Students form group to fight cult practices in schools

Faith

STUDENT members of the Lutheran Renewal church launched the “Students’ Flame” movement to counter cult practices in schools throughout PNG.
The movement themed “Be still” was launched at Sapsap village, 10-kilometres south west of Goroka, Eastern Highlands, on Friday.
Ps Gibson Sikondowe, the administrator of the Lutheran Renewal church of PNG, said the movement had a biblical basis: Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. Students who were members of the Lutheran Renewal church, after getting sick and tired of seeing cultist activities in schools affecting their academic performance, gathered together and formed this movement,” he said.
He said the movement aimed to empower students of secondary schools, high schools, colleges, as well as University of Goroka and technical vocational education training (TVET) institutions to offer those involved in cult practices a positive avenue through fellowship based on Bible principles.
Members of Students Flame are acquainted with Christian values and practices and will use that grounding to influence students affected by cult practices.
“The movement can be an effective way to eradicate cult activities in schools through the use of students promoting Christian values and messages,” Sikondowe said.
He said the movement was consistent with Prime Minister James Marape’s vision to take back PNG.
Sikondowe said the movement would not be confined to Lutherans and he invited other denominations to join the cause.
The movement was founded by students at Yaweh Moses Secondary School in Chimbu, spearheaded by student leader Tensy Bonny from Elimbari in Chuave.
The inaugural launch was attended by 150 students from Eastern Highlands, Madang, Chimbu, Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Southern Highlands.
The church’s Eastern Highlands-and Chimbu district president Ps Richard Wamil and Goroka district president Ps Norman Chalapan witnessed the launch.
The presidents supported the move stating that cult practices in schools had affected students.
The launch was followed by two days of discussions and planning; the next gathering will be hosted in Mt Hagen next year.