The Church of Jesus Christ Doubles Number of Missions in PNG 

Daru, the provincial capital of Western Province, and Madang, the picturesque capital of Madang Province, are each set to host a new mission, a large geographical area with full-time proselytizing missionaries, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Missionaries are both young adults between the ages of 18-25 and seniors who volunteer to serve for a period of 18 to 24 months. They are assigned to serve in one of over 500 missions worldwide. 

The Papua New Guinea Daru Mission will be created from the existing Papua New Guinea Port Moresby Mission and will encompass the whole of Western Province. The Papua New Guinea Madang Mission will similarly be created from the current Papua New Guinea Lae Mission to include the provinces of Madang, East Sepik and Sandaun. The number of missions for the Church will expand from two to four providing more opportunities and volunteers to serve the people of PNG. 

Two couples have been invited to serve as respective mission leaders. They will provide care, instruction and support to full-time young adult and senior missionaries and, where the Church is fairly new, will do likewise for church leaders and members. 

Sione and Mele Lavaka of Melbourne, Australia have been assigned as Daru mission leaders. President and Sister Lavaka both have extensive experience in church service. The Lavakas expressed excitement in getting to know the people they will serve. “We want them to know that even before meeting them, we already feel a love for them. We love the Lord Jesus Christ, we trust Him completely.” 

Charlie and Amuradoro Sogomi are pioneers of the Church in Western Province. Called to serve as the leader of the first Daru congregation in 1991, Charlie has witnessed the creation of more than 30 congregations throughout the province and looks forward to having Church leadership in the heart of Western Province. “I love missionary work. I have always loved missionary work ever since the missionaries first came to Daru. I was always with the missionaries,” Charlie recalled. 

Leaders for the Papua New Guinea Madang Mission are M. Dean and Christine A. Westerlund of Auckland, New Zealand. President and Sister Westerlund have considerable church service and work experiences. President Westerlund worked as Local Unit Manager for the Church and, among other responsibilities, oversaw record keeping. “When we received our [mission] call, it wasn’t a surprise to me. I just knew we were going to go to Papua New Guinea because of Dean’s job and work experience in record keeping. This huge growth of the Church in Papua New Guinea needs to be recorded,” shared Sister Westerlund. The Church is well-renowned for its extensive record-keeping, reinforcing the love God has for each of His children. 

Membership growth has been steady and consistent. “We are seeing people for the first time being taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are wonderful, humble people and we will be there with them,” promised President Westerlund. Inviting others to come unto Christ is the purpose of missionary service. 

Local church leader of Madang Stake President Nyman Hota knows firsthand the growth of the Church in Madang Province. “The Lord is hastening His work in this part of the vineyard. It is a testimony that He is mindful of all His children.” 

New mission leaders will begin their voluntary three-year service on 1 July 2026.