AITAPE DISTRICT, PAPUA NEW GUINEA - After years of worshipping under a bush material structure, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in Poro ward #2, Aitape-East LLG, has successfully replaced their old building with a new one featuring roofing iron. The project, which began after the PNG4CHRIST event and was completed at the end of September, was a collective effort involving church members, leaders, youth, and the wider community.

The church leaders emphasized the importance of having a proper place of worship for their worldwide denomination, stating that they should not continue worshipping under a bush material house. Community youth leaders also expressed their support, offering their assistance and even considering joining the church after its completion. The ward council commended the SDA church for building a semi-permanent structure, encouraging other denominations to follow suit.

The completion of the new church has had a positive impact on the community. The improved shelter has motivated existing members and attracted new interest, with some individuals leaving their previous churches to join the SDA church. Witnessing the building's progress served as a "wake-up call" for members and newcomers to actively contribute to the project. The successful completion of the church highlights the community's dedication and the power of collective effort in achieving a common goal.

Gander Memorial Adventist Church has successfully concluded a week-long Governance Training program, equipping church leaders with essential skills for effective church management.

The training, conducted by Sepik Mission General Secretary Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi, took place from October 27th to November 2nd, 2024. Participants from the church actively engaged in the sessions, gaining valuable insights into various aspects of church governance, including financial management, strategic planning, and conflict resolution.

Participants emphasized the significance of the training, highlighting its importance in understanding the principles of effective church leadership and administration. The acquired knowledge will empower the church leaders to better serve their congregation and uphold the mission of the church.

Wewak Island West Coast District, Sepik Mission – The Wewak Island West Coast District has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Sepik Mission through its Children’s Ministries “Shine for Jesus” project. A recent donation of K1,000 worth of building materials was presented to Balam Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The donation was presented by a former district coordinator,Joyce Asarong to Minister Dickson Yawinapas, in the presence of Wewak Island West Coast District Director, Minister Francis Nima.

The “Shine for Jesus” project, now in its second year, empowers young children within the district to contribute to the church’s mission. Children actively participate in fundraising activities, such as special offerings, to support chosen projects.

Minister Yawinapas expressed his gratitude for the generous donation, stating, “I have already used the funds to purchase building materials for the ongoing construction of Balam Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

As a skilled carpenter, Minister Yawinapas is personally involved in the construction project, making the donation even more significant. The “Shine for Jesus” project exemplifies the power of young hearts to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Vanimo, Warastone District, 21st October, 2024 – The Warastone Organized Church is excited to announce the launch of its new Small Group Ministry. This initiative aims to foster deeper spiritual growth and community among members of the church.

On 20th October, thirteen Zone Group Leaders gathered at the Warastone Church for a briefing on how to lead their respective zones and conduct effective small groups. The leaders received valuable materials from the Spiritual Development Program (SPD) through Small Ministry to aid them in their roles.

The official launch of the Small Group Ministry took place on earlier this month. Each zone held its own gathering to determine the total number of people residing in their area and divide them into smaller groups.

By next week, the church expects to have established the total number of small groups for each zone.

Zone Warastone is meeting at the lamb shelter to identify small groups and appoint their leaders. All members of the zone will gather in their respective small groups next week.

This new Small Group Ministry is a significant step forward for the Warastone Organized Church, providing a platform for members to connect with one another on a more personal level and deepen their faith.

Wewak, East Sepik Province – After 15-years, the Wewak Island West Coast District Pathfinder Fair made a triumphant return on Sunday, October 20th, drawing a large crowd to the local stadium. Eight local churches participated in the event, showcasing their creativity through colorful floats and engaging in a variety of competitive games.

Raymond Manamb, a key organizer of the event, expressed his gratitude to the leaders and volunteers who contributed to its success. “Your unwavering commitment and support made this event possible,” he said. “We couldn’t have done it without your dedication.”

The Pathfinder Fair featured a variety of exciting games, including traditional and modern challenges. Tinforce members ensured the games ran smoothly and fairly, keeping track of scores and maintaining order.

The opening ceremony, led by Elder Raymond Manamb, featured speeches from distinguished guests and a captivating march past and martial command display by Tangara Church.

The successful return of the Pathfinder Fair marks a significant milestone for the Wewak Island West Coast District and promises to be an annual event for years to come.

Kubalia, East Sepik Province, witnessed a significant spiritual milestone on October 19th as three individuals were baptized in Walemba village. This event marked a culmination of evangelistic efforts that have inspired 15 others to express interest in baptism, reflecting a growing commitment to faith in the area.

