Dr Gewa Au Foundation

29/03/2026

Corruption walks boldly in the open, cloaked in power and polished words, while those struggling on the streets are left unheard, counting their daily burdens in silence; the question lingers whether authorities will rise to confront these injustices or continue to look away, for justice too often feels distant—present in promise but absent in action—while the weight of inequality falls hardest on those already carrying the most.

11/02/2026

Poker Machines -It is deeply painful and morally troubling that while ordinary Papua New Guineans struggle daily to survive—facing rising prices, unemployment, breakdown of law and order, domestic violence, and hardship in our homes and villages—we can still afford to install poker machines that bring further harm to our people.

In our PNG way of life, the strength of the community, the clan, and the family comes first. Anything that weakens the family weakens the nation. Poker machines do not build communities; they break them. They drain money meant for food, school fees, bride price, medical care, and church offerings. They turn desperation into profit and leave families divided and ashamed.

As churches in Papua New Guinea, we must speak with one voice. The gospel we preach calls us to protect the vulnerable, to resist unjust gain, and to stand against systems that exploit the poor. Allowing gambling to flourish while our people suffer is a betrayal of our Christian faith and our Melanesian values.

This is not about judging individuals who struggle with gambling. It is about challenging structures that normalise addiction and profit from human weakness. Leaders are entrusted with the welfare of the people, not with policies that quietly destroy homes and villages.

The Church therefore calls on government leaders, business operators, and community authorities to turn away from decisions that cause social and spiritual harm. We urge investment in education, employment, health services, and peace in our communities—things that give life and hope, not machines that steal it.

We stand with mothers who stretch empty purses, fathers who feel the weight of shame, young people without work, and children whose future is robbed one coin at a time. Our people are not gambling chips. Our families are sacred. Our land and our communities belong to God.

May God give us the courage to speak the truth, the wisdom to choose what builds life, and the unity to protect our people now and for generations to come.

17/01/2026

Day of Mourning for First Peoples

Edmonton Uniting Church

The Uniting Church in Australia observes the Day of Mourning for First Peoples on the Sunday before 26 January, at the request of the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC).

This day is a sacred expression of the Uniting Church’s Covenant relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and our ongoing commitment to truth-telling, justice, and reconciliation.

On this day, we are invited to pause, reflect, and pray as we:

Lament the devastating impacts of invasion and colonisation, including dispossession, violence, and continuing injustices experienced by First Peoples.
Acknowledge the Church’s own complicity in these histories.
Affirm the sovereignty, resilience, and enduring cultural and spiritual connection of First Peoples to Country.
Commit anew to the journey of reconciliation, healing, and solidarity, standing with First Peoples in their struggle for justice.
The Day of Mourning calls us beyond charity to justice — to honour self-determination, equality, and equity, and to work together with integrity towards a shared and reconciled future.

As a congregation of the Uniting Church, Edmonton Uniting Church commits to listening deeply, praying faithfully, and walking humbly with First Peoples, trusting God’s call to healing, truth, and hope for all.

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?”
— Micah 6:8

All are invited to observe this day with prayer, reflection, and renewed commitment.

09/01/2026

A Prayer for the United Church in the East Central Papua Region

Gracious and Holy God, We come before you as the United Church in the East Central Papua Region, aware of our need for your mercy and your renewing Spirit. We thank you for the faith of our elders for the witness of those who carried the gospel to our villages, and for the Church that has walked with our people through hardship and hope.

Yet today, O Lord, we come not with pride, but with humility.

We confess that we have not always lived as the Church you call us to be. We have sometimes trusted in position more than in prayer, in money more than in mercy, in influence more than in integrity. Forgive us where we have allowed power to shape our decisions more than love for your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for our leaders—pastors, elders, deacons, and administrators. Give them hearts shaped by the humility of Christ. Where leadership has become heavy, bring gentleness.
Where fear has replaced courage, restore faith.
Teach us again that to lead in your Church is to serve.

