Despite heavy rain and wind, 23 people were baptized in Forok Village, Turubu LLG, Wewak, on February 24. The baptism was a result of a two-week evangelism series conducted by Joe Philip, sponsored by Maur Seventh-day Adventist Church and assisted by Wei and Koil Island Adventist Choir groups of the East Coast Schouten Island district of Sepik Mission.

The baptism ceremony itself took place during the rain, with the nearby creek swollen and overflowing its banks. The rain and the flood did not stop people from neighboring communities and new interests to witness the baptism. The baptism was conducted by the mission president of Sepik Mission, Pastor Henry Monape, assisted by the outgoing district director Pastor Tony Peter and the newly appointed district director Pastor Rayden.

Pastor Monape commended the church for their commitment and perseverance to stand in the rain to worship on the sabbath and to conduct the baptismal ceremony. He said, “𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧.”

The program was a pre-evangelistic event preceding the upcoming PNG for Christ campaign that would be held nationwide here in Papua New Guinea on April 26th to May 11th. There is great interest in the area after this event prompting Maur church to further focus its efforts in other such programs in Forok and the surrounding communities.

Last week, Sepik Mission Secretary Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi had the privilege of visiting Sasarman organized church in Beglam, Ambunti District. This beautiful church building, funded by Hands Across the World, boasts a vibrant membership of over 200 baptized members!

With its strong and active church governance, Sasarman church has incredible potential to reach even more villages in the Blackwara area. We're excited to see their continued growth and impact!

The journey wasn't complete without a stop at Beglam SDA Primary School, a small school nestled in the valley, lovingly run by Sasarman church. The SDA community here has ambitious plans to build a mission clinic, transforming the village into a sub-SDA mission station for the Blackwara area.

We're incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of our church leaders and communities in Ambunti District. Their commitment to spreading the gospel and serving their neighbors is truly inspiring!

Kreer SDA Primary School received a special blessing and prayer service ahead of the new school year, led by Sepik Mission President, Pastor Henry Monape. The ceremony, held at the Gander Memoral Seventh-day Adventist Church hall, saw teachers, parents, and P&C representatives gather to support the school community.

The recently upgraded school, transitioning from elementary to primary, received new teachers for the year. A new male teacher and a couple of female teachers joined the existing, predominantly female, teaching staff.

Distinguished guests and teachers offered remarks before Pastor Monape delivered the dedicatory prayer. He shared the story of Joseph and Jacob, emphasizing the importance of favor and blessings, before praying for the students, teachers, and the school's success in the new year.

The event was witnessed by the Education Director of Sepik Mission, Mr. Lancedown Wirise, P&C Chairmen Mr. Tom Balagawi and Mr. Anton Namuesh, and other members of the school community.

Forty three people were baptized at Sawarin Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sepik Mission on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 following a 2 weeks evangelistic series in preparation for the upcoming PNG for Christ campaign.

Pastor Cyril Kulanawi, evangelist, and director of Personal Ministries and Sabbath School, led the event under the theme: “Revelation of Hope.” 

Also assisting were the Adventist Health Services, who offered regular wellness checks to the community in addition to leading informative health talks before the program began. These talks aimed to highlight the significance of prioritizing a healthy lifestyle.

In a joyous celebration under the open sky, forty-three individuals sealed their decisions to follow Jesus through baptism. More individuals, deeply moved by the experience, joined the queue, their hearts and minds set on receiving baptism soon.

“This world is coming to an end and there is no time for us to waste hiding the truth, it is time for us to sound the alarm of truth so that the world can know before the soon return of Jesus,” stated Pastor Kulanawi on the last closing night of the 14 days event.

Teachers from Adventist schools across East Sepik Province gathered at Sepik Mission headquarters on Wewak Hill yesterday, January 25th, 2024, for their annual Teachers Resumption Day. The event served as a powerful reminder that their classrooms are not just battlegrounds for knowledge, but for the very soul of their students.

Personal Ministries and Sabbath School Director Pastor Cyril Kulanawi, opening the day with a devotional message, drew on Ephesians 6:10-17 to paint a vivid picture of the true enemy Adventist teachers face. It is not mere academic struggles or unruly students, but cunning spiritual forces that seek to corrupt the values and foundations of Adventist education. Kulanawi's message resonated, reminding teachers that their work transcends earthly concerns and carries eternal weight.