Pastor James Amos, the district director, led the baptism ceremony, emphasizing the Adventist Church's dedication to fostering spiritual growth and outreach in Kubalia. The church's presence in the region is particularly noteworthy given the challenges posed by escalating violence.

Despite the escalating violence in Kubalia, the Adventist Church remains committed to fostering peace and community cohesion through faith-based initiatives. The baptisms serve as a testament to the church's resilience and its ability to inspire hope in the face of adversity.

On October 16, 2024, the Baimuru Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church initiated the construction of a new church in Boim Sara village in Yangoru District. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first Adventist presence in the village, which currently has only one member.

The church’s construction follows two successful evangelistic meetings held last year, with a third ongoing under the “Revelation of Hope” campaign. The project began last week, combining daytime building efforts with evening worship sessions.

Recently, the community celebrated the completion of the church roof with traditional “soup,” a typical Yangoru dish, and a communal feast.

Three candidates were baptized yesterday by Pastor Michael Lus, the SSPM Director of Sepik Mission, and 15 individuals publicly declared their faith during Sabbath services.

The church is expected to be completed next year, but additional funds and materials are still needed. Local youth participated by raising awareness about the initiative through a march around the village prior to the opening ceremony.

Community support remains crucial as this marks a new chapter for Adventism in Boim Sara.

Twelve volunteers assembled yesterday at the Sepik Mission headquarters in Wewak, East Sepik Province, for an orientation session ahead of the Adventist Church Management System (ACMS) training. This preparatory meeting marks a significant step in modernizing church administration for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea.

The orientation, led by the Sepik Mission secretariat department, introduced volunteers to the upcoming ACMS training program. Sepik Mission Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Mr. Lancedown Wirise, led out in assisting the volunteers through their registration process.

Sepik Mission, selected as one of two missions to pilot the ACMS program in the country, demonstrated enthusiasm for this new initiative. Mission Secretary Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi expressed the mission's readiness to embrace this innovative approach to church management.

During the orientation, volunteers were briefed on the ACMS, a comprehensive internet-based system used globally by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They learned about its capabilities, including membership management, tithe and offering control, and statistical reporting.

The orientation session prepared the volunteers for the more intensive training scheduled to take place today. This preparation ensures that participants enter the training with a foundational understanding of the ACMS and its potential impact on church administration in the Sepik Mission.

As one of the pilot locations for ACMS implementation in Papua New Guinea, the success of this program in Sepik Mission could pave the way for wider adoption across the country, potentially revolutionizing how Adventist churches manage their operations and communicate with higher organizational levels.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Yangoru, Sepik Mission – A total of 32 people were baptized at a water baptism ceremony today, the second day of the Abuse Prevention Congress at Kwarabri SDA Church in Yangoru District.

The week-long event, which began Sunday, has drawn hundreds of women from 14 districts across the Sepik region to address the pervasive issue of abuse affecting women and children in Papua New Guinea.

Today's sessions focused on healing and restoration from abuse, with participants learning about the impact of abuse and how to support survivors.

The congress has received overwhelming support from the local community, with the East Yangoru district providing food supplies for participants.

The event’s theme, "Abuse knows no gender," underscores the importance of addressing this issue broadly. The congress continues tomorrow with more sessions and discussions planned.

Background

The Abuse Prevention Congress officially opened on Sunday, August 11, with speeches from local pastors and facilitators. The event aims to equip participants with knowledge and tools to prevent and address abuse within their communities.

Day One Recap

Day one of the congress saw a strong turnout of participants, including representatives from nine districts. The opening ceremony emphasized the gravity of the issue and the need for collective action.

Sabbath Highlights

Morning Sabbath school and panel lesson discussion were led by pastors, ministers, and Women's Ministry Director of Sepik Mission Lucy Moke. Divine service was conducted by Minister Pastor Gilley Waro.

Immediately after the Divine service, a water baptism ceremony was conducted by five pastors: Pastor James Petrus (Maprik), Pastor James Knox (Angoram), Pastor James Amos (Kubalia), Pastor Levai Yirvi (Ambunti), and Pastor Peter Tonny (Keram Porapora).

In addition to the 32 baptisms, 40 church members and interested individuals made commitments during the appeal. Maprik District had 2 new members baptized, Vanimo had 2, and Kwarabri Church and its company churches had 28.

