New Open-Air Chapels in Papua New Guinea
Despite rapid development in many parts of Papua New Guinea, those living in remote communities often live with inadequate community facilities that lack basic utilities like bathrooms, electricity or Internet.
In order to ensure access to these vital services, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has started to build small meetinghouses with the objective of meeting the needs of its members.
These new meetinghouses have an open-air concept and have been designed to accommodate large congregations. They provide a large gathering space for sacrament meetings and activities as well as classrooms, bathrooms, a baptismal font and offices.
As 85% of people in PNG -- including Church members -- don’t have access to electricity, these new buildings have been fitted with solar panels and storage batteries that can power sound systems, fans and lights. They will also have Internet connectivity and TV screens that will provide access to the Church's worldwide General Conferences, devotionals, online meetings and access to all Church systems.
The new buildings are designed to be used during the week for online study including BYU Pathway Worldwide courses, English Connect courses, as well as Seminary and Institute classes.
Elder Peter F. Meurs, the Pacific Area President, reported on the immediate impact of the new facilities. 'The members of one congregation stayed up all night after the first meeting enjoying the opportunity to have power and lights at night.'
Through these and other initiatives, the Church continues to strengthen communities in the South Pacific, exemplifying the principle that discipleship includes caring for both people and the environment.
