WUTUNG, Sandaun Province. The first worship canvas has been erected at Nyaukono village along the Papua New Guinea and Indonesia border, marking a significant step toward establishing an Adventist church in the remote community.
The shelter, built using local materials and covered with a canvas roof, sits on land allocated by villagers for the construction of a permanent Adventist church. Community leaders said the structure followed several pastoral visits and reflected a clear local decision to welcome the Adventist faith.
Villagers described the development as a source of hope despite their remote location and limited access to services.
Local members led the initiative, erecting the shelter as a sign of ownership and commitment to regular worship. Church benches and a simple pulpit have already been installed, allowing services to begin immediately.
Minister Lingskey Fimbore of Wutung Seventh-day Adventist Church praised the community for taking the lead.
“Mi ting olsem bai mi yet go na sanapim canvas bikos em nupela ples,” he said. “Tasol taim mi lukim olsem, mi save dispela i soim bikpela hangre blong harim tok blong God.”
He said the action by the villagers showed readiness for spiritual growth and fellowship.
“As wokman blong God, mi tok tenkyu long God long dispela gutpela tingting we ol lain ples yet i mekim,” Minister Fimbore said.
He also appealed to church members and partners to support mission work along the border.
“Yumi mas kisim hap long wanpela rot o narapela long redim ol manmeri long kam bek klostu taim blong Bikpela Jisas,” he said.
The development supports ongoing border outreach led by the Seventh-day Adventist Church through the Sepik Mission, in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Union Mission and the South Pacific Division.
Local leaders said regular Sabbath worship will continue at the shelter while plans progress for a permanent church building.
Photos from the site show a modest structure, built with care, standing as a clear sign of faith taking root at the PNG–Indonesia border.