Warastone, Vanimo: A successful Local Church Governance System training concluded today at the Warastone Seventh-day Adventist Church. The five-day intensive program equipped 147 church leaders from as far as Bewani Green, Border, and Vanimo with essential knowledge on church governance, structure, and management. 

Participants, including pastors, elders, clerks, treasurers, and ministry leaders, engaged in in-depth discussions on the Church Manual and its practical application. The training aimed to enhance their leadership skills, improve decision-making, and foster effective church management. 

In the closing remarks, the church leaders and participants expressed their satisfaction for this intensive training, “I am so glad to have this in-depth leadership training held here at Vanimo, it is an added blessing to all of our church leaders here in our district, stated the Regional Supervisor for Vanimo Region, Pastor Gideon Kend. 

The mission is confident that these empowered leaders will significantly strengthen the local churches in the region. The graduates will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony tomorrow afternoon.

Warastone, Sepik: Registration for a crucial Local Church Governance System training commenced today, with the first session kicking off this morning at the Warastone Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The training, which has attracted participants from as far as Bewani Green, Border, and Vanimo, aims to equip church leaders with essential knowledge on the organizational structure of the SDA church, effective governance, and board management.

Participants will also delve into the intricacies of the Church Manual and its practical application.

The training is specifically tailored for pastors, elders, clerks, treasurers, and ministry leaders. It is designed to enhance their leadership capabilities, improve decision-making processes, and ensure compliance with church regulations.

In addition to the training, the Adventist Bookshop from Vanimo will be setting up a stall here in Warastone to provide a wider range of books and literature to the participants.

Other departments such as Sabbath School, Personal Ministries, Communications, and Health and Wellness are also conducting their respective trainings alongside the governance training, providing a comprehensive leadership development opportunity for church leaders.

The mission believe that this training will significantly strengthen the leadership capacity of local churches in the region.

Yangoru, Sepik Mission – A crucial battle against the scourge of abuse in Papua New Guinea began yesterday with the opening of the Abuse Prevention Congress at the Kwarabri SDA Church grounds. The one week event aims to tackle the pervasive issue affecting women and children nationwide.

The congress, themed “Abuse knows no gender,” highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem. It will dive into various forms of abuse prevalent in communities and explore strategies for prevention, protection, and healing.

The congress commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring marching and a welcome for guests by Kwarabri youth and women's ministry leaders. Leading the opening ceremony were Mission President Pastor Henry Monape, night devotion speaker Minister Gilley Waro, morning devotion speaker Minister Stafford Opovi, Women's Mission Director Mrs. Lucy Moke, and Kwarabri Community Youth Representative Mr. Noah Paigra.

A series of informative sessions are scheduled throughout the congress, covering topics such as child resilience, child protection, child abuse, parenting, healing from abuse, childcare, and the complexities of divorce. Renowned experts including Mrs. Roselyn Ove, Mrs. Lucy Berak, Mrs. Albina Wohuieneng, Mrs. Joyce Advan, Mrs. Karen Orion, Jeannel Joremari, and Lynah Micah will share their knowledge and experiences.

As the congress unfolds, it is hoped that participants will leave equipped with the tools and inspiration to become agents of change in their communities, working towards a future free from the devastating impact of abuse.

Wewak, East Sepik Province: Minister for Public Service and Member for Nuku, Hon. Joe Sungi, has fulfilled a portion of his K200,000 pledge to the Sepik SDA Mission by presenting a cheque of K180,000 towards the construction of a new office complex.

The cheque was handed over to the Sepik SDA Mission administration team on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, by Nuku District Finance Manager, Steven Auwau. The remaining K20,000 was given in cash during a corporate dinner last year.

Sepik SDA Mission President, Pastor Henry Monape, expressed gratitude to Hon. Sungi and the Nuku District Development Authority for their substantial contribution to the project. The new office complex is intended to accommodate the mission's expanding ministry and operations in the greater Sepik region.

To date, the mission has collected K590,000 of the K1.6 million pledged at last year's corporate dinner. The mission is still waiting to collect the remaining funds to support with the completion of the project.

The District Church of Council for Nuku District expressed satisfaction in supporting the mission's endeavour.

Witnessing the cheque presentation were key figures from the Sepik SDA Mission, including Mission Secretary Pastor Jeffrey Saigomi, Chief Financial Officer Peter Daniel, and Nuku SDA District Director Minister Derrick Daboyan.

