JAYAPURA - Papua Governor Lukas Enembe officially proclaimed the establishment of the Papua Christian Center (PCC) at the 167th celebration of the Gospel Message in The Land of Papua, Saturday (5/2), in Jayapura.

The existence of PCC is expected to accommodate Christian workers in Papua who work in the field of evangelism.

"The Papua Provincial Government will consistently support the establishment of the Papua Christian Center, which was launched today. The presence of the PCC is a strategic step, which is the first step in the long journey of development and empowerment of the Papuan people based on the gospel of Jesus Christ"

"In addition, this PCC will also be a forum, a meeting point, a place of government synergy with the church in the work of the gospel, in order to bring safety and well-being to all people," said Lukas Enembe on the sidelines of the service.

While related to the commemoration of the 167th Anniversary of the Gospel Message, he continued, we should be grateful because the Lord Jesus Christ gave the opportunity, so as to celebrate it together with the people of Papua.

In addition, the gospel fire was brought by Ottow and Geissler to Mansinam, February 5, 1855, exactly 167 years ago. The fire of the Gospel has been lit, and will continue to burn, from the land of Papua to all nations. For God loves man so much and places man as the main subject in the plan of salvation.

"The salvation can touch all areas of human life, including the field of health, people's economic development, education, community development, the development of community institutions (indigenous and modern), and village development"

"While in the context of Papuan society, the service of the Gospel Message that can touch and build all aspects of human life is faced with challenges and obstacles that are not easy. Nevertheless, the church's service as the salt and light of the world is still and will continue and become an important part of national development in Papua," he said.

Lukas Enembe added, the focus of community service by the government is actually not just about gospel workers or churches only. But it is also a heavy point of struggle of the Papua Provincial Government as outlined in the vision of the Papua Provincial Government, it is “Papua Bangkit, Mandiri dan Sejahtera yang Berkeadilan”.

The government's vision is expected not only to be carried out by the government but also to be the responsibility of churches in The Land of Papua.

"Therefore, it should be understood that the government and the church are partners who can synergize to serve the people and the community"

"Therefore, the church has an important role in the formation of the religious character of the people and the people are essentially called to be bearers of light for progress and well-being and renew the common life.

"The Church acts as a reforming agent and an agent of Papuan community development," he said. ***