PHILIP G KAUPA
An entry in the Rivers Prize for
Writing on Peace & Harmony
I feel that it is worth appreciating some special individuals and groups of people who, behind the scenes, spend their time and energy praying for our country, Papua New Guinea.
If you are one of them, entreating and praying, you have a patriotic heart and God will bless you abundantly.
Let me take a moment to show you some of the results of your prayers:
1. There are possibilities of genocide, but one never happened in PNG
2. Regardless of pressing current economic issues, our economy is stable,
3. Despite reshuffling of ministers and controversy about instability, our government is politically stable
4. Not one of our neighbours awoke this morning to a huge bomb explosion or gunshots like in the Middle East
5. Unlike other countries that experience raging religious conflict, PNG has an easy-going freedom of religion
6. Natural disasters rarely occur and death tolls and property loss are much less than in other nations
7. Rape cases and armed robberies are gradually declining
These are some positive outcomes, but you can think of many more by looking around. You can see the impact of prayer.
The Lord said, "If you ask me for anything in my name I will do it" (John 14:14). And yes, your prayers are answered.
Compared to other countries, Papua New Guinea is fairly OK.
But we do very much need to work on two deadly cancers affecting our country.
We need to help each other in prayer and fight for the transformation of our attitudes and the total eradication of corruption.
The Americans write, "In God we trust", on their currency notes and we say, "PNG em Kristen kantri" as one of our identities.
The question here is whether we all truly live up to this saying? I don't think so.
There are some people who bear our burden by holding high the umbrella of Christianity and protecting us from the many evil forces of destruction. These are our patriotic prayer warriors.
Whether they are in our homes, churches, neighbourhoods, or far away, I feel the need to appreciate and encourage them.
They are doing something for us as individuals and their prayers are working for the good of this nation.
If possible, at least we should unite and pray too for a harmonious and peaceful PNG.
If you have been praying for some time, for whatever reason, keep praying because your prayers will be answered.
God is always listening. If you do not pray, well, it’s good to pray for goodness sake.
God is great and God is with us.