Yangoru District, July 27 – A group of church members from Yangoru District extended a helping hand to the residents of Marembainja Village on Sabbath, July 26. The group, comprising youths, Pathfinders, Adventurers, and members of the Adventist Church’s various ministries, donated cooking utensils and clothing to the community.

Despite inclement weather, the group embarked on their journey to Marembainja early in the afternoon. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by village leaders and residents. The church members offered prayers, songs, and biblical messages to encourage the community. In addition to the donations, health workers from Naksimingal provided basic medical services to the villagers.

Grateful for the assistance, the community expressed their appreciation and requested further support. The lack of an Adventist church in Marembainja, despite the presence of two members, has prompted discussions about establishing a place of worship in the village.

The church is calling on the public to pray for the people of Marembainja as they seek to build a stronger presence in the community.

Uttai in Walsha LLG, Green River finally has a permanent church after a dedication ceremony on Sunday. The land for the church was donated by a local couple who were baptized on Sabbath.

Bibles were also distributed to new church members during the dedication. The church is situated in the heart of the community, with a population of 4,000, and is located between Uttai Catholic Primary and Uttai Catholic High School. A pastor's house has also been built at the back of the church to prepare for a resident minister.

The church establishment is part of Sumumini organized church's efforts to expand into the Green Valley, led by Minister Staford. Bewani Green District Director Pastor Kembol also provided support for the project.

Wewak, Papua New Guinea - Nearly 200 church leaders and members from Wewak East & West Coast, Kubalia and Yangoru districts of Sepik Mission are geared up for a comprehensive training program on Local Church Governance. The training, hosted at the Gander Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church Hall, equips participants with vital skills for church administration.

The program delves into crucial areas like conducting board meetings, managing agendas and minutes, church administration, project and program implementation, financial management, understanding the Seventh-Day Adventist Church structure, and effective governance practices. Training also covers essential topics like Sabbath School operations, personal ministries, and team building.

"The turnout for this training has been phenomenal, exceeding our expectations," said a Sepik Mission spokesperson. "We believe this program will significantly equip our local churches to function effectively in accordance with the church manual."

Following a combined fellowship service at Gander Memorial Church this coming Sabbath, participants will be presented with their certificates. An exciting "Walk for Life" initiative organized by the Sepik SDA Health Services awaits them on Sunday morning. Participants will gather for the walk at the mission headquarters before concluding at the church. The weekend will culminate in a celebratory "Governance Toast" to mark the successful completion of the program.

"We are immensely grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our church leaders," concluded the spokesperson. "These valuable trainings will empower our local churches for continued growth and success."

Auwim, East Sepik Province (Papua New Guinea) - June 14, 2024 - Auwim, a remote village close to the border of East Sepik and Enga Provinces in Papua New Guinea, was visited by Adventist Education Services Director Mr. Lancedown Wirise and Senior Inspector of General Education Services Mr.Johnson Hapma on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024.

The purpose of the visit was to initiate the process of registering Auwim SDA Primary School, a beacon of hope for a community neglected due to its geographical location.

Community leaders expressed their deep desire for education in emotional speeches. One leader stated, "Many mocked us, calling us the back page of the province. Yet, we believe your visit today marks a new chapter, bringing us to the forefront."

Mr. Hapma, the Senior Inspector, pledged his support to expedite the registration process. He urged the community to work together with the Seventh-day Adventist Church to make their dream a reality.

Mr. Wirise assured the community that the necessary paperwork for registration is already in order and will be submitted shortly.

Following the program, officials toured the school for an inspection and a reception was held to honor the guests and community leaders.

Special thanks were given to Sr. Christine Gawi, Mrs. Linda Lalo, Masandanai Seventh-day Adventist Church, and volunteer teachers Mr. Venes Singafi and Mrs. Singafi for their two-year initiative to establish the school. Their dedication is bringing vital education services to Auwim.

Wewak, Papua New Guinea - The Sepik Mission has announced the appointment of Pastor Michael Lus as the new Director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries (SSPM), effective April 10, 2024.

Pastor Lus brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served the Sepik Mission for over 30 years. He hails from Kumun Village in Ward 1, West Yangoru District, and began his ministry in 1992. Over the years, he has held various leadership positions, including Area Supervisor in Bewani (2010-2012), District Director (DD) of Yangoru (10 years), Regional Supervisor for the Yangoru/Wewak region, and most recently, Overall Regional Supervisor (ORS) of Sepik Mission.

