Redemptive power of penitence

I AM from the Gulgi tribe (Kinjibi Mala LLG) in Western Highland’s Dei district.
My ancestors were deeply entrenched in traditional beliefs, practising rituals such as praying and believing in gods such as Teka Kagl, involving in moka exchanges and so on.
For generations, these traditions cast a long shadow over our tribe. Despite our cultural wealth, we found ourselves ensnared in an invisible web that hindered our progress.
Education, business, politics – areas where others found success – seemed just beyond our reach.
Our fathers, though not versed in the ways of the modern world, were masters of social diplomacy, their brilliance shining in the realm of cultural ceremonies and tribal challenges.
Amidst this backdrop of ancestral legacy, I grew up with a heart full of questions.
Why was I born into a tribe seemingly under a curse?
Would I ever see a future beyond the predetermined path laid out by our past?
These thoughts haunted me, casting doubt on the promise of tomorrow.
However, everything changed on July 12, 2023.
It was a day my tribe made a U-turn. I witnessed my community came together for a ceremony of profound significance – a ceremony designed to break the chains of the past and usher in a new era of hope.
It was a day of spiritual awakening, a day when we collectively stepped into the light of God’s grace as I was in my 11th grade at Kitip Secondary School.
The scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14 became our rallying cry: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This verse resonated within our hearts, igniting a flame of transformation.
Embracing this scripture, we witnessed a remarkable transformation.
I successfully completed my Gr 12 national examination and was accepted into the University of Papua New Guinea.
This breakthrough rippled through our community, ushering in a wave of academic and professional achievements that once seemed unattainable as many students began to pursue higher education.
On Dec 25 2023, we commemorated the 10th anniversary of that fateful day.
The celebration in Peloro was not just a reflection of gratitude but a declaration of victory.
We had witnessed firsthand that no power is greater than the power of God.
Our journey is a living testament to the redemptive power of confession, repentance and the acceptance of Christ into our lives. It is a journey from darkness to dawn, a tale of a village reborn and a future reclaimed – all for the glory of God.
Our story is simple but powerful. It’s about hope, change and the strength we find when we let go of the past and trust in God.

Samuel Pank