Pastor condemns tribal wars

THE Seventh-day Adventist church has condemned the recent killing of its church members in Pialya, Enga.
President Pastor Kepsie Elodo said it was not right for people to kill others intentionally, adding that tribal wars in the Highlands region and other parts of the country must end.
“I condemn the killing of a deacon and two other people by opposing tribes and also extend my condolences on behalf of the church to their grieving families,” he said.
“Such killings are uncalled for. Human lives must be respected because they are God’s creation.
“The Bible clearly states that God has commanded man not to kill. It is one of the 10 Commandments,” Elodo said.
According to a report from the church’s Western Highlands Mission communication director Ps Solomon Paul, a group of church members and evangelists were heading for Komaga to preach the word of God when they were confronted by an enemy tribe.
The church members and evangelists unknowingly provided information of their journey to the enemy tribe.
Paul said however, the enemy tribe organised their tribesmen who ambushed the church members and evangelists in the jungles of Karunga on March 2.
“When the enemy killed the three people, they also shot two others who were later taken to the hospital for treatment. Apart from the deacon, the other two who were killed were preparing for baptism.”
The evangelist continued on to the meeting venue and preached for a week.
Eight people were baptised at the end of the meeting.
Meanwhile, Elodo called on SDA missionaries and church members to continue to preach the gospel so others could know Jesus Christ.
He also urged other churches to work with community.