front gates of Gerehu Secondary School as the great pastor peacefully bowed his head for the final time.

Although he had been criticised when he was alive, even his enemies came out to praise his kind spirit and selflessness.

He was laid to rest at his home village at Zare Aingse in theMorobe patrol post area.

After hisdeath the PNG world mission headquarters was moved to Lae but the congregation at the Towamo Lutheran Revival church began to grow from strength to strength.

In 2004, the congregation started to build a bigger and better churchin the city.

Willie Wensima man from Kabum, Morobe and a self-taught builder with only a Grade 7 education at Baitabag Technical School helped build the church.

“I don’t get paid for building the church. Because I know God is real, and he always looks after me and my family,

Nothing isimpossible when God on your side. He will provide and care for you.”  Wensim said.