It was a full day of state visits for Ted Wilson, General Conference (GC) president, on his arrival in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on April 25, 2024, as he met the Governor General, the Prime Minister (PM), the Speaker of the House, and the Chief Justice, among other parliamentary figures.
James Marape, PNG’s Prime Minister since 2019, welcomed Wilson to the region. Wilson shared a promise with the Prime Minister found in Nahum 1:7, that “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
During his visit, Wilson gifted Marape a silver, Adventist-branded pen. Duane McKey, president of Adventist World Radio, gifted him an AWR Archaeology and Cultural Background Bible.
Wilson also met with Job Pomat, speaker and a member of parliament for Manus Open. Wilson was quite taken by a model Pomat had in his reception room of a proposed monument called a Unity Pillar. The model had the names of all the tribes in PNG, leaders, the people, and the constitution. At the bottom level or foundation was the Word of God. Sharing a verse that was aptly chosen for the Speaker, Wilson read from Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Pastor Wilson encouraged Pomat that his role was important as a mediator between two sides.
The private meetings were followed by a state luncheon held at Parliament House after the morning visits, where more dignitaries, church employees, and parliamentarians gathered to hear speeches from the PM and GC president, as well as musical items.
After an opening prayer by Pastor Lonol Winnie, president of the Central Papua Conference, Pomat welcomed Wilson in PNG style, in tok pisin.
He told those gathered that the Holy Spirit would help Pastor Wilson understand what he said, and when Wilson replied, he claimed that he had helped understand at least some of what was said.
Wilson Challenges Attendees
“This can be your marching orders to help keep order and progress and prosperity for the people of PNG,” he said. “But also for you, for your personal responsibility. Whatever [role you hold], God has given you an unbelieveable responsibility of representing the government of heaven.” He then read Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (KJV).
President Marape shared that “the church in PNG is full of abundant talents.” He encouraged all to use the talents they were given. “Some where given the pulpit, I’ve been given a podium,” he shared, as he reflected on many world leaders he had met and how even he could use his talents to bring glory to God.
During the day, several of PNG’s leaders reflected that it was challenging to be seen as Adventists rather than the roles they fulfilled, as it was a great responsibility to carry. But they also acknowledged the privilege it was to serve the country in such a capacity.
Those presenting repeatedly claimed that about 20 percent of PNG’s parliamentarians are currently Adventists and that the upcoming census would provide a better idea of the number of Adventists in the country.
During his travels, Wilson also visited Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, Governor General, at the Government House. Wilson expressed his gladness to be in the country and told the Governor General that he hoped Seventh-day Adventists would be the very best citizens for the country of PNG.
After the Governor General visit, Wilson visited the Court House where he met with the Chief Justice and a number of judges, before moving on to Parliament House.
The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.