Grace and Faith Ministries

14/06/2023

14/06/2023

Dear all,

On behalf of the Grace and Faith Ministries Chairman, the Eldership and Church, it is with great sadness to inform the church family of the passing of our beloved Senior Pastor. The late Pastor Raka went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning. We thank God for using this humble and great servant of God to build us in His Word so we become more like Him.

The late Pastor's family has advised us of the following:

The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held tomorrow, Thursday, 15th June at Gordons United Church at 9am - 12noon.

After the service, they depart for the village.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" 2 Cor 5:8

We may weep and mourn, but let us find strength and comfort knowing that our Pastor, our friend, and co-laborer in Christ is with His Maker in everlasting peace.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Picture: Showing late P.s Rakatau Bagu (front row: standing in the middle) with the PNG Cancer Foundation team when he was invited to bless their office & actitives in 2021.

10/10/2021

Photos from our second and final night of the 17th IYW Rally Conference.

10/10/2021

Featuring our amazing Ushers and Volunteers at the 17th InterYouth Wave Rally hosted by Grace and Faith Ministries (2021)

10/10/2021

The Grace and Faith Ministries (PNG) Inc. (GNF) hosted a three day 17th InterYouth Wave [Interdenominational Youth Wave Rally] on the 24-26th September, 2021 from 5-730pm for all three evenings at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex . The theme of the youth conference was based on the bible verse Romans 12:2, under the theme 'TRANSFORMERS FOR CHRIST'. The event was thankfully approved by the National Control Centre and given the green light to proceed with the Rally under strict COVID-19 protocols.

The Grace and Faith Ministries would like to extend our heartfelt 'thank you' to all the churches and their youths who came to the 3-day conference and especially to the following Church Partners for your support in making the Rally Event a success; Debenis Living Waters, The Salvation Army, Tokarara Christian Fellowship, Reverend Sioni Kami Memorial Church, Korobosea United Church, Gerehu United Church, Boroko Baptist Church, Hohola United Church, Boroko United Church, and The Word of Life Ministry. Thank you for your heart to serve and collaborate in church building.

GNF would also like to to show our appreciation to the following individuals/ groups who were such a blessing to work with during the preparations leading up to the 17th Rally;
- Grace and Faith Ministries Eldership for your full support and endorsement of the event. The Church Board is led by Chairman and Associate Pastor. Wilson Sagati, OBE
- The Rally Speakers, Ps. Wilson Sagati, OBE and Ps. Thomas HOLA, Senior Pastor of Planentshakers, POM Campus
- IYW Executive Committee (Ps. Bobby, Adrian and Team)
- Worship Team [GNF Worship led by Ilma and Wilfranklin Sagati, Pauna Kule, and Soulwara Band]
- Venue Management under PNG Sports Foundation (Rebecca, Robin, & Kila)
- Next of Kin PNG led by Natasha for a phenomenal setup and production of all 3-nights, & Media Production Crew (Six8Eleven) - Andy, Billie and Team.
- Ushers and Volunteer Team led by Ps Gillian [Rhema bible school graduates and Church Youth Ministries collaborations]
-Decoration and Catering team led by Rev. Gima Griffin and Sarah & Lessie Nick
- Security and Transportation led by Enoch Napoleon, Charlie, Elijah and Shawn
- The on-site Venue Security and The Police
- Stage managers, Loyla and Deborah (photography); event hosts, Kelestah and Brian
- GNF Communications and Events Team led by Joshua Seriba Jnr, Jack Haro and Priscillar Napoleon;
- Grace & Faith Youths led by Cynthia (Youth Fusion)
- General Helpers &
- the Local Organizing Committee headed by Mr. Wilfranklin Sagati.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts; we hope that you enjoyed your experience at Rally Nights but more importantly encountered Jesus in every way! We pray (Numbers 6:24-26) over you and your families, and we look forward to seeing you all at the 18th IYW Rally that will be hosted by Boroko United Church. We wish Boroko United Church all the best and pray God's divine wisdom and guidance in your preparations leading up to the next Rally. !

