Church members across West New Britain Province (PNG) have freely donated more than K1 million worth of materials, labour and resources to build infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM) business session.
Scheduled for September 28–30, the session will be hosted at Kulungi Seventh-day Adventist Church, near Kimbe. In anticipation, a large-scale volunteer effort known as the “Faith Project” began on March 26, with the goal of completing the facilities by August.
A total of 446 volunteers representing all districts in the province—Kandrian, Bali Vitu, Kove, Bialla, Talasea and Kimbe—have joined the project, contributing timber, hardware, machinery, food and transport. Local construction professionals donated equipment such as dump trucks and excavators, while others offered boats and vehicles to move people and materials across the region.
“We had inadequate funds to begin, so we named it the ‘Faith Project’, and our workers’ Team Faith’,” said provincial area supervisor Pastor Gabriel Kamara. “We depend entirely on God, and through prayer, we’ve experienced what He can do.”
The work has included building permanent and semi-permanent dormitories, classrooms, toilets, a large hall, a church building and a kitchen—some using bush materials.
“Some of our church members own construction companies,” said Minister Sebastien Rupu. “They sent their staff and machines to support the work—and continued paying them their regular wages.”
Even those with very little gave what they could. “It’s the first time I’ve seen people moved so deeply,” said lay leader Belden Aro. “I was in tears. God touched not only the professionals, but the old and poor as well.”
The project began without a formal budget. “When we needed materials, God provided—through church members, professionals and lay workers,” said Kolen Billy. “We are now building permanent infrastructure by faith.”
According to Bialla district director Minister Ivoni Kemo, church members were so inspired they redirected district funds toward the project. “When others moved, we moved. The ordinary members gave. The professionals gave. We acted in faith—and God chips in.”
NBNIM secretary Pastor Richard Koroi and other Mission leaders visited the site and were moved by the scale of the project and the generosity of members. “It’s the first time I’ve seen something like this,” said Minister Rupu. “We didn’t have the money, but we started with faith.”
NBNIM president Pastor Andrew Opis expressed gratitude on behalf of the mission. “We sincerely thank Pastor Gabriel Kamara and his team,” he said. “You are moving with a different spirit. We are excited to see what God is doing here.”
As the project nears completion, church leaders are requesting continued prayer for its success.