Sepik Mission President Henry Monape followed, equipping teachers with the practical tools needed for their work. He emphasized the importance of work ethic, professionalism in dress, and punctuality, reminding everyone that even small actions carried out with excellence become key elements in the work of Adventist education. Monape's message highlighted that professionalism isn't just about outward appearance, but about the dedication and quality teachers bring to their classrooms.

Japaraka, Papua New Guinea - The Japs Seventh-Day Adventist Church culminated a week of spiritual renewal with the dedication of their new church building on January 21st, 2024. The weeklong fellowship meeting, led by Stewardship Director Pastor Gahphu Kaple, prepared the church both physically and spiritually for the momentous occasion.

The dedication ceremony was officiated by Mission Secretary Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi and other representatives from the Sepik Mission. In his address, Pastor Saigomi emphasized the significance of the church as a place where God dwells among His people. He urged members to respect and cherish the new building, using it solely for God's purposes.

In the Murik Lakes of East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, Darapap Adventist Primary School stands on the brink of closure. Three-quarters of its land has been submerged by the rising sea, a direct consequence of climate change. Founded in the early 1970s on low-lying terrain vulnerable to erosion and flooding, the school has valiantly weathered countless challenges. But the unrelenting tide of climate change has proven too much to bear.

The impact of climate change has been crippling for Darapap. Closed for almost a year, the school's fate hung in the balance. However, a flicker of hope emerged in a recent visit and meeting with the community. Director of Adventist Education Services, Mr. Lancedown Wirise, discussed relocation options, and a decision was made: the school will relocate to the land where the Seventh-day Adventist Church once stood.

Relocation brings challenges, but also opportunities. Mr. Wirise urged everyone to join hands in constructing temporary classrooms while permanent structures rise on higher ground. "I will make sure to send teachers to help get the school running again," he assured. For the community, Darapap represents more than just a school; it is the sole hope for their children's future and the village's survival. With their remaining land on the verge of vanishing beneath the encroaching waves, education offers a path out.

Isaac Wamakoru's story is one of unwavering faith and dedication. Born into an Assemblies of God background, his life took a pivotal turn during his primary school years when he encountered the Seventh-day Adventist faith through Christian Religious Education classes. A spark ignited within him, leading him to seek deeper understanding through Bible study with his teacher and eventually to the doors of Guarip Seventh-day Adventist Church.

As Isaac transitioned to high school, his commitment deepened. He joined the Adventist Students Association and was baptized in 2014. His path then led him to pursue studies in Tropical Agriculture at Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources & Environment at Vudal Campus.

Like many young people, Isaac grappled with the temptations of his age. He struggled with alcoholism until a health scare served as a wake-up call. He quit alcohol and reconnected with his faith, a decision that would shape the rest of his life.

Returning to his village after graduation, Isaac married his beloved Jeannel, and together they became parents to a beautiful daughter. In 2018, he ventured to Port Moresby seeking employment, but unfulfilling jobs and a yearning for purpose led him back to Wewak.

It was there that inspiration struck. Armed with a chainsaw, Isaac embarked on a mission to build a new church in his village, starting with humble beginnings in a chicken hut. He reached out to his brothers' children and to former addicts, his faith-filled gatherings marked by the rhythmic call of the garamut.

Despite facing negativity and resistance from his community, Isaac persevered. His father eventually offered him a plot of land, and with support from the Guarip Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Sepik Mission, the dream of a permanent church began to take shape.

Tragically, Isaac's life was cut short by a long-term illness at the young age of 29. But his legacy lives on. On January 12th, 2024, during his funeral service, Sepik Mission Secretary Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi announced that the newly constructed church would be named in his honor: The Isaac Wamakoru Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Isaac Wamakoru's story is a testament to the power of faith and the ripple effect of one person's dedication. He may be gone, but his church stands tall as a beacon of hope in his village, a lasting reminder of his unwavering commitment to sharing his faith and making a difference in the lives of others.

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Adventist Community Service of Satmali Seventh-day Adventist Church reached out to families in Amgavi village today, bringing not just essential supplies but also a touch of hope. Nestled in the heart of Karawari, Middle Sepik District, Amgavi is a bustling village with over 3,000 residents. Recognizing the basic needs of the community, the church members embarked on a mission of kindness, distributing clothes and soap to 70 fortunate households.

