Lutherans in Jimi open church building

By GIBSON TORASO
UPNG Journalism student
HUNDREDS of Lutheran believers in the Jimi district, Jiwaka,  witnessed the official opening of a new church building last Friday.
The church established in Tabibuga by German Missionaries in the 1950s never had a permanent church building for more than 40 years until 2006 when former Jimi MP Francis Kunai with the assistance of the Lutheran mission funded the new building.
After five years to the delight of the Lutheran believers, the building was officially opened by Kunai and witnessed by local leaders and church elders.
Kunai when opening the church said while government could not provide basic infrastructure services lacking in the electorate, church organisations could contribute meaningfully and provide basic services lacking in the area.
 “I acknowledge the contributions made by different churches in the district by providing other basic services like schools and aid posts that we lack,” he said.
He said the government and the people must work in partnership to deliver services for the people at the local level to improve their social well-being to experience real changes.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the people of Tabibuga, councilor David Moknga thanked the former MP for supporting the people and the Lutheran mission for his assistance towards the  new church buildings.
He said Kunai had so far helped the Lutheran mission to build eight permanent church buildings in the electorate when he was a mandated leader – which the people and the church should appreciate.
He also thanked the Lutheran church for its community support in providing other basic services such as schools and health centres.
Moknga urged the people to look after the services provided by the church as it will benefit their families, the society and the electorate.