Pastors back call for grog ban

TWO Pentecostal church pastors in western highlands have welcomed the complete alcohol ban in the province.
And they thank Governor Tom Olga and his provincial executive committee members for the “healthy” initiative.
Pastors Albert Kiap, of the Four Square church in Baisu, Mt Hagen, and Joe Pokil of the Christian Outreach Centre in Wurup, Western Highlands, said Olga had made a wise decision.
Kiap said people under the influence of alcohol caused a lot of problem in the communities and families.
“We pastors have been praying for people to change. This is to change their attitude and behavior and live a God-fearing life.
“Now I believe that our prayers have been answered,” Kiap said.
Kiap believes that the alcohol ban will help the province a lot in terms of law and order issues.
In addition it will ensure women and children have food on the table and save money for other needs such as education.
Pokil commended Olga for saving families in the province.
“There is nothing good for people consuming alcohol – they are only using up all their savings causing problems to their families and communities,’’ he said.
He suggests that the ban should be permanent because it has greatly helped the police and law enforcement agencies in the province.
Pokil said people did not know how to behave when they were under the control of alcohol.
He said the province needed leaders such as Olga who could make tough decisions for the province.