Next Friday, March 6, more than three million people worldwide will be praying and worshipping together.

This is the Women’s World Day of Prayer and you can be part of this three million, whether you are a man, woman or child. This year’s service is prepared by the Christian women of Papua New Guinea and Keighley’s service takes place in the Salvation Army Church, at 2pm, where the speaker will be Ann Mott. There will be hymn-singing at 1.40pm.

Papua New Guinea lies just below the equator on the western side of the Pacific Ocean. The capital is Port Moresby and the population is 5.8 million.

It is 96 per cent Christian and the official languages are English, Melanesian, Pidgin and Motu. Papua New Guinea comprises more than 600 islands, some of which are volcanic. The volcanoes have contributed to the richness of the fertile soil; agriculture is vital to the welfare of the people. The country has been described as a “mountain of gold floating on the sea of oil”. It is full of natural resources such as gold, silver, copper ore, natural oil and gas.

New Guinea was discovered by Portuguese navigators in the early 16th century. On September 16, 1975, Papua New Guinea and New Guinea joined independence and became the state of Papua New Guinea, which is governed by a constitutional monarchy.

There has been a great concern relating to Melanesian women and gender inequality but now women in Papua New Guinea are beginning to take their place in professions which were previously closed to them, such as pilots, engineers, doctors, lecturers, etc and also officers in the military forces.

Christian denominations have realised that working together to spread the love of God will influence society. Such unity is a living example of this year’s theme which is “In Christ there are many members yet one body.” Come and join us and learn more about the people of Papua New Guinea.