Enga Gote and the Prayer House: Faith at the Heart of PNG Highlands

In the mountainous heartland of Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, faith in Enga Gote—God in the Enga language—shapes the everyday lives of Catholic communities.

Central to this vibrant faith is the Prayer House, the spiritual center of the Liklik Kristen Komyuniti (LKK), or Basic Christian Community (BCC), which plays a vital role in local worship, service, and solidarity.

Enga Gote: A God Who Walks With the People

Long before Christianity arrived, the Engan people believed in a supreme being. The Engan people welcomed the concept of Enga Gote Kamogo—the Christian God—when missionaries introduced the Gospel in the mid-20th century, as it deepened their existing beliefs. Considered the creator of land and life, Enga Gote is present in daily joys and struggles, not confined to distant heavens but active in the lives of the people.

Unlike traditional spirits that required appeasement, Enga Gote invites relationships. He lives in the hearts of believers, speaking through their lives, nature, and community bonds.

The Prayer House: A Sacred Space in Every Village

At the heart of each village is the prayer house, or haus lotu—a simple but sacred space made from bush materials or iron roofing. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for community life.

Daily prayers, lay-led liturgies, and devotions such as the Rosary and Stations of the Cross take place here. It is where families gather for healing, mourning, celebration, and preparation for sacraments. The Prayer House stands as a symbol of unity, hope, and shared faith.

Liklik Kristen Komyuniti: Grassroots Church in Action

Introduced in the 1970s after Vatican II, the Liklik Kristen Komyuniti empowers lay people to lead faith communities rooted in Scripture, prayer, and service. Every Catholic village in Enga belongs to a BCC, led by elected lay leaders including a president, secretary, treasurer, and spiritual coordinator.

These communities care for the sick, support the poor, mediate disputes, and organize local development projects. They are often the only functioning social structure in remote areas where government services are minimal.

Living Faith Through Culture

The BCCs in Enga integrate local culture into worship. Communities compose songs in Tok Pisin and Enga, perform traditional dramas during Holy Week, and use local items like bilums and bows in processions. This inculturated approach makes the Gospel feel authentic and accessible to the people.

As one catechist from Yaramanda LKK in Wabag Diocese said:

“Mipela no save long ol buk. Tasol mipela save long lotu na Gote bilong mipela. Long haus lotu, mipela kisim strong.”

("We may not know books, but we know prayer, and we know our God. In the Prayer House, we gain strength."

Facing Challenges With Faith

Despite its strength, the LKK faces modern challenges: youth migration, alcohol abuse, tribal conflicts, and a shortage of priests. Yet, the movement endures. New efforts—like Bible-sharing workshops, catechist training, and marriage programs—are revitalizing village communities.

Faith is deeply ingrained in a region characterized by rough roads and limited communication. The Prayer House and Liklik Kristen Komyuniti are more than religious structures—they are lifelines of hope, belonging, and transformation. At the heart of it all is Enga Gote—not a distant deity, but the living God of the land, walking with His people, healing, guiding, and uniting them.