From December 18 to 31, 2024, more than 4000 attendees, including church leaders, government officials, and church members from across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, gathered to commemorate the Bougainville Seventh-day Adventist Mission Centennial Celebrations. This historic 16-day event celebrated 100 years of faith, service, and community impact by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the region of Bougainville.
A celebration for all generations
Attendees ranged from a 4-month-old infant to a 94-year-old great-great-grandmother, showcasing the inclusivity of the celebrations. The theme, “Celebrating 100 Years of God’s Story on Bougainville”, resonated deeply with participants, uniting them in faith and gratitude.
A journey through history
The centennial celebrations unfolded across three historic sites:
- Lavelai (December 18–22): Marking the entry of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission from the Solomon Islands to Lavelai, Bougainville in 1924.
- Kastorita (December 23–25): Commemorating the journey from Lavelai to Kastorita in 1927, where missionaries travelled by boat and on foot.
- Rumba, Arawa (December 26–31): Honouring the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission Office in 1929 from Kastorita.
Each site hosted dedications, unveiling of monuments, three days of revival, historical accounts from pioneering family representatives and cultural performances, including re-enactments of the missionaries’ arrival. Across the sites, more than 200 people were baptised: 98 at Lavelai, 27 at Katorita and 92 at Rumba (while 106 stood as interests).
Leadership and vision
The centennial celebrations were graced by government leaders and church officials, who shared messages of inspiration and vision for the future:
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing his personal connection to the legacy of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission.
He stated, “If it were not for Bougainville pioneer missionaries who brought the mission to Tari in 1955, I wouldn’t be who or where I am today.” Reflecting on the life-changing impact of the mission, he explained that his father, Pastor John Marape, was a direct beneficiary of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission’s work, which led him to become a pastor and spread the Gospel to other parts of Papua New Guinea, especially in the rural Western Province.
The Prime Minister emphasised, “All mainline churches in PNG should continue to make inroads into communities, villages, and societies to promote peace, education, health, and holistic living. This is the real mission work of churches.”
Peter Tsiamalili Junior, Minister for Police and Regional Member for Bougainville, underscored the unity and spiritual growth fostered by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, recognising its significant contribution to the community.
Francisca Semoso, Member for North Bougainville, highlighted the crucial role of women and children in missionary work, stating, “Discipline starts at home, and our kids become the society we want it to become.”
Timothy Masiu, Minister for Communication and Member for South Bougainville, called for accountability in church leadership, urging pastors to take the lead in promoting peace and goodwill at the community level.
Ishmel Toroama, President of the autonomous Bougainville government, and the Bougainville Seventh-day Adventist Mission’s Centenary Community partnered to make the event a resounding success. He emphasised his commitment to supporting development plans through continual Church and Government partnership.
From the church, Pastor Malachi Yani, President of Papua New Guinea Union Mission, encouraged Bougainvilleans to amplify their voices and take ownership of their spiritual journey.
Pastor Danny Philip, South Pacific Division Discipleship Strategy Director, challenged the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Pacific region to lead in driving transformative change wherever they serve, particularly in Bougainville.
Plans for the future
The event celebrated the church’s centennial milestones while unveiling ambitious future goals:
- Construction of the Green Valley Adventist Pioneer High School in Buin for Grades 7–10.
- Renovation and ownership transfer of health centers in Kastorita, Wisai, and Darupute.
- Establishment of a TVET school in Wakunai
- Maintaining and building capacity of Pipisu Seventh-day Adventist Primary School and significant upgrades to other Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions, including Devare Seventh-day Adventist High School and Kepesia Seventh-day Adventist Primary School (that aligns with the governments Education plan in the MTDP 4 and the Vision 2050 plan).
- Restoration and redevelopment of Kastorita Mission Station.
- Lavelai site to be developed into an official campsite for Bougainville Mission
Reflecting on the church’s history, attendees were reminded of the words of Ellen G White a pioneer of the Seventh-day Adventist Church:
“In reviewing our history, having travelled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us and His teaching in our past history.”
Spiritual and community impact
The centennial celebrated the church’s spiritual significance and its enduring impact on the community.
As the celebrations concluded, the church reaffirmed its commitment to serving Bougainville and beyond, ensuring that the legacy of faith and service continues for generations.
To watch the programs, visit the Bougainville SDA Mission Centennial Celebration YouTube page.
