Musom villagers beat financial obstacles to build a church

THE desire to know God more and follow his commandments have driven a rural community in Morobe to build its own church building despite many challenges.
The people from the Musom community in ward 10 of Nabak local level government area in Nawaeb used their own initiative.
It did not come easily, however, because they had to stop work on the building a number of times because of financial constraints.
The Musom congregation is in the St Peter’s Parish under Lae circuit and Yabim district of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Congregation secretary Andrew Kilu said previously the villagers used to have fellowships under a thatched pandanus leaf shelter.
He said because of the facility many youngsters did not attend church as they looked awkward sitting under a bush-material shelter.
“We realised this and in 2016 we decided to build a permanent church,” Kilu said.
“We decided that we will bring all the young people back into the church.
“We cleared the place, cut trees and began constructing the church,” Kilu said.
“It was not an easy task. We had to stop work several times and delay was because of funding and other issues,” he said.
“Former governor Kelly Naru heard of our story and assisted us with K10,000, we bought roofing iron, nails, cement and metal wall sheets to eventually complete the job,” Kilu said.
He said their aim was to ensure that all youths from the village attended church and forgo illegal activities like homebrew and marijuana production and consumption, cult activities, gambling, pornography, partying and other worldly things.
He said the church currently has 150 members, most are elderly people.
“We are expecting the number to grow when the opening takes place in September,” he said.
Church layman Yasom Nathan said they still needed some seats, chairs, musical instruments, fabrics, flower vases and other items for the church and needed assistance.
“Anyone willing to assist our congregation can make deposits into account number 7013549022 Musom Congregation Account,” Nathan said.