Here are Photos from Night 1.

To God be ALL the Glory, honor and Praise!

Blessings, Team "Transformers for Christ."

29/09/2020

"COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS" by Rev. Gima Griffin.

EPHESIANS 1:3 NLT – “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ”.

A Sunday school song I heard the children sang "Count your blessings one by one, and thank the Lord for what He has done".

It is so easy to lose perspective sometimes, especially when we have challenges and difficulties in life. And if we are not on guard, they can divert our attention from all the Lord has done for us and blessed us with already.

We may not have everything we would like to have but we all have something to be thankful for.

I know of a story about a man who complained he had no shoes until he saw a man who had no feet.

Our children may be a challenge sometimes, but at least we have children. There are couples who still believe in having a child.

Our bosses may be ruthless, but there are many in the world who would literally give anything to have a job so they could feed their family.

Our attitude is determined by our focus. When we focus on the negative, we turn negative, making our life and those around us miserable.

It is amazing how different you feel taking just a few moments to truly thank God for what you have.

I can read! I can see! I can smell! I can think! I can feel! I can walk! I can hear! I can talk! I can run! I can breathe! I'm alive! - I'm healthy - the list goes on. There are so many things that we can be thankful for.

SAY THIS: “Thank you Lord for every blessing You have blessed me with.”

29/07/2020

“THE LORD WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU” by Rev. Gima Griffin

DEUTERONOMY 31:8 nasb "And the LORD is the one that goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed".

With all the news we have seen and heard the past week or past couple of days regarding the virus, or whatever news there is - remember God has not changed His mind nor will He change His mind about His promise of never leaving us or abandoning us, especially in these challenging times. Let us not fear or be dismayed but let us hold fast to our faith in Him and believe He is with us, in us and for us.

God's promise is He will never leave us or forsake us. Yet we may sometimes feel hopeless and helpless - like we are facing life alone. We must ask ourselves - what is the truth? God's word is truth - He cannot lie. NUMBERS 23:19 says: “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and He will not do it? Or has He spoken and He will not make good and fulfill it?”

Regardless of all the news we hear, regardless of how we feel - remember God is faithful and Promise Keeper. He is always there to help you and always will be. Feelings are fickle - just because we feel a certain way does not make it the truth, yet we are all tempted at times to put our feelings above what God said.

Of course, the devil will tell us that God has forgotten us especially at this trying times - he will do anything to get our focus off of God - to get us to doubt God's word and choke our faith. Devil is the liar and the deceiver. God is true to His Word and will never fail you and will never forsake you. God's track record is perfect. He has never failed anyone and will not forsake you.

So at this time, let us not allow or let every kind of news drain our faith - but instead - let us continue speaking life into our bodies. Let us speak God's word MORE than the virus. There's more power in the Word than the virus. Let us keep building ourselves up in faith in the Word of God.

At the same time, common sense and wisdom must prevail - let's stay home if there's no good reason to be out and about, wearing the mask (yeah - I know it is uncomfortable but wear it) be the best in fist bumps and practice hygiene practices and social distancing - these are things we must do in the natural for our protection and benefit and for others.

Below are some healing scriptures you can declare over you and your loved ones. Feed your spirit and meditate upon them to build your faith. You can say them as many times as you want. The Word of God is healing and health to all flesh (PROVERBS 4:22). You can personalize them and declare them in faith with boldness, believing that you received what you declared.

