Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG

Youth groups from sister Lutheran churches in the city were invited to participate and support the cause.

Bethel Lutheran congregation is part of the bigger Zion 9-Mile Lutheran Church under the banner of Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG.

As it is the practice, each congregation has to support itself financially. Besides normal tithes and offering, they also fundraise for church needs. In this concert, the youth of Bethel congregation are aiming to purchase full set of music instruments as they plan to reach out to their peers who are on the streets.

Describing them as “key challenges”, Rev Urame said within the last 46 years, our country's population has increased dramatically.

“This has caused huge social and economic burden for the country because there is an imbalance between population growth and development growth.

“Infrastructure development does not meet the need of the growing population, therefore existing infrastructures are overstressed. As more people are being born, the demand for resources and development increases, thus creates further social stress for the country.

Residents have revealed that responsible authorities have failed to maintain the city since the election period.

The Lutheran congregation took the opportunity to clean the area, at around 5am today, as they prepare for their reformation day, which falls on the 2^nd of November. This day would mark 500 years since Martin Luther broke away from the Catholic Church.

Richard Joe, one of the youth leaders, said: “This is the Government’s responsibility. Aren’t they feeling the effects of a filthy city?

“This is a reflection of our Government.”

He was called home to rest on Saturday, 23^rd Sept, while preaching at the pulpit.

After a short introduction of his sermon, he said a word of prayer and collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital and was pronounced dead after an hour.

In a statement, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea said: “Rev. Dr. Kemung was awarded his Doctorate in Theology from Neudettlesau, Germany, in 1996.