Gerehu congregation submits five-year strategic plan to dept

THE Department of Religion, Youth and Community Development will support the Gerehu Resurrection Lutheran Congregation through its processes, first-assistant secretary Jack Simbou says.
Simbou said there were processes to be followed for such support.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the church on Saturday, which coincided with the launching of its five-year strategic plan, Simbou commended the Resurrection Lutheran Church congregation for developing the plan which he would submit to the Secretary Anna Solomon.
“I’m happy to see the setup of the church and I acknowledge the leadership for bringing the church to this level,” Simbou said. “You have worked hard on your own and you have now invited the Department of Community Development, so we will now work together.
“The government has now started the partnership to work with churches to deliver services.”
Simbou said there were two areas of supporting the churches — first was the church partnership programme supported by the Australian government which worked with mainline churches and the PNG Government church partnership.
“The last funding for churches was in 2017 and since then there has not been any funding,” he said.
“Government support to the churches in the last five years has not been forthcoming. In the department we are looking at how we can support the churches.”
ELCPNG president for Papua District Rev Gundu Kagl acknowledged the department and called for support for the church.
“I appeal to all the youths, look after this place, support the leadership and do the best you can, he said. Make this place your spiritual home and look after this place because it belongs to God. We must respect the leadership and put aside the differences and work together.”