SAY THIS:

I am the Lord that healeth thee. (Ex 15:26)

Your days shall be 120 years. (Gen 6:3)

You shall be buried in a good old age. ( Gen 15:15)

You shall come to your grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season (Job 5:26)

When I see the blood, I will pass over you and the plaque shall not be upon you to destroy you (Ex 12:13)

I will take sickness away from the midst of you and the number of your days I will fulfill (Ex 23:25-26)

I will not put any of these diseases you are afraid of on you. But I will take all sicknesses away from you (Deut 7:15)

It will be well with you and your days shall be multiplied and prolonged as the days of heaven on earth (Deut 11: 9,21)

I turned the curse into a blessing unto you because I loved you (Deut 23:5 & Neh 13:2)

I have redeemed you from every sickness, and every plaque (Deut 28:61 & Gal 3:13)

I declare in Jesus name and by faith I believe I received.

Have a victorious Wednesday!

01/07/2020

"CASTING DOWN REASONINGS" by Rev. Kenneth E. Hagin

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5. - Casting down imaginations [reasonings], and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Many people's minds have never been renewed with the Word of God. They may be saved, filled with the Holy Ghost, and members of a full Gospel church, but their minds still need to be renewed with the Word of God.

2 CORINTHIANS 10: 4 & 5 - "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Many people are in a battle between their head and their heart. This is spiritual warfare, and these verses say that our weapons are not carnal, or natural. They are not guns, swords or even fists. But our weapons are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 COR 10:4).

Paul is referring to "casting down imaginations". Imaginations can also be translated reasonings, which involves people's minds.

As long as Satan can hold you in the arena of reason, he will defeat you in every battle. But if you hold Satan in the arena of faith, you will defeat him in every battle. How do you do that? The Scripture says, "casting down imaginations (reasonings).

CONFESSION: "I cast down imaginations and reasonings. I bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. If the thought doesn't line up with the Word of God, I reject it. I believe and think of only what God's Word says."

24/06/2020

"GOD CANNOT LIE" by Rev. Gima Griffin

TITUS 1:2 nkj "...in hope of eternal life which God cannot lie, promised before time began."

NUMBERS 23:19 nlt. “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?”.

It is not just that God decided He will not lie - He CANNOT lie. He DOES NOT lie. He NEVER lies.

God only speaks the truth!

JOHN 17:17 nkj "Sanctify them by Your Truth. Your Word is truth."

Whatever God says comes to pass. God cannot lie, because anything He says will come into being - even if it did not exist before He said it. In GENESIS 1:3 nkj says: Then God said, "Let there be light", and there was light.
So God's Word is the ultimate reality! More real, and lasting than anything we can presently see.

God cannot lie because it is contrary to His nature. God's nature is one of selfless love for others. His nature is not to deceive. It is natural for God to be truthful and never to deceive.

HEBREWS 6:18 nlt. “So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because It is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”

This is what makes the foundation of our relationship with God so solid - God has given us His Word - which cannot fail. If we are ever presented with evidence contrary to what God says, we can know we are being presented with a lie. For it is impossible for God to lie.

God cannot lie because it is not His nature, and because whatever He speaks will happen. We can totally trust Him because He cannot lie. His word cannot fail.

SAY THIS: “My God never lies. He is truth and His Word is Truth. His Word cannot fail. I totally trust Him"

17/06/2020

“BE QUICK TO LISTEN” by Rev. Gima Griffin

JAMES 1:19 nlt – “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

We learn by listening, not by talking. We can learn a lot by just listening.

The biggest barrier to learning is thinking we already know a subject. If we think we already know everything there is to know - it is difficult to learn anything more. If we are wise, we can learn something everyday. We are God's students for life in learning - God knows everything, we only know in part.

We can learn from people too - if we will just listen to what they have to say. Everyone knows something we do not know.

This is not to say, we should accept everything we hear as truth, or listen to everything they say. Sometimes, - there are somethings we just have to walk away and not hear at all in order to guard our hearts - but just that we should sometimes be humble enough and respect people enough to listen and evaluate what they have to say.

Pride robs us from learning from others. Pride keeps us ignorant - while making us think we are wiser and know more than others.

ROMANS 1:22 nlt – “ Claiming to be wise, they became utter fools instead.”

Listen and learn! Talk too much and only embarrass ourselves.

