After decades of slow but steady growth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now blossoming in Papua New Guinea. For the second time in less than a year, a cluster of small congregations, known as a district, is becoming a stake, with larger congregations and entirely local leadership.*
The new stake is in Lae, the nation’s second largest city.
Two-thousand members and friends of the Church gathered on 24-25 May, 2025, as Elder Jeremy Jaggi, a General Authority 70, created the Lae Stake from the former Lae District, reflective of the remarkable surge in the membership of the Church in eastern Papua New Guinea. Elder Jaggi was joined by Elder Wayne Maurer, another senior Church leader in the Pacific region.
In preparing for the event, a large tent was set up adjacent to the building to provide shelter from both the sun and rain during the weekend’s meetings.
On Saturday, general instruction was given to both leaders and members, followed by a baptismal service for over twenty new converts.
During the evening, the community celebrated with cultural dances and entertainment.
Then, on Sunday, under Elder Jaggi’s direction, the Lae District became the Lae Stake, as the new stake presidency, consisting of a president and two counselors, were presented to the membership, who then voted to approve and support their new leaders.
The Lae Stake will be led by Stake President Habe Yuwa, First Counselor Phillip Ali, and Second Counselor- Timothy Neolo.
Afterwards, instruction was given by both Elder Jaggi and Elder Maurer on the importance of making and keeping covenants with Jesus Christ that provide both security and blessings during life’s challenges.
Speaking on the impact of the gospel of Jesus Christ on individuals and families, Elder Maurer said, “I think what they’re finding is the peace of the Saviour, and they’re finding the joy that comes with that peace. And as the Church continues to grow one stake in Lae will not be enough.”
Elder Jaggi explained the growth of the Church as similar to a sunrise. “You see the darkness, you see the crime, and then you see those who have come into the gospel light and the contrast is stark. And they feel it. I think that’s the reason we’re drawing more people in, because those on the outside can see the light reflected in the countenances of our members and they want to be a part of it.”
For members of the Church, the creation of the new Lae Stake marks a significant event in the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ in Papua New Guinea, as members look forward with faith to a brighter future in a nation increasingly blessed by the spirit of Jesus Christ.
*Note: In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a district is an ecclesiastical designation for several small congregations in the same geographic area, supervised by leaders who may not all be local. A stake (see Isaiah 54: 2) reflects growing congregations and maturing leadership who are prepared to assume responsibility for their own guidance and development in accord with existing Church principles.