APPOTA Churches Initiates Peace and Restoration in 15 Block - Kamkumu, Lae.
In the midst of a tense and painful situation that arose from a violent dispute between residents of Luis Block and Kaspar Block in Kamkumung area during the early Christmas periodโresulting in the tragic loss of two lives and the destruction and looting of homesโGodโs hand was clearly seen at work through His church, bringing restoration, peace, and unity.
Moved by compassion and faith, the Seventh-day Adventist Churches within the APPOTA Zone (Apotiko, Poasum, and Talair) took the lead in initiating a peace and reconciliation ceremony in the 15 Block area, stretching from Speedway to Backroad in Lae. This church-led initiative was spearheaded by volunteer missionary Minister Charles Tuoreke, alongside Senior Elder Jerry Beglana and Minister Cruze Wone, and was witnessed by representatives from the Morobe SDA Mission, district leadership, the Ward Councillor, peace mediators, and law-and-order authorities.
The church extended practical support to affected families by providing household items, clothing, bedding, and financial assistance to those whose homes were burned or looted, as well as to the families who lost loved ones. This outreach reflects the Total Member Involvement (TMI) program of demonstrating Godโs love through action.
A formal peace agreement was prayerfully signed by youth representatives from both communities in the presence of witnesses. As a powerful symbol of reconciliation and new beginnings, the youths planted a coconut tree, signifying peace taking root and a shared commitment to nurture unity for generations to come.
The Ward Councillor encouraged the youths to channel their energy into positive pathways such as church programs and sports, rather than activities that lead to conflict. He also acknowledged the churchโs intervention as timely and divinely inspired, recognizing it as a call from God to restore peace within the community.
This event stands as a testimony of how God works through His church to transform conflict into reconciliation. Through prayer, service, and obedience to Christโs mission, peace was restored, and hope was renewed in a once-tense community.
