HAWAIN, WEWAK: A group of nineteen members from the Mururung Seventh-day Adventist Church, including students, mothers, and youths, joined the Divine Word Adventist Students Association (DASA) from Divine Word University Kaindi Campus for a spiritual weekend at Mazoum village.
Themed “What Must I Do to Be Saved?” taken from Acts 16:30, the three-day program ran from Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, and featured guest speaker Minister Stannis Jimmy, pastor of Rainumbo Church.
The delegation left Mururung at 11am on Friday for Mazoum village, located nearly two hours’ walk from the main Simogun Highway just before the Hawain Bridge.
The weekend marked the DASA End-Over and Take-Over Program, which saw the appointment of new student ministry leaders and the recognition of outgoing officers who served during the academic year.
Friday Evening Fellowship
The Sabbath opening began with singing and praise, followed by the main message delivered by Minister Jimmy, who encouraged the congregation to live faithfully and uphold their Christian commitment.
Sabbath Highlights
Mazoum Seventh-day Adventist Church currently worships under a temporary lamb shelter dedicated by Pastor Francis Nima, District Director for Wewak Island and West Coast District.
On Sabbath morning, DASA students split into five outreach teams and conducted Branch Sabbath School services in nearby villages — Huasalangien, Holombo, Wariasus, Waraghe, and Perirogu — sharing messages of hope and salvation.
The main church program later featured several key events:
• Marching in of outgoing and incoming student leaders
• Prayer and lighting of candles
• Exchange of leadership responsibilities
• Speeches by student leaders Swire Bal and Joshwell Joel, followed by remarks from DASA Patron Elder Stanley Sauba
• Dedication prayer by Minister Stannis Jimmy
• Farewell song and divine service
Minister Jimmy’s divine service sermon reinforced the importance of personal commitment to faith and leadership in ministry.
Graduation Recognition
The afternoon session recognised graduating students from both Education and Nursing faculties. Those acknowledged included:
Abella Seneki, Dutton Assam, Joshwell Joel, Sakume Warigi, Lucy Suwi, Delma Toa, Taso Nantop, Cain Kupul, Laviannah Pelly, Timon Alok, and Lakii Samson.
Certificates were presented by Elder Stanley Sauba and Minister Stannis Jimmy to the Year Four graduates for their service and contribution to student ministry.
The program also included an interview with landowner Ivan Hamba and his family, who have granted land for the construction of the new Mazoum SDA Church. A dedicatory prayer was offered by Minister Jimmy, followed by a formal marching out ceremony.
Sunday Program
On Sunday morning, Elder Sauba addressed the community, thanking Mr Hamba and his family for donating land for the church site. He also acknowledged DASA students for supporting the new church building project with materials and labour.
Minister Jimmy led the closing dedication and thanksgiving prayer, committing the church site to God’s purpose and blessing the future development of the Mazoum SDA Church.
The weekend program ended on a high note, with the message of salvation echoing through the hills of Mazoum — a reminder of the program’s central question from Acts 16:30: “What must I do to be saved?”
