The 5th National Men’s Convention was held on January 6-9, 2025, at the Melanesia Nazarene Bible College, Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). More than 2000 men from 14 districts attended the event, coming from the islands, coast, and highlands of Papua New Guinea. This year’s theme, “Shake Yourself from the Dust and Arise,” was taken from Isaiah 52:2.
The week-long gathering was opened with a parade of all the participants led by the Correctional Institutional Service Brass Band and a ribbon cutting led by Mr. Yambon Moiam, the president of the National Men’s Ministry, to symbolize the start of this important event. Also, the convention was graced by state officials, community dignitaries, and Bishop Dr. Jack Urame, head bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG.
Rev. James Du gave a compelling message during the opening service. He shared that the place of the 5th Men’s Convention is important because this is where the pioneer missionaries started their work. The timing is perfect because, in 2025, Papua New Guinea will celebrate 70 years of mission since the first Nazarene missionary couple, Sydney and Wanda Knox, set foot in the country in 1955. He challenged everyone to shake off the dust, rise, and take upon themselves the responsibility to spread the message of holiness to the people of Papua New Guinea into the next 70 years.
The Holy Spirit moved during the convention through the morning and evening services. During the day, presenters shared about various topics. On the second day, all the participants were grouped into four and went to four towns, Kindeng, Kudjip, Banj, and Minj, for open-air evangelism. Eighty people surrendered their lives to Jesus during this evangelistic program.
On the final night, Jiwaka District Superintendent Rev. Andrew Akus challenged everyone to live upright lives during his message. He gave examples of men from the Old Testament, like Noah, the three young Hebrews who stood firm on their faith, and Job. At the end of his preaching, he gave an altar call, and more than 500 men knelt at the altar, prayed, and committed to living upright lives.
Finally, at the closing of the 5th National Men’s Ministry Convention, Rev. Benny Baki handed the chairmanship of the 6th National Men’s Ministry to Madang District, which District Superintendent Rev. David Dorome willingly accepted. After that, the sky was lit up with fireworks.
