YAKAMUL, East Aitape — An evangelistic meeting held at Tawak hamlet this week marked a milestone for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with the first-ever baptism conducted in the remote community of fewer than 200 people.
Minister Cosmos Maibogu led the meeting, hosted under the Salalus Church strategic plan, which concluded with the baptism of three candidates—two from Yakamul and one from Ulau. Six others responded to an appeal to commit their lives to Christ.
The event also saw the ordination of an elder from Ulau and a deacon from Yakamul, as part of broader efforts to strengthen local leadership and spiritual development in the region.
“This is part of our plan to grow in membership, leadership, finances, and spirituality,” said Aitape District Director Pastor Jonah Huembi. “Organising the Ulau hand church remains our goal and dream ahead.”
With almost 40 villages in the far east of Aitape still lacking an organised Adventist presence, church leaders see these programs as key to long-term outreach and sustainability. The next evangelistic meeting is scheduled for Ulau village in the third quarter of 2025.
