Peace comes to Walium

 THE Walium Station in the Usino-Bundi district of Madang has been dedicated to God.

This followed a healing and reconciliation conference at the station from Sept 22-28, hosted by 12 different denominations. Hundreds gathered to give their lives to God 

Pastor Tom Lepatu said the main objectives were reconciliation, repentance and healing. 

“This district was notorious for the killing of missionaries, cargo cult practices, witchcraft, murder, immoral behaviour and evil activities,” he said.

“As a result, the whole district was under a strong demonic influence. Development was lacking for a long time.”

He said the tradition of ancestral worship was passed down from generation to generation in the district and every activity in the community was directly influence by the “spirit” world.  

“They have been living in total darkness for many years,” he said. 

“Although the church has been in existence, many been practising demonic activities. Their allegiance to ancestral worship was stronger than the impact of the church.”

He said some early missionaries were killed by people in Usino-Bundi and Gama. 

During the reconciliation service, leaders of the communities that participated in the killings asked for forgiveness from the church. 

“Many people repented and surrendered their objects and items used for ancestral and demonic worship,” he said.