By John Mori
After six months of renovation, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ega was commissioned yesterday.
Simbu District President, Reverend Baundo Kauga, acknowledged the congregation for their continuous support towards the project in cash or kind to ensure the project was completed.
He also thanked Sinesine–Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua, for contributing K150,000 to assist with the maintenance of the church.
Rev. Kauga further expressed gratitude to dignitaries and others including Reverend Jack Urame, who led the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sinesine-Yongomugl MP Kerenga Kua was impressed to witness the infrastructure transformation within the vicinity of the church area and called for unity between Good News Lutheran Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He stated that there is no need for division within the mainstream and reform churches today.
He also urged families of the original Kotte missionaries not to forget the legacy their ancestors left at Ega, and commended Rev. Kauga and his team for delivering impressive results with limited resources.
He described how he grew up attending the church and it reminded him of his early connection with the church.
Kua emphasized that churches are most important development partners.
Provincial Administrator John Punde highlighted the shared mission of both the government and the church.
He stated that while government focuses on physical needs, the church focuses on spiritual wellbeing.
He encouraged the people of Ega Circuit and the wider Simbu community to respect one another and work together to improve their communities and the town of Kundiawa.
The newly upgraded Ega Lutheran Church can now accommodate 500 people, marking a significant milestone for the congregation and the community.
The Ega Lutheran Church was established in 1934 by Lutheran missionaries from Kotte in Finschhafen, Morobe Province.
Its original foundation and structural layout have been preserved through every renovation, including the major maintenance in 2025 and the latest six-month upgrade, honouring the legacy of the early missionaries and local pioneers.
