Marimari elder reflects on more than five decades of faith and service
FOR 73-year-old Gusu Tuhiana from Heldsbach in Finschhafen, Morobe, Marimari Lutheran Church is far more than timber, concrete and roofing iron.
To her, the church represents decades of faith, service and memories built over generations.
“This house is a tree of life. It’s not a house. I call it a tree of life,” she said.
Tuhiana has been part of Marimari Lutheran Church since its early years after the church was established in 1974 and was among worshippers who attended the final service on Sunday, May 31, 2026, before the historic sanctuary is deconsecrated on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to make way for a new church building.
Standing outside the church after the service, she reflected on how much the congregation and surroundings had changed over the decades.
“This place was not like this,” she recalled, explaining that when she first became involved with the church there were far fewer people and facilities. There were very few people. Everything has changed very fast up until now.”
Tuhiana said the church community slowly built what exists today, adding fences, extending buildings and constructing facilities as the congregation developed over time.
“There were no cars, no proper facilities. We extended buildings, built fences and built toilets. Now the buildings have become bigger,” she said.
Over more than five decades, Tuhiana said she had watched many people come through Marimari, including pastors, church leaders and congregation members.
“So many people, so many pastors and so many chairmen,” she said.
Among those she remembered was late Pastor Gundu Guenu.
Tuhiana also recalled the beginnings of English services at Marimari and said she supported keeping them within the congregation.
“We stood for English service. English service can grow,” she said.
Her family also played a role within the congregation, with her husband serving as deputy chairman and council member.
“He was deputy chairman. He was a council member. They looked at him as a leader,” she said.
Tuhiana said she served in church leadership and women’s ministries over many years and says people still continue seeking her advice.
“I only advise now. If things go wrong they come to me,” she said.
The final service inside the old church building proved emotional for Mrs Tuhiana as memories returned.
“I was crying too. I thought about my family,” she said.
For Tuhiana, the building itself represents far more than simply a place of worship.
“People came here. They prayed here. They were baptised here. They got married here. Funeral services were held here. This building is a tree of life,” she said.
Tuhiana said the biggest thing she thanks God for is the people. The biggest thing I thank God about is the people. People changed this place,” she said.
As preparations begin for a new church building, Tuhiana said she is simply thankful to still be around to witness another chapter in Marimari’s history.
“I thank God I am still around. Maybe God wants me to stay,” she said.
Her message to future generations is simple.
“You must have love. You must care for one another. You must have team spirit,” she said.
As Marimari prepares to farewell one chapter and begin another, Mrs Tuhiana says what matters most is not the building itself.
“Plant your Christian life. Some planted and have already gone. Some are still here. But this tree of life remains,” she said.
