Ten students from Rongoe Adventist Primary School were baptised during a week-long Stewardship and Reconciliation camp meeting held at the school from May 11 to 17.
More than 400 people gathered for the event, which brought together churches across the Emirau District (New Britain New Ireland Mission), Papua New Guinea.
District director Minister Damien Kelly led morning messages focused on stewardship, while New Ireland provincial area supervisor Pastor Paul Bopalo spoke during the evening sessions on the theme of reconciliation.
The program also included training in church communication, the Adventist Church Management System (ACMS), local church reporting, discipleship retention, and the 10,000 Toes health initiative. Discipleship materials from the South Pacific Division were distributed to attendees.
A daily 15-minute health segment was presented under the theme “Breaking Chains” by Terry Simon. “We should recognise God as the source of healing,” he said. “Put into action what God calls us to do.”
The program concluded with a major reconciliation service on the final evening, with church members, leaders and children participating. “For the first time we came together as a whole district and experienced reconciliation,” said Elder Edly Gotfrey. “It was a powerful moment.”
In addition to the baptisms, 36 individuals responded to an appeal. “Reconciliation will not end here,” said Minister Kelly. “We will continue this work.”
The Sabbath program was led by more than 100 Adventurers and 10 staff as part of World Adventurer Day. The entire week was streamed live on Emirau District’s official Facebook page, drawing more than 1000 online viewers across Papua New Guinea.
