Kudjip, Papua New Guinea: From 28 June to 6 July 2025, A groundbreaking 8-day mission trip brought young leaders from the Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) Field to Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, marking the first organised creative missions team from the ANZ Field to visit the area. This significant initiative was a collaborative effort between Australia Southern District’s Nazarene Missions International (NMI), Nazarene Youth International (NYI), and ANZ Field leadership, partnering with Papua New Guinea Field at the Nazarene Mission Station in Kudjip. Spearheaded by Field NMI Coordinator Pastor Erna Lobusta-Reyes, the trip, originally inspired by a conversation with then-DS of ASD and current FSC Rev. Satish Manmothe, aimed to engage youth in mission and ultimately transform the participating team.

Despite initial flight cancellations and logistical delays in Port Moresby, the team experienced profound bonding moments through shared meals and prayer, demonstrating divine timing as they secured a last-minute flight to Kudjip. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed and immediately began active ministry, starting with painting three large-scale murals at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital. The days were filled with worship in the paediatric ward, daily touch football games with local youth, and unexpected opportunities like distributing donated supplies to schools and an orphanage. A powerful moment occurred during a worship service at Nazarene College of Nursing when a power outage led the team to continue worshiping by flashlight, symbolising the light of Jesus in the dark.

The team’s deep connection with the local boys through touch football led to a spontaneous decision to purchase 40 rugby jerseys for them. The mission culminated in a “Rugby Night” moved indoors due to rain, where the team shared a sausage sizzle and fellowship with local families, solidifying friendships that extended beyond the trip. Every team member expressed that this experience profoundly shifted their worldview and deepened their commitment to God’s mission, paving the way for future long-term engagement. The success of this pioneer trip has inspired plans for an ANZ Field-wide NYI Mission Trip to the PNG Field in July 2026, continuing to build bridges together.