DEKAI, Metanoia Editorial Team – The Chairman of the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) Synod in Papua, Rev. Andrikus Mofu, stated that the dedication and inauguration of the GKI Metanoia Church Building in Dekai, held last week, coincided with the celebration of the 63rd Anniversary of GKI in Papua.

“The dedication and inauguration of the GKI Metanoia Church in Dekai marks a significant historical milestone in the ministry of GKI in Papua, particularly in Yahukimo, as it aligns with the 63rd Anniversary celebration,” said Rev. Mofu in his remarks.

He explained that the ministry of GKI in Papua has undergone a long journey across generations, beginning with the missionary efforts of the zendeling and expanding to the highlands and valleys of Papua.

Rev. Mofu encouraged all GKI congregations in Yahukimo to remain committed to serving fellow believers as a tangible expression of their faith and love.

A Message of Unity from the Regent of Yahukimo

On the same occasion, the Regent of Yahukimo, Abock Busup, highlighted the importance of the dedication and inauguration of the GKI Metanoia Church as a moment to unite the people of Yahukimo from various tribes.

“This moment can unite all the people of Yahukimo from different tribes to come together to inaugurate the new church building and celebrate the 63rd Anniversary of GKI in Papua,” said Regent Abock in his remarks.

The Regent also expressed his hope that future church inaugurations would involve signatures from the regional head and the Synod Chair to add historical and symbolic value to the events.

“All members of GKI Metanoia Dekai are encouraged to maintain unity and brotherhood in God and actively participate in worship to glorify His name,” he added.

The Regent also called on the fourteen tribes in Yahukimo to remain united in faith and love, as they have been brought together by God.

Cultural Procession as the Opening Ceremony

The inauguration of the new church building began with a procession to transfer sacramental items from the old church to the new one on October 25, 2019. This procession was carried out through a Cultural Parade of the Fourteen Tribes of Yahukimo, involving members of the GKI Metanoia Dekai congregation.

The cultural parade was led by the Biak Tribe, followed by other tribes, including the Hubula Tribe from Yahukimo. The Biak Tribe was chosen to lead the parade due to its historical role in bringing the Gospel to the Yalimo Angguruk Yahukimo region.

This procession symbolized the unity and commitment of the entire congregation in supporting the ministry at the new church building, which now stands as a new historical milestone in the ministry of GKI in Yahukimo and Papua in general.

Metanoia Editorial Team