KUDJIP, PAPUA NEW GUINEA — On a warm Tuesday morning, gathered on the front lawn of the administrative offices under the shade of palm trees, the team at Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM) didn’t just launch a strategic plan; they rededicated a legacy.
On 17 February 2026, amidst songs of “I Speak Jesus” and “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus,” the leadership of NHM officially unveiled their new Strategic Plan (2026–2030). While the plan outlines robust goals for infrastructure and medical excellence, the headline story is a deliberate, joyful return to the ministry’s core DNA: Holiness.
“Healthy People, Transformed Lives”
Since 1967, the Nazarene Hospital at Kudjip has been a beacon of physical hope in the Highlands. But this new roadmap, introduced by CEO Mr. Joseph Sika and FSC Rev. Peniperite Fakaua, declares that physical healing is just the beginning.
“Our dedicated work… is a powerful demonstration of God’s grace,” shared Rev. Fakaua, Chairperson of the NHM Board. “This plan will help us deepen our holistic impact, connecting physical healing with spiritual depth.”
The new strategy moves beyond general “Christian values” to specific, measurable spiritual goals. Key initiatives include:
• Recruiting a New “Director of Spiritual Health”: A dedicated executive role to ensure the spiritual vibrancy of the hospital is prioritized alongside medical operations.
• The “Saline Solution”: Training for doctors and nurses to naturally integrate spiritual history-taking and prayer into patient rounds, ensuring every patient hears the Gospel.
• Intentional Discipleship: A commitment that the hospital remains a sanctuary where staff are not just employees, but disciples growing in their vocation.
A Community Celebration
The launch was a true family affair, reflecting the relational heartbeat of Papua New Guinea. The program, MC’d by Mr. Lash Kenou, featured voices from across the church and community, including representatives from the Nazarene College of Nursing (NCON), Nazarene Missions Services (NMS), and the Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority.
The atmosphere was electric with purpose. Staff members and missionaries, many still in scrubs joining amidst hospital duties, bowed their heads as Rev. Thomas Kaiye led the devotion, reminding everyone that plans are only successful when committed to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3).
Looking Forward
Mr. Joseph Sika, CEO, emphasized that this plan is a “living document” designed to guide the ministry into a future of efficient, high-quality, and—most importantly—compassionate care. “I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to making a meaningful difference… bringing not only physical healing but spiritual hope,” Sika stated.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting and commissioning prayer by District Superintendent Rev. Andrew Akus, sealing the document not just as a strategy, but as a covenant with God.
As Nazarene Health Ministries steps into this next chapter, the message to the global church is clear: In Papua New Guinea, the hospital isn’t just treating patients; they are transforming lives for the Kingdom.
Prayer Requests:
• Pray for the recruitment of an incoming Director of Spiritual Health.
• Pray for the staff as they balance heavy medical caseloads with this renewed call to evangelism.
• Pray that the Nazarene General Hospital continues to be a light on a hill in the Jiwaka Province.
By Joshua Stewardson
