A FAMILY UNITED IN FAITH: HARTY KIPAN'S THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

Kipan family poses for a group photo after the Thanksgiving Mass Celebration at Pandam in the Ambum LLG.

On Saturday, 25th July 2026, at Pandam village in the Ambum Rural LLG of the Kompiam-Ambum District in Enga Province, a joyful gathering took place. Harty Kipan, a new teacher at Wanepap Inclusive High School, brought his family together to give thanks to God. With him for this special day were his wife, Deblin Kipan, who is currently in her third year of studies at the University of Goroka, and their newborn child. Together with relatives and close friends, they celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass to mark this important season of blessings in their lives.

The Mass was led by Fr. Anjo of Wanepap Parish in the Lagaip District, who travelled to Pandam to share in the family's joy. In his homily, Fr. Anjo spoke about the blessings of family, hard work, and faith. He reminded the gathering that God walks with every family through their struggles and their triumphs, and that a new baby, a new job, and continuing studies are all reasons to give thanks. He encouraged the young couple to remain patient and supportive of one another as they balance work, study, and the responsibilities of parenthood, saying that strong families are built on prayer and understanding.

For Harty and Deblin, this is a season of many changes happening all at once. Harty recently began his teaching career at Wanepap Inclusive High School, taking on the responsibility of shaping young minds in his community. Meanwhile, Deblin continues her studies far away at the University of Goroka, working hard towards completing her degree while also caring for their newborn child. Amid these many responsibilities, the couple welcomed their baby into the world, adding even more joy, purpose, and challenge to their journey. Balancing a career, education, and a young family is never easy, especially when distance separates husband and wife for periods of time. But the couple say their faith and the strong support of their relatives keep them united and strong.

Speaking during the celebration, Harty expressed deep gratitude to God and his family. "This is a special time for us," he said. "I am starting my career as a teacher, my wife is working hard to finish her studies at university, and we now have a beautiful child. It has not been easy, but we give thanks to God for carrying us through all of this together. Without our family's support, this journey would be much harder."

Deblin also shared her appreciation for the support of her husband and family, saying their encouragement gives her strength to continue her studies even while caring for their newborn. "Being a mother and a student at the same time is difficult," she said, "but my husband and my family have been my strength. I want to finish my studies so that I too can contribute to our family and our community."

Relatives and friends travelled from nearby villages to join the celebration, bringing gifts, food, and words of encouragement for the young family. Children played nearby while elders shared stories, and the gathering was filled with singing, laughter, and heartfelt prayers, as everyone celebrated this new chapter in Harty and Deblin's lives.

Community elders praised the couple for their dedication to both family and education, encouraging other young couples in the area to follow their example of balancing responsibilities with faith, patience, and determination.

As the celebration came to a close, the Kipan family expressed sincere thanks to Fr. Anjo, relatives, and friends who shared in their joy. Harty and Deblin's story stands as a reminder that with faith, love, and family support, every challenge in life can be overcome.