More than a decade after the last visit by a General Conference Children's Ministries director to Papua New Guinea, Dr. Orathai Chureson has challenged church leaders, parents and teachers to make discipling children a mission priority.

Concluding a nationwide tour of PNG at the Central Papua Conference (CPC) in Bautama on July 3–4, Dr. Chureson encouraged attendees to intentionally lead children into a relationship with Jesus.

"Our mission is to win the souls of little children and help them come to know Jesus," she said during the sabbath worship attended by Sabbath School teachers, Children's Ministries leaders, parents and church members.

The Bautama program marked the final stop of Dr. Chureson's 10-day visit, which took her across PNG's four regions. Hosted by the Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) Children's Ministries Department, the itinerary included meetings with church leaders, worship services, and leadership training in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka and Kokopo before concluding in CPC.

Dr. Chureson said she had long wanted to visit Papua New Guinea after hearing reports of the PNG for Christ evangelistic initiative and the many people who had accepted Jesus through the nationwide campaign.

"I heard so much about PNG because of PNG for Christ," she said. "I wanted to come and see how we can strengthen Children's Ministries so that more children will also become disciples of Jesus."

The visit was the first by a General Conference Children's Ministries director since former director Linda Mei Lin Koh visited the country in 2013. Participants described the occasion as a privilege, noting that despite many opportunities around the world, Dr. Chureson chose to include the South Pacific Division and PNG in her itinerary.

A highlight of the weekend was the recognition of Children's Ministries leaders who have served faithfully over the years. Sixteen current and former Children's Ministries coordinators and directors received commemorative ministry pins, while church leaders also acknowledged several leaders who were unable to attend.

Welcoming the visitors, CPC General Secretary Pastor George Paki thanked the General Conference, South Pacific Division and PNGUM for investing in the training and encouragement of local Children's Ministries leaders. He urged participants to apply what they had learned in their local churches as they nurture children in faith.

Dr. Chureson was accompanied by South Pacific Division Children's Ministries Director Ruthy Batu and PNGUM Women's and Children's Ministries Director Elise Ricky.

The weekend concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to the Children's Ministries theme, "Every Child, a Disciple of Jesus," as churches across CPC continue equipping children to know Christ and participate in His mission.