More than 150 Partners in Ministry (PIMs) members gathered at Bautama Mission Station from July 17–19, 2026, for the Central Papua Conference (CPC) PIMs Retreat under the theme "Rooted and Blooming." While the three-day retreat provided spiritual renewal, practical ministry training, and fellowship, it also marked a historic milestone with the conference's first-ever Retirees Appreciation Program, honouring retired pastors, widows, and widowers for their faithful years of service to God's mission.
The retreat was initiated under the leadership of Mrs. Priscilla Winnie, wife of CPC President Pastor Lonol Winnie, with the vision of strengthening Partners in Ministry while creating opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
Throughout the weekend, participants took part in personal devotions, united prayer, worship services, group discussions, and seminar presentations addressing the realities of ministry life. Topics included Prayer in the Life of a Woman, coping with the Challenges of Being a Pastor's Wife, Pastor's Wife and Loneliness, and Woman and Self-Esteem.
One of the retreat's most practical sessions focused on the challenges faced by pastors' families in ministry. During the presentation, participants were reminded that serving God should take precedence over trying to satisfy the expectations of everyone around them.
"Every church member has expectations of a pastor's family, but you cannot meet them all without exhausting yourself or placing unnecessary strain on your family. Do what God has called you to do, serve faithfully, and let everything you do bring glory to Him," Minister Theresa Henry encouraged.
The message resonated with many participants, reminding them that their identity and success in ministry are measured by faithfulness to God rather than by meeting every expectation placed upon them.
During one of the worship services, CPC Chief Financial Officer Bray Yomba challenged pastors' families to uphold the high standards of Christian leadership, reminding them that their lives are constantly observed by the members they serve.
"As men and women of God, people are watching us. They look to our lives, our families, and our example. Let us live in a way that reflects Christ and upholds the calling He has entrusted to us."
The highlight of the retreat came on Sunday morning when 20 retired workers, including retired pastors, widows, and widowers, were honoured during the CPC Retirees Appreciation Program. The ceremony was the first of its kind in the conference and recognised the dedication, sacrifices, and lasting contributions of those who faithfully served the Church throughout their years of ministry.
The program deeply moved the retirees, many of whom expressed appreciation for being remembered and recognised.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Pastor Tony Kemo thanked the PIMs leadership for the meaningful initiative.
"Thank you for remembering us. As retired pastors, we feel that we still belong to this family. Many of our fellow workers have fallen asleep in the Lord, but God has spared our lives. Though we are retired from active employment, we are still serving the Lord."
Another retired pastor also expressed gratitude, saying the appreciation program reminded them that their years of faithful service continue to be valued by the Church and encouraged them to remain active in God's mission.
The retreat concluded with worship, prayer, and a renewed commitment for PIMs members to remain firmly rooted in Christ so they may continue blooming in ministry. Participants returned to their districts spiritually refreshed, encouraged by one another's fellowship, and inspired to continue serving God and supporting the mission of the Church with faithfulness and joy.
The inaugural Retirees Appreciation Program left a lasting impression on both current and retired workers, highlighting the importance of honouring those who have faithfully served before us while encouraging a new generation of Partners in Ministry to continue building God's kingdom together.
