2026, A Year Of Positively Influencing Your Sphere of Influence

13th January 2026

For immediate release

Today I sit back and am thinking ahead on the challenges and the opportunities of 2026. Am seeing that
there will be a lot of challenges that this nation will face but in the midst of all those challenges, there lies
a lot of opportunities. Just as Samson found sweet honey within the carcass of a lion, challenges often
conceal unexpected opportunities that nourish and strengthen us (Judges 14:6)

I have lived long enough and with the conviction of the Holy Spirit believe that the one thing that the
people of this nation need to do in 2026 and going forward to change the course of this nation is “Simply
doing one thing in a right way or follow proper process” – be it throwing rubbish in a right place or awarding a contract or appointing someone following due process. Whatever we are doing, if we do it the right way and do it consistently, transformation can happen in this nation and the way we do things.

As the CEO of PNG Christian Professionals Network, I stand before you today with a message that
resonates deeply with our network and this nation’s journey: Leadership in your sphere of influence.
Leadership is not confined to titles or positions—it is the daily choices we make, the values we uphold,
and the impact we leave on those around us. The small actions and gestures that positively influence
others. PNG is an oral nation and it is shaped by oral tradition, where knowledge is lived out through what we see and do. If we do things right, others will do the right thing and we can see this change in our
nation. As long as you influence one person you are a leader.

True leadership begins where you are. Whether in your family, workplace, community, or church, each of
us has a sphere of influence entrusted to us. The question is not whether you lead, but how you lead. Do
you inspire integrity, unity, and hope? Do you model resilience and faith in times of challenge?

The Bible gives us powerful examples. Consider the story of Nehemiah. Though he was a cupbearer in a
foreign land, he carried a burden for his people and their broken walls. Nehemiah did not wait for a grand
title; he prayed, planned, and acted. His leadership rallied a nation to rebuild, proving that influence begins with conviction and courage. Like Nehemiah, we are called to see beyond ourselves and to act for the greater good.

Papua New Guinea’s future depends not only on those in high office but on every citizen who chooses to
lead with purpose. When teachers shape minds with wisdom, when business leaders act with
transparency, when parents nurture children with love, and when young people rise with courage—we
witness transformation.

Let us embrace leadership in our spheres of influence. Let us be the Nehemiah’s of our time, rebuilding
walls of trust, unity, and hope. Together, we can shape a nation that honors God, uplifts its people, and
inspires generations to come.

Thank you, and may God bless Papua New Guinea.

For more information on CPN and how to join as a member, please visit: https://pngcpn.net/, email ceo@pngcpn.net or admin@pngcpn.net, or phone +675 7573 2895.
Approved for release by: Mr Samuel Ray, CEO, PNG Christian Professionals Network Inc.