A Journey of Faith, Growth, and Leadership

The Papua New Guinea Church of God (PNG COG) is part of the global Church of God movement, operating under a well-defined national structure guided by its Church Constitution. Since its establishment, PNG COG has grown into a thriving Christian community, impacting lives across the country. The foundation of this church was laid in 1995 when Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki and his wife, Mrs. Naomi Pokoi, responded to God’s call to establish a fellowship of believers in Lae, Morobe Province.  

From its humble beginnings as a family fellowship, the church has expanded its presence across multiple provinces, spreading the message of Christ and strengthening communities through faith-based initiatives. In 2003, PNG COG achieved a significant milestone when it was officially registered as a Church Organization with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), solidifying its legal and operational framework.  

Today, Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki serves as the National Overseer of PNG COG and Chairman of the National Church Board (NCB). His leadership, along with the steadfast support of Mrs. Naomi Pokoi, has been instrumental in shaping the church's vision, fostering growth, and ensuring its alignment with the biblical mission of the Church of God worldwide.  

The Papua New Guinea Church of God was born out of a vision that God revealed to Mrs. Naomi Pokoi, the wife of Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki. In 1995, the couple began hosting family prayer meetings in Lae, Morobe Province, inviting close friends and relatives to worship and study the Word of God together. These gatherings were not just ordinary meetings; they were divinely inspired sessions where people experienced spiritual renewal, healing, and personal transformation.  

As weeks turned into months, more individuals joined the fellowship. The small family gathering grew, and soon, they realized that God was leading them to establish something greater. In response to this divine calling, Bishop Aiya Pokoi sought guidance from the Lord and committed himself to full-time ministry. Recognizing the need for spiritual covering and organizational structure, he reached out to the International Church of God in Washington, D.C. in 1998. This communication led to a connection with the Church of God World Headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA—a historic turning point for PNG COG.  

On August 5, 2001, a significant milestone was reached when the late Bishop Peter Openshaw, the then-Superintendent for Oceania, personally presented the certificate of affiliation to PNG COG at Speedway Church of God in Lae. This event marked the formal recognition of PNG COG as part of the global Church of God family, enabling it to access missionary support, training, and spiritual oversight from the worldwide church network.  

In 2002, missionary work officially began, with Dr. Manning Thorton arriving in PNG to minister, train local leaders, and strengthen the church's foundation. He was later joined by the late Bishop Thomas J. Sands, and together, they toured the country annually for over a decade, helping PNG COG expand its influence and develop its leadership.  

By 2003, PNG COG took a significant step forward by registering as a Church Organization with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA). This legal recognition not only formalized the church’s status but also allowed it to function with greater autonomy, acquire resources, and establish its own national leadership structure.  

The growth of PNG COG necessitated the development of a strong leadership structure to oversee its expanding ministries. Under the guidance of Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki, a National Church Board (NCB) was established to provide spiritual direction, governance, and administrative support.  

As the National Overseer and Chairman of the NCB, Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki has played a pivotal role in shaping church policies, training leaders, and expanding outreach efforts across Papua New Guinea. His leadership style is deeply rooted in faith, wisdom, and service, ensuring that the church remains focused on its core mission of evangelism, discipleship, and community transformation.  

Alongside Bishop Aiya Pokoi, his wife Mrs. Naomi Pokoi has been a cornerstone of the church, providing unwavering support in pastoral care, women's ministry, and church administration. Her commitment to the ministry has strengthened families, empowered women, and nurtured spiritual growth among believers. 

Since its official registration in 2003, PNG COG has experienced rapid growth, establishing 17 local church centers across five provinces:  

1. Morobe Province – The birthplace of PNG COG and home to some of the earliest church centers.  

2. Southern Highlands Province – A rapidly growing region with strong youth and evangelistic movements.  

3. Jiwaka Province – Known for its dynamic leadership and vibrant church community.  

4. Western Highlands Province – A strategic location for outreach and church planting efforts.  

5. National Capital District (NCD) – The heart of PNG’s capital city, serving as a hub for national church activities.  

Each of these provinces has seen remarkable transformation, with new converts, growing congregations, and increased community involvement. PNG COG's emphasis on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting has contributed to this sustained growth.  

PNG COG remains committed to spreading the Gospel, with missionary teams traveling to remote areas to share the message of Christ. The church organizes crusades, outreach programs, and revival meetings, leading many to salvation.  

Recognizing the importance of the next generation, PNG COG has actively invested in youth and children’s ministries. Programs such as Sunday School, youth conferences, and discipleship training ensure that young people are grounded in faith and biblical teachings.  

Mrs. Naomi Pokoi has been instrumental in leading the women’s ministry, empowering women through prayer groups, counseling sessions, and community outreach programs. PNG COG believes in strengthening families as the foundation of a strong Christian community.  

Under Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki’s leadership, PNG COG has established leadership training programs to equip pastors, elders, and ministry leaders with biblical knowledge and practical skills to serve their congregations effectively.  

Beyond spiritual growth, PNG COG has engaged in community development initiatives, including health programs, disaster relief efforts, and education projects. The church seeks to be a beacon of hope in society by addressing both spiritual and practical needs.  

As PNG COG looks to the future, it remains committed to its vision of expanding God’s Kingdom throughout Papua New Guinea. The church’s strategic focus includes:  

- Expanding its presence in all 22 provinces of PNG through new church plants and outreach programs.  

- Strengthening leadership training to raise more pastors, evangelists, and church workers.  

- Building partnerships with international Church of God networks for missionary support and theological training.  

- Enhancing social impact programs, including education, health, and humanitarian aid.  

The Papua New Guinea Church of God has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1995 to becoming a nationally recognized and globally affiliated church organization. Under the faithful leadership of Bishop Aiya Pokoi Yambaki and Mrs. Naomi Pokoi, the church has grown, expanded, and touched countless lives.  

As PNG COG continues its mission of evangelism, discipleship, and community transformation, it remains anchored in God’s Word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and committed to the Great Commission. The journey ahead is filled with promise, and by God’s grace, PNG COG will continue to shine as a beacon of faith, hope, and love in Papua New Guinea and beyond.  

To God be all the glory, honor, and praise!  

Amen.