"Thank you to Sepik Mission for the call to appoint me into this role," said Pastor Lus. "I will focus on carrying forward what has been started before my appointment and help improve the work of the Personal Ministries department in the local church."

The appointment was made by the Sepik Mission's executive committee. Pastor Lus is expected to play a key role in guiding the mission's Sabbath School and Personal Ministries programs and initiatives moving forward.

Andefuka Village in East Sepik Province will soon have a new health worker stationed at their local clinic, bringing much-needed medical services back to the community.

The Sepik Mission S.D.A Health Services visited the remote village on April 4th, 2024, to assess the situation after the previous clinic, built by the government and handed over to the church for management, had been closed due to lack of staff.

The health needs of the community have been a growing concern, prompting the local level government (LLG) president, Mr. Raymond Pam, to work on building a new clinic facility. The Sepik Mission S.D.A Health Services has been collaborating with Mr. Pam to get the clinic operational again.

Wewak Island West Coast District is gearing up for the PNG For Christ Campaign with a crucial planning meeting held at Sepik Mission in Wewak Hill. Led by Minister Francis Nima, the gathering brought together church leaders, community leaders, and government officials to strategize for the upcoming Awareness Walk.

Scheduled for March 6th, 2024, the Awareness Walk plays a key role in raising awareness about the campaign's core message and encouraging participation from residents across the Sepik region. Participants at the meeting meticulously deliberated on logistics, route planning, and community engagement strategies to ensure a successful walk.

The PNG For Christ Campaign transcends religious boundaries, aiming to promote spiritual values, foster moral well-being, and strengthen community bonds. It envisions a positive societal impact and serves as a continuous endeavor, not a one-time event, as Minister Nima emphasized.

The campaign's reach extends beyond Wewak, encompassing various communities throughout the Sepik region. It aspires to touch hearts, inspire positive change, and unite people on their faith journey. Through collaboration with local leaders, the campaign seeks to address societal challenges, including law and order issues, through a holistic approach.

Deputy Administrator Alphonse Kami echoed his support for the campaign, highlighting the significance of community rehabilitation and moral upliftment. The collaboration between the Seventh-day Adventist Church, local leaders, and government agencies promises a brighter future for the region.

Reaffirming the mission's unwavering commitment to working alongside the government, Pastor Henry Monape, president of the mission, stated, "Together, we aim to create a godly society, where compassion, unity, and spiritual growth prevail."

This collaborative effort signifies the collective commitment of various stakeholders in Sepik to create a more positive and unified region through the values and message of the PNG For Christ Campaign.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is on the rise in Papua New Guinea and it is accounted for 47% of the total deaths, including 20% of deaths attributed to emerging NCDs and 27% of deaths due to endemic non-communicable diseases. Leading causes of deaths (CODs) from emerging non-communicable diseases identified include cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes.

This is due to Papua New Guineans' attitude towards food choices and the lifestyle the people live.

To help combat NCDs in the country, the church has initiated the program, "10,000 Toes as a packet to fight NCD, in particular the diabetes epidemic."

Seventh-day Adventist Church's contribution to decreasing lifestyle diseases, has initiated the program 10,000 Toes Campaign to combatting, arresting and reversing diabetes and the other lifestyle diseases.

Vanimo 10,000 Ambassadors training just had their training from February 12 to 23, 2024. In the training, the local churches sent three participants representing the churches of Aimbai, Sombol, Amanab, Bewani, and Ituly SDA Local Churches. These churches are from the rural outskirts of Vanimo, while in the urban area, we have participants from Tawa, Waraston, and Vanimo Village SDA Churches. Twenty-four (24) participants were chosen by the local churches, while another five participants were enrolled because they were interested in being part of the 10,000 Toes Campaign, and a total of 29 ambassadors graduated.

Interestingly, the Church Regional Supervisor and Bewani Green District Director attended the training and were graduated among the church members who graduated that day.

The ambassadors were trained on 10,000 Toes Bio metric-weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar level, knowing the normal and identifying the abnormal. They were also trained on the Live More Abundantly (LMA) as a Lifestyle Medicine package to treat lifestyle diseases.

Now, Sepik Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has 49 10,000 Toes Ambassadors and is looking to increase this number when 10,000 Toes go rural in East Sepik Province.

10,000 Toes Campaign against Diabetes & Save 10,000 Toes from amputations.

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.