It was an exceptional week for Nazarene women in Papua New Guinea, from September 8 to 12, 2025, as nearly 3,000 women gathered in Banz town, Jiwaka North District, for the 15th Nazarene Women Convention. The event was marked by spiritual renewal, heartfelt worship, and joyful fellowship.
For the first time, women from all 22 provinces, representing 17 districts and four domestic mission fields, attended with their leaders. Men also joined the celebration—husbands accompanying their wives, district superintendents, pastors, and friends from other Christian denominations who came to show moral and spiritual support.
Many of the women faced great challenges to reach the event. Some traveled days by boat, enduring long hours at sea; others flew by air, rode for many hours on rough roads, or even walked three to four days—many barefoot and carrying babies or young children. Together, they represented more than 800 languages and diverse cultures, united in their desire to worship and serve God.
One of the highlights of the convention was the message brought by Rev. Lynne Bollinger, Asia-Pacific Region Nazarene Women in Leadership Coordinator, who served as the first female international guest speaker at a PNG women’s convention. On Wednesday, September 10, she preached a powerful message titled “As the Restored and Chosen People of God: Sing to the Lord a New Song” (Psalm 96:1–4b; Acts 2:14–18).
Rev. Lynne reminded the women of the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on all who were in Jerusalem, and everything changed. Language barriers were broken, “roadblocks” were cleared, and God gave His people a new song to sing. “In PNG, and in many cultures around the world, power belongs to the Bigman—the chief, the pastor, the educated, the missionary,” she said. “But God declares that in His Church, I have redeemed, restored, and chosen all people. The Spirit is poured out on yumi olgeta—sons and daughters, young and old, rich and poor. No one is left out.”
She continued, “In God’s Kingdom, there are no class divisions or social boundaries. Gender does not determine who is empowered to sing about the marvelous things God has done. Every Spirit-filled person is invited to dream and to sing of things once unimaginable—and that is the good news of the Gospel today.”
The message was received with deep emotion and anticipation for what God would do next in Papua New Guinea. Throughout the week, hundreds of women came to the altar, praying for renewal, restoration, and a new song in their hearts. Many experienced spiritual transformation, salvation, and empowerment to love and serve Jesus Christ.
On the final night of the convention, an offering was taken for the four domestic mission areas of Papua New Guinea. In a moving display of generosity, people danced their way forward, bringing chickens, vegetables, clothing, household tools, PNG Kina, and more. Even members of the local Banz community joined the celebration, contributing joyfully to the offering. It was a beautiful outpouring of love and gratitude—a living expression of the Spirit’s work among God’s people.
Missionary Joshua Stewardson shared, “What an awesome time celebrating and praising God for what He is doing among PNG Nazarene women!” When asked what made the convention so impactful, Rev. Ruth Nolie, wife of a district superintendent, emphasized the power of prayer. She explained that the event’s theme, “Reach One, Win One,” came to life because prayer surrounded and sustained every part of the gathering.
What took place in Banz was more than a convention—it was the beginning of a spiritual awakening. Across Papua New Guinea, Nazarene women are rising in partnership with men, youth, and children to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of their known world, empowered by the Spirit of God through the Church that Christ is building and preparing for His return.
Rev. Merilyn Wutsik, PNG Field – Nazarene Women in Leadership Coordinator