While the limited supply meant that not everyone could be reached today, the joy in the recipients' homes was palpable. Lit by smiles and gratitude, each package of clothes and laundry soap held the promise of a little comfort and a helping hand. Pastor William Laki, the church pastor, aptly captured the essence of the initiative: "Before we can share the love of Jesus, we must first meet the needs of the people." This act of compassion serves as a stepping stone towards the upcoming "PNG for Christ" program in the district, paving the way for a future filled with hope and support.

The warm welcome extended by the Amgavi community speaks volumes about the impact of such gestures. In a world often defined by hardship, the Satmali Adventists have chosen to be beacons of light, offering not just material necessities but also a testament to the power of human kindness. This act of generosity serves as a gentle reminder that even the smallest acts of compassion can have a ripple effect, leaving behind a trail of hope and inspiration in their wake.

As the church prays for the opportunity to return with further assistance, one thing is certain: the seeds of goodwill sown today have taken root in the hearts of the Amgavi villagers. The spirit of giving has transcended the limitations of material possessions, fostering a sense of connection and shared humanity that transcends distance and circumstance. In the end, it is not just the clothes and soap that will be remembered, but the act itself, a testament to the enduring power of compassion to bridge divides and build a brighter future, one kind deed at a time.

Kreer SDA Primary School, which started as an elementary school in 1995, has graduated its first batch of 29 grade six students under the newly introduced 166 education system. 

The school, which is almost 28 years old, received approval from the Adventist Education Services of Sepik Mission and the East Sepik Provincial Education board to upgrade from the old Outcome Based Education (OBE) system to the new 166 system in 2020.

A special dedication program for the pioneer graduating students was conducted and officiated prior to the graduation ceremony by the church Pastor for Gander Memorial Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor David Kiak. He congratulated the students for their achievement and encouraged them to continue their education with faith and diligence.

The graduation ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as School Inspector for Wewak East Coast Cluster, Mr. Philip Rofunduo, Mission Secretary for Sepik Mission, Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi, Education Director for Sepik Mission, Mr. Lancedown Wirise, Chairman of the Board of Management for Kreer SDA Primary School, Mr. Tom Balagawi, and the Assistant Chairman of the Board of Management, Mr. Anton Namuesh.

Mr. Wirise announced that the school has officially been recognized by the government as a registered institution and is now eligible to receive fundings and other support from the government. He also commended Gander Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sepik Mission, the Provincial Education Department, parents, board and the community for their support to bring the school to this stage.

The Wewak island West Coast District of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea has concluded another successful evangelistic campaign on the 2nd of December, 2023 at Woginara 2 village. The campaign resulted in four baptisms and 27 people who responded positively to commit their lives to Christ.

The program was part of the PNG for Christ campaign, a nationwide initiative to spread the gospel and plant new churches in the country. The district Director of Wewak island West Coast District, Pastor Francis Nima, led the campaign and preached the messages of hope and salvation to the villagers.

The district Director for Wewak East Coast, Pastor Tony Peter, later joined the campaign at the end of the week to conduct the baptism of four new members. He expressed his joy and gratitude for the work of God in the village. “It was thrilling to see this many people making a commitment of their lives to Christ,” he stated. He also encouraged the new converts to remain faithful and grow in their relationship with God.

The Ambunti Adventist Primary and Elementary School in East Sepik province hosted a combined graduation ceremony this year on Tuesday, 28th November, 2023. The event was attended by more than 200 students, parents, teachers and community members, as well as two special guests from the Sepik Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The graduation program began with a prayer and a sermon by Minister Kimon Kaple, the church pastor of Ambunti Seventh-day Adventist Church. He urged the students to obey God and their parents, as obedience is the key to success in life. He also congratulated the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to continue with God wherever their pathway may lead.

The headmaster of Ambunti Adventist Primary School, Mr. Hames, welcomed the guests and thanked them for their time and presence. He said that the school was blessed to have the Sepik Mission delegates, who were Mr. Joe Philip, the communication director, and Mr. Lancedown Wirise, the education director of the mission. He also acknowledged his hardworking and dedicated teachers, the parents of the students, and the students for making it this far in their education.

The highlight of the program was the presentation of awards and gifts to the students who excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities. The top students in each grade received certificates, gifts and other prizes from their teachers. In appreciation of their teachers, the students presented gifts.

The program ended with farewell speeches from a grade eight student representative and a grade seven student, respectively. They expressed gratitude to everyone who made their schooling and, ultimately, this graduation possible.