We pray for our congregations in towns and villages, for those who worship faithfully with little, for families struggling to survive, for women, youth, and children who carry unseen burdens.
May the Church be a place of safety, justice, and hope for all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Holy Spirit, cleanse your Church. Remove from us every form of greed, pride, and division. Heal wounds caused by silence, exclusion, or misuse of authority. Restore trust where it has been broken and truth where it has been hidden.

Renew the United Church in this region, O God—
not for our name or reputation, but that your kingdom may be seen among our people.

Make us a Church that listens before it speaks,
that shares before it stores, that kneels before it stands.

Send us out as witnesses of your justice and peace, faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ,
rooted in love, and guided by your Spirit.

We place the United Church in the East Central Papua Region into your hands, O God.
Do not abandon us, but remake us according to your will.

We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our hope.

Amen.

06/01/2026

All of the above he is a Queenslander

Where does Alan Langer belong in the rugby league history books?📚

03/01/2026

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”— Nelson Mandela

02/01/2026

In traditional life, gatherings are sacred moments where the community comes together to listen, discern, and act for the good of all. These gatherings are often marked by the presence of the lime pot, a quiet but powerful symbol that grounds the meeting in respect, order, and shared responsibility.

The lime pot represents readiness and attentiveness. Just as lime completes the betel nut, the lime pot completes the gathering. Its presence signals that people have come prepared—not only with words, but with open hearts and disciplined spirits. When the lime pot is opened, it marks the beginning of serious conversation, where vital information may be shared.

As the lime pot is passed from hand to hand, so too is knowledge and responsibility. Information about land, family, ceremony, danger, or opportunity is not spoken lightly. Each word is measured, much like lime itself—knowing that too much or too little can cause harm. This teaches discernment: truth must be shared carefully, clearly, and with wisdom.

The act of sharing the lime pot creates a circle of trust. Those who receive it are invited to listen deeply before they speak. In this way, the lime pot governs the rhythm of the gathering—who speaks, who listens, and when silence is needed. It helps maintain balance, preventing disorder, conflict, or disrespect.

Spiritually, the lime pot serves as a witness. Words spoken in its presence are understood to be spoken before the community, the ancestors, and the spiritual realm. This brings accountability. Falsehood, gossip, or hidden agendas have no place where the lime pot is shared. Truth spoken here carries weight and must lead to action.

In moments of reconciliation or decision-making, the lime pot becomes a bridge. Passing it restores broken relationships, affirms unity, and confirms agreement. Accepting the lime pot after vital information is shared signifies understanding, acceptance, and commitment to walk together.

Thus, gatherings shaped by the lime pot are not merely meetings; they are spiritual events. Information shared becomes wisdom, words become bonds, and the community is strengthened. The lime pot reminds the people that communication is sacred, truth is communal, and unity is life-giving.

02/01/2026

A Blessed Catch-Up at Cairns Central
Had a truly great day at Cairns Central catching up with Sir Ano Pala and his first secretary Uvenama. Even run into Authur Somare. It was a wonderful time of fellowship—sharing stories, reflecting on the journey, and enjoying a good yarn together. Moments like these remind us of the value of friendship, shared history, and the wisdom that comes through conversation. Grateful for the time spent and the spirit of camaraderie.

30/12/2025

If you make disciples, you always get the church. But if you make a church, you rarely get disciples (Mike Breen & Steve Cockram, 2011).

25/12/2025

So true. Amen

24/12/2025

2025 Season’s Greetings
As the first light of 2025 breaks over Mount Pyramid at Gordonvale, may it remind us that every new dawn carries hope, promise, and renewal.
Just as the light gently spreads across the valley,
may peace, joy, and God’s grace shine into our homes, our communities, and all that lies ahead.
Wishing you a blessed and hopeful New Year,
filled with fresh beginnings and steadfast light.

24/12/2025

Dear Family,

As we look back on 2025, we give thanks for the moments we shared, the lessons we learned, and the strength that carried us through the year. Through both joys and challenges, our family bond has remained a source of comfort and blessing.

As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with hope and anticipation. May the year before us bring peace to our homes, good health, renewed strength, and many opportunities to gather, support one another, and create new memories together.

We hold each of you close in our hearts and prayers, and we look forward to all that lies ahead.

With love and warm wishes, Gewa & Cynthia