Papua New Guinea faces enormous challenges. The population of PNG is one of the most heterogeneous in the world. Several thousand separate communities, some with only a few hundred people, and all divided by language, customs, traditions and the difficult terrain. The people in the next valley may have a different language and set of customs and traditions. With an annual GDP of only US$2500 per person PNG ranks 177 in the world, with only two of the Pacific Island nations being poorer.

Recent significant discoveries of mineral resources mean potential prosperity – if they can find ways to ensure that the minerals bring a significant return not just to the mining companies, but to the country as a whole. To do this they will have to overcome their tribal and linguistic divisions as well as a high level of political corruption. Achieving this will require leadership from the churches. The churches are well placed to do this since PNG claims to be over 95% Christian.