Chruch  History

HISTORY – RUGLI (CLC) CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTER CHURCH

Rugli CLC Church was established in 1984 by an American missionary, Michael Bon, together with two local men, Pastor Michael Muki and Pastor Simon Karai. At that time, the church was not under any denominational covering and existed as Rugli Local Church, becoming the first Pentecostal church in the Kumdi area of Mul Baiyer District, Western Highlands Province.

During this early period, the congregation included Elis Rombil, Daipnee, Piti, Magret Kokee, Shera Pen, Solomon Kuri, Roslyn Bape, Paraka, Issac Dot, Andrew Dot, Thomas Paki, and James Paul, who was only seven years old at the time and is now the current pastor of Rugli CLC Church.

In 1990, leadership disagreements caused a division in the church. Rugli Local Church split into two groups under different denominational coverings. The main Rugli Local Church joined Christian Life Center (CLC), while Pastor Simon Karai and some leaders joined Christian Outreach Center (COC).

Rugli Local Church continued as an independent local church until 1991, when Pastor Michael Muki and Joe Tep (now the pastor of Kena CLC Church) requested affiliation with Christian Life Center. In early 1992, Rugli Local Church officially became Rugli Christian Life Center Church. Pastors and leaders from Western Highlands CLC prayed and formally welcomed the church into the CLC fellowship in Papua New Guinea.

In 1994, Pastor Michael Muki left the church, and Joe Tep returned to his community, about one kilometer away, where he established another CLC church. This left Rugli CLC without a pastor, creating a very difficult situation. At that time, most people in the community were Lutherans, and strong opposition arose. Some people claimed that Rugli Local Church was not a true Christian church but a false religion.

As a result, many members left, and only five women with their young children remained, faithfully continuing to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

During this time, James Paul, then a 17-year-old student at a vocational school in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, was unaware of the situation. One night, he had a dream in which he saw his younger sister had died. Concerned, he obtained permission to return home for one week.

When he arrived in Rugli on a Sunday morning, he expected to hear singing from the church, but instead found silence. Entering the church, he saw only one woman playing guitar and singing. This deeply broke his heart, and he wept. He then remembered his dream and realized that God was showing him the condition of the church.

Feeling burdened, James stayed for two weeks, helping the remaining members by playing guitar, leading songs, and conducting prayers. When he returned to school, his principal terminated his enrollment for overstaying his leave. As a result, he returned to Rugli permanently and became the caretaker of the church, being the only male member among the women and children.

In 1995, during a pastors’ and leaders’ conference at Karl CLC Church in the same district, James Paul and some members of Rugli CLC attended. During this conference, the Western Highlands Provincial Overseer, Pastor Peter Faith, officially prayed for and appointed James Paul as the Senior Pastor of Rugli CLC Church.

In 1996, the church faced another challenge when the landowner reclaimed the church land, forcing the congregation to worship outdoors. After six months, in mid-1996, the church purchased new land for one thousand kina (K1,000), located about 150 meters from the original site. By July 1996, they built a new church using bush materials.

During this time, the community began to recognize Rugli CLC Church as a true house of God. Many people came, repented, and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Pastor James Paul baptized them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in nearby rivers. Many experienced the power of God and continued to follow Christ faithfully.

In 2001, the church constructed a permanent building that could accommodate more than 200 people.

In 2004, Pastor James Paul married Josephine Kala, a faithful and humble Christian woman from Mt. Hagen Central District, Western Highlands Province. They had a joyful wedding ceremony in the church.

In 2006, they were blessed with their firstborn daughter, Jamaihmah; in 2008, their second child, a son named Jude; and in 2012, their third child, a son named Jeremy.

Pastor James Paul and his family have remained faithful servants of God through both good and difficult times. They continue to shepherd the church with dedication and godliness. Pastor Josephine plays a vital role in organizing church activities and supporting the ministry.

Today, Rugli CLC Church has several active ministries, including:

• Main Sunday Service

• Sunday School Ministry

• Youth Ministry

• Women’s Ministry

• Music Ministry

All ministries function well, and the church continues to grow and operate smoothly.

“When God has a plan and purpose, the enemy cannot overcome it. Although Rugli CLC Church has gone through many challenges, God has never failed His church. Through Rugli CLC, many people have come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.”

For more information:
+675 73409313 / +675 73494734
amoskerowatai@gmail.com / rugliclc@gmail.com

Written by: Amos Kerowa (Youth)