Gun surrendered as young people respond to gospel

November 3

A young man involved in criminal activity sank his gun in the ocean before being baptised during a week-long discipleship and evangelism program in Kove District, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.

He publicly declared his commitment to Christ and was baptised alongside eight others, while a further 39 people indicated their desire to prepare for baptism.

The program was a follow-up to PNG for Christ in 2024, with a focus on nurturing faith and equipping church members to make disciples.

Held from August 3 to 9, it attracted more than 1300 participants for daytime discipleship and care group training and evening evangelistic meetings.

A team from the New Britain New Ireland Mission led the program, equipping church members to share their faith, nurture new believers and establish care groups.

Among those who attended were young people involved in criminal activities in the area. They volunteered to provide security for the camp and, as they listened to the evening messages, responded to the invitation to follow Jesus.

The program also included an adult literacy graduation and recognition of women who had pioneered women’s ministries in their communities.

Through a “bucket ministry” initiative, church members filled buckets with small household items and distributed them to people in need.

New Britain New Ireland Mission Women’s and Children’s Ministries director Dianne Pelap expressed her joy at the response, praising God for the program’s impact.

Participants returned to their churches with practical training to support discipleship and care group ministry in their communities.—Trevor Maino