A baptismal service in a pristine tropical jungle, a final district meeting in an historic Church building, and the creation of a new stake in a remote part of Papua New Guinea, all came together in a never-to-be forgotten weekend for members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southeastern Papua New Guinea on 14-15 June.
A "stake" is a group of congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ in a geographical location. Church "districts" are similar to stakes but with less members.
On 14-15 June, 2025, the Oro Papua New Guinea Stake was created from the Popondetta District, reflective of the rapid growth of the Church in the Oro Province.
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided over the stake creation, assisted by Elder Jared V. Ormsby, Area Seventy.
The weekend began with a traditional Papua New Guinean welcome.
After the welcome, a baptismal service for 107 new members was conducted in the nearby Bangoho River, causing many to reflect on the Book of Mormon account of the baptisms conducted by Alma in “the waters of Mormon.” (See Mosiah 18:8-10.)
Services for the creation of the Oro Stake were conducted in the nearly 30-year-old Popondetta District meetinghouse, which is scheduled for demolition. A new, more modern, and significantly larger Church meetinghouse will be built to meet the needs of the growing Oro Stake.
Due to the small chapel, tents were set up on the Church grounds to accommodate worshippers, while others gathered remotely to watch the services through an internet connection.
During the weekend meetings, Elder Wakolo and Elder Ormsby taught about the sustaining and supporting power of the covenants Church members make with Jesus Christ, and how, despite life’s adversities, confidence and inner peace can be found as we build our lives on the foundation of God's plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The new stake will be led by President Tossip Salaiau, First Counselor Hansel Kunda, and Second Counselor Johnsford Tura.
After the services, Elder Jared V. Ormsby spoke of the deep faith of the local members. “The prophet Joseph Smith prophesied that the Church would fill the earth. And although Papua New Guinea and the people living their lives here have many challenges, you wouldn’t know it if you spoke to them. That’s the nature of their faith. They believe the Lord will bless them, and we will see the Church flourish and grow here because of their faith.”
The creation of the new stake caused Elder Wakolo to reflect on his first visit to Popondetta in 2011.
“There has been a significant change," he said.
"It is a miracle of faith. These people love God. They desire to come unto Christ, and that is the miracle we see. The key to this is really the leaders and the members focusing on the house of the Lord. When construction of the temple in Port Moresby is complete and the temple is dedicated, it will have a tremendous impact on the growth of the Church in Papua New Guinea.”
In the last 12 months the number of stakes in Papua New Guinea has grown from two to five. Church members in Papua New Guinea believe they are watching the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise that the Church of Jesus Christ is coming “out of obscurity” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30) in their blossoming island nation.