PROVERBS 17:27-28 nlt – “A truly wise person uses few words, a person with understanding is even-tempered. (28). Even fools, are thought wise when they keep silent with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”

Proud people act as if they have a duty to display their superior knowledge to all who will listen. They almost have an opinion about everything and everybody.

PROVERBS 10;19. “Too much talk leads to sin - Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”

It is not wrong to talk - just don't talk to much. And let us not be so anxious to impress people with what we know. But if you like talking - just declare God's word over your life and others so you can have what you say.

ECCLESIASTES 5:3 nlt – “Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, being a fool makes you a blabber mouth.”

Be wise - be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

SAY THIS: "I am quick to listen. I am a good listener. I am slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

09/06/2020

“FORGIVE OTHERS” by Rev. Gima Griffin

MARK 11:25. "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses".

Forgiveness is a choice and an act of your Will. It's not a feeling. Your feelings may not change while you are praying, but you can choose to forgive at anytime.

Jesus never said anything about the person deserving forgiveness. Nor did He say to forgive only after they asked for forgiveness, or when you feel like it". Jesus said to forgive if you have anything against anyone. That would include people who hurt you without even realising they hurt you. "Anyone" in this verse includes everyone, no matter what their attitude may be.

Why should we forgive them? Not because they deserve it - but because of the harm it will cause us if we don't forgive. Unforgiveness acts like a poison. It blocks us from receiving God's blessings in our lives from living free.

Forgiving someone who horribly wrongs you is not easy, especially if they are not even sorry for what they did, with God's help and by His grace - you can forgive. PHILIPPIANS 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". God will never tell us to do something we are not able to do. Yes, we can forgive - we are able to forgive because He gives us strength to do what He commanded in His Word.

If you have someone you have been struggling to forgive - you can go free now. Don't let unforgiveness keep you in bo***ge - forgive and be free.

MATHEW 6:14-15 says: "If you forgive those who sin against you, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins".

If we want God to forgive us, we must forgive others as He commanded in these verses.

Have an awesome Wednesday!

03/06/2020

"EVERY GOOD GIFT IS FROM GOD"by Rev. Gima Griffin

JAMES 1:13; 16-17 Weymouth. (13) “Let no one say when passing through trial, "my temptation is from God", for God is incapable of being tempted to do evil, and He Himself tempts no one.”

(16) “Do not be deceived, my dearly-loved brethren. (17) Every gift which is good, and perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change.”

God is not doing evil or does evil that good may come from it. Verse 16 says: "Do not be deceived." Sad to say, many Christians are deceived - thinking that bad things they go through in life is the acts of God; or God punishing them for being disobedient to Him; or God trying to teach them a lesson. Bad things that happen are results of poor judgments and choices we make in life. Sometimes God allows them because we allow them. Sometimes is the result of someone else's wrong and poor choices or decisions. BUT Praise God there is always a way out - by our faith in God and His Word we overcome. Like the song we sing "Way Maker! Miracle Worker! Promise Keeper! Light in the Darkness! My God, that is who You are".

God is NOT the one behind bad things happening. Sickness, diseases and viruses, deadly storms like tornadoes and earthquakes are not acts of God. God is not in the business of destroying and ruining lives - He is in the business of restoring, healing, saving and building lives. Only good comes down from our Father God -- and He does not change or vary from day to day.

JOHN 10:10. Living Bible. "The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

NKJV: "The thief does not come except to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly."

This scripture John 10:10 is the dividing line in the Bible. The purpose of the devil is made clear; to harm us. - he is the killer, the destroyer and the thief. He doesn't like us and has no mercy for us - he is out to steal from us, kill and destroy us.

The Lord's purpose is to give us life - not just give life but "life in all its fullness" - life as God intended.

Jesus is for you. The devil is against you. It is as simple as that.

SAY THIS: "God is for me so I submit to Him. The devil is against me so I'm against him"

Have an awesome and victorious day.