Katrina Roe says Australian Christians must not forget about the people of West Papua, calling for prayerful and practical support of the island population.
"We must pray for Christians in West Papua that they won't be persecuted and that they will come to understand the gospel in a more historical context," Katrina says.
In October, Katrina and her husband, Chris, spent eight days in West Papua, which is part of Indonesia.
The Roes visited missionary friends Rohan and Amber Badenhop (World Team) and other missionaries who are working in Sentani, located near the coastal capital of Jayapura.
Katrina says the missionaries in West Papua sometimes feel their efforts are forgotten or perceived as less valuable and so are calling for more people to join their work there.
"They said it's not as trendy to come to West Papua because it's not seen as front line evangelism. However, the church that is established there needs nurturing, pastoring and discipleship," she says.
Katrina and Chris met with Lipiyus Biniluk, the head of Gereja Injili di Indonesia (GIDI).
GIDI is the indigenous Evangelical Church of Indonesia, which has a particular witness to the Dani people, the largest native tribal group of West Papua.
"[Lipiyus] said they need people for all things. They need pastoral skills, people with English skills, people who can teach accounting, computing and other practical skills," Katrina says.
"Lipiyus sees West Papua's position in Indonesia as a unique opportunity to evangelise. Just as Paul took the gospel out to Rome, he sees that the GIDI church have an opportunity to take the gospel from West Papua out to Indonesia," she says.
Katrina says she and Chris were privileged to be a part of a Dani worship service.
"They held a worship service on a hill. They were embarrassed that they have no church building," she says.
"But from talking to the missionaries and Lipiyus there were some amazing stories of how the people there are really spiritually alive."
Katrina says the West Papuan people appreciate knowing that Australian Christians care about them.
"They were so overwhelmed by having visitors from Australia. They could not believe that people would want to visit and spend time with them," she says.
"They said "as long as people in Australia know we're here, we're okay'. But we had to tell them that many people in Australia don't know about West Papua."
Katrina says she the trip changed her "in every way'.
"I have been touched by the hearts of the West Papuan Christians. Their love for God and their faith is amazing. They live by their gardening and pig breeding and they trust that God will give them what they need," she says.
"One of the best ways Australians can help is by training and equipping Papuans, whether that's through bringing Papuan students to Australia to study; by sending people over there to teach and disciple; or by supporting the mission organisations that are already working there," Katrina says.
To support the work of the GIDI church in Indonesia contact Max Winch from S.E.E Indonesia on (02) 4577 2863 or contact Katrina Roe on 0412 425 745.
