Kevin Warwakai sacrificed to teach without pay for a people he loves.
In 2023, Mr Warwakai began serving as a missionary teacher in Kaspeke—a small and remote village tucked deep within the Crown Prince Range, in Evo, Torau Constituency, central Bougainville. The decision he made changed his life. He chose to help the community start a school, with the blessing of his wife and two children, who he had to leave for a time, to serve the people of Kaspeke. His wife taught at the nearby Konuku Seventh-day Adventist Primary School.
Kaspeke is home to nearly 40 families and more than 400 children of school age. Yet, there is no formal school, no road linking the area and no government services. The people live traditionally, and the village is only accessible by a six to seven-hour walk from the nearest main road. Many children aged 7 to 16 have never had the opportunity to attend school.
In 2020, the first Seventh-day Adventist missionaries reached Kaspeke through border evangelism, led by the Nasioi and South Nasioi youth groups. The community’s greatest need was evidently clear—education. Responding to this, dedicated young people from Nasi, members of the Konuku Seventh-day Adventist church, built three simple classrooms from bush materials. For the next two years after the construction of the facilities, no teachers arrived. That’s when Mr Warwakai stepped in.
When he arrived in 2023, he was warmly welcomed. He began teaching 80 children—bright, curious and full of potential. Despite limited resources, their passion for learning was inspiring. He found joy not only in teaching but in living among them: eating the meals they shared, wearing their traditional styles and visiting families every Sabbath with a fellow missionary Peter Kerry.
With support from JNT, a local business in Arawa chipped in with donations of books and learning materials that made a huge difference. By the end of the year, they had made great strides in basic literacy and learning. But the real impact was in the relationships—the sense of community, shared purpose and hope. This paved the way for evangelism efforts, where church planting is soon to be realised.
Unfortunately, after serving this community for a year, Bougainville’s government education board posted him to South Bougainville. Mr Warwakai says this broke his heart. “The children, their families and the mission in Kaspeke are still very close to my heart,” he said.
Kaspeke still needs our prayers, our presence and our support. Please remember this Christian community in your prayers. If you or your church are able to help through resources, donations or mission visits, your support will go a long way in keeping this light burning. Together, we can continue to bring hope and education to the children of Kaspeke, bringing the Adventist message to these people.
Telly Orekavala is a church pastor in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.
