A remote village in Papua New Guinea with no previous Adventist presence has been served through a week-long community outreach by Adventist Community Services (ACS) in the New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM).
From May 16 to 24, more than 300 ACS members from across East New Britain Province travelled to Raigel village—an isolated community in the Sinivit Local Level Government area where locals must travel up to three days to purchase basic goods.
Themed “Jesus is all I need,” the outreach brought both spiritual and practical support. For the first time, an Adventist church was established in the village—built in just five days through the support of the PNG for Christ initiative, funded by the South Pacific Division. The new church was officially opened on May 25 by NBNIM president Pastor Andrew Opis, on land donated by Village chief Herman Seneng.
“This is the first Adventist church in Raigel, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring the gospel and serve the community,” said Pastor Richard Koroi, secretary of NBNIM. “People in remote areas like Raigel need our prayers and support.” He also thanked Chief Seneng and the SPD for the support.
Chief Seneng, who also donated the land for a future pastor’s house, pledged to join the Adventist Church along with his family and clan. They attended the first Sabbath service with the ACS team on a campsite.
Alongside the church construction, the ACS team also led a variety of activities for the local community including health education, life skills training and infrastructure development. Six ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets were built for the community, school and aid post. NBNIM women’s and children’s ministries director Dianne Pelap said the team sewed and gifted 96 school uniforms and shirts for seven teachers.
Daily programs included morning and evening worship, led by NBNIM directors Pastor Tangis Kurae and Pastor Jeffery Kamo, with morning prayer sessions facilitated by Minister Sandy Yambi. Health presentations were conducted by Dr Robert Wat and a team of professionals.
Life skills training included sewing, cooking and baking using traditional stone methods were also conducted and more than 300 care packages containing essential items like soap, cooking oil and clothing were distributed to villagers.
“We did many things throughout the week but we never felt tired,” said Ms Pelap. “Through prayer, the job was done.”
The outreach concluded with one baptism and six additional people responding to an appeal for a future baptism.