Fourteen people were baptized in Yarakai village, Ambunti District, on November 25th, 2023, after a one week meeting program led by the mission president for Sepik Mission, Pastor Henry Monape. This addition to their previous baptisms marked the highest number in the district, attributed by the district pastor to the divine power of God.

Yarakai village is a community known for its diverse experiences and activities, as well as the hosting venue for the viral Floating Pathfinder Camporee. Despite the challenges, the community has been seeking to make a change and to follow Christ.

The Holy Spirit has been working in the hearts of the people through His servants, who have been preaching the gospel and encouraging them to make decisions for Christ. Pastor Patrick Sapau, the district director for Ambunti, stated, “It is impossible for such a place like this to have the highest baptisms in the district, unless it is the divine power of God.”

Pastor Monape visited Yarakai village as part of his presidential visit to Yarakai Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He was welcomed by the church members and the community leaders, who expressed their gratitude for his support and guidance. He also praised the church for its growth and commitment to the mission of God.

Beglam Adventist Primary School, a remote school along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea, celebrated the completion of another successful academic year on Monday, 27th November, 2023. The school, which is operated by the Adventist Education, has been facing many challenges such as lack of resources, facilities and teachers, but has managed to provide quality education to its students with the help of the local community, teachers and the Almighty God.

Tucked along the mighty Sepik River, an hour by boat upstream from the nearest district station of Ambunti, is Beglam. The school is one of the many Adventist Education operated schools in Sepik Mission, which covers the east and the west Sepik provinces. Beglam is like most of the remote schools in the country, who are still in their developmental stages and need more commitment and support to grow. “We started with only 1 classroom and one teacher’s house in 2022, and now we have five classrooms and four teacher’s houses, (three are still under construction),” said Ms Hames, the school head teacher. “We are proud of our students, who have shown great enthusiasm and dedication to learning, despite the difficulties they face every day.” Some of the difficulties include paddling for miles to get to school, and teaching resources. The school also has only five teachers, who have to pay for teaching resources using their own money. “Today, we are grateful to the Lord and Sepik Mission, who have successfully pushed our school through to receive government subsidies for next year.

The occasion was an added blessing with the presence of the Education Director of Sepik Mission, Mr. Lancedown Wirise, who traveled all the way from Wewak to witness this wonderful event as part of his school visits. While complimenting them on their achievements, Mr. Wirise stated, “Though I arrived late, I am pleased with the level of patience that I see here, and I commend you all for that.” In conclusion, he urged the community to build more houses for teachers so that he could send in more teachers to the school. 

The program ended on a high note with the presentation of gifts to students, teachers and guests who all left with a bright smile of satisfaction, appreciation and gratitude.

Another highlight was the celebration of the organization of Amanab station church as one of the organized churches of Sepik Mission. The church members were overjoyed as they received their certificate of organization and welcomed the new members into their newly organized church.

In appreciation, Pastor Saigomi thanked God for the wonderful results of the meeting and appreciated the speakers, the organizers, the volunteers, and the participants for their support and involvement. He also encouraged the newly baptized members and those who are deciding to do so to remain faithful and grow in their relationship with God.

Angoram Town Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sepik Mission celebrated the investiture of 36 Pathfinders and 24 Adventurers on Sabbath, November 18, 2023. The event marked the completion of their training in God’s school (Skul bilong Jisas) and their commitment to follow Jesus as their greatest master guide.

The Pathfinders and Adventurers received their certificates and badges from the church leaders in the mission, district and the church, who congratulated them for their hard work and dedication. Among the church leaders was the Youth Director of Sepik Mission - Pastor Richie Gako, who also took part in awarding and commending the Adventurers and the Pathfinders. They also expressed their gratitude to God for His guidance and blessings throughout the year.

The club is also preparing to attend the upcoming PNGUM Pathfinder camporee at Lae, Morobe Province next month, where they will meet and fellowship with other Pathfinders from different missions in Papua New Guinea. They are looking forward to learning more about God and His love, and to share their testimonies and experiences with others.

Members of the club and the church praised God for His glory and thanked Him for the opportunity to serve Him through the Pathfinder and Adventure ministries. They also prayed for God’s protection and provision as they travel to the camp and continue their journey of faith.

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1301586950787254/permalink/1395770811368867/?mibextid=uJjRxr