The people of Port Moresby came together in large numbers to attend the first-ever Combined Church Service at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium yesterday morning (Sunday).
The event was organized by the NCDC, led by Hon. Governor Powes Parkop, with the vision to unite the people of Port Moresby in prayer for peace and reconciliation for the city and the nation.
City residents, all dressed in white, were seen walking alongside Governor Parkop, led by the Women’s Ministry Brass Band, from Ela Beach to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, where the service took place.
Various church leaders from different denominations, including the Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Baptist Church, Good News Lutheran Church, United Church, Body of Christ, SDA Church, and Life in the Spirit Ministry, gathered at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to pray and preach for peace and harmony.
Also in attendance were Governor General, His Excellency Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, Reverend Roger Joseph (PNGCC General Secretary), and NCDC City Manager, Mr. Ravu Frank.
The opening prayer for the morning was led by PS Daniel Hewai from the Body of Christ, followed by scripture readings.
Prayers were offered for national leaders, young people, the influence of modern technology, law and order, and other key areas of concern, led by various church leaders from different denominations.
In his speech, Governor Parkop thanked people of all faiths and denominations who came together to pray for the city and nation.
He reflected on the challenging events of January 10th this year and urged everyone to set aside their differences and unite as one city, one people, one nation, and one global community to foster positive change and progress.
“We definitely need economic solutions, political solutions, and physical infrastructure solutions.
Our young people need employment, we need businesses to flourish, and income to multiply and spread throughout our population.
Opportunities must be created, gender-based violence must end, and the social gap between the upper and lower classes, as well as the employed and unemployed, must be eliminated.
However, above all, spiritual solutions, spiritual guidance, and godly direction must prevail for all this to happen,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Governor Parkop thanked the public and church leaders for coming together in unity to seek spiritual guidance.
He emphasized that the foundation for a good life, progress, and prosperity for individuals, families, clans, tribes, and communities in the city and nation can only be achieved when people find peace within themselves and in their daily lives.
He concluded the service by expressing gratitude for the powerful prayers, messages, and unity demonstrated during the event.
Governor Parkop urged everyone to look forward to 2025, which marks Papua New Guinea’s 50th year as a nation, with a renewed focus on peace, unity, and reconciliation as its foundation.