The 2024 Camp Mission Offering has surpassed all expectations, raising more than $A640,000—far exceeding the initial goal of $400,000.
This incredible generosity from church members across Australia and New Zealand is set to make a lasting impact in Papua New Guinea (PNG), where the Church is experiencing unprecedented growth following the PNG for Christ 2024 evangelistic campaign.
South Pacific Division stewardship director Julian Archer expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Thank you for your generous camp mission offerings, which are already being invested in Papua New Guinea to make a difference for eternity,” he said.
The funding comes at a crucial time for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea. PNG for Christ resulted in an extraordinary influx of new members, with more than 170,000 baptisms and tens of thousands more currently engaged in Bible studies. However, this rapid church growth has created an urgent need for more trained pastors, leaders and resources to nurture and retain new believers.
In response to this challenge, the 2024 Camp Mission Offering is being directed towards three key initiatives:
- Expanding the Omaura School of Ministry – The rapid growth of the Church requires more frontline ministers to evangelise, lead and disciple new members. The offering is funding the construction of additional classrooms and dormitory rooms at Omaura School of Ministry to accommodate more theology students.
- Training and empowering senior elders – With thousands of new congregations forming across PNG, equipping local church elders with leadership and pastoral skills is a top priority. These training programs will provide them with the necessary tools to lead their congregations effectively and support new believers in their faith journey.
- Providing life skills training for new members – With almost 80 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s population relying on self-employment for their livelihood, life skills training is a vital tool for both economic empowerment and church growth. The Church has seen that small business and vocational training programs not only help new believers sustain their families but also strengthen church membership retention.
“The impact of this generous offering is already being seen on the ground,” Mr Archer said. “Construction projects are underway, tens of thousands have attended practical life skills training camps and thousands of church elders are being trained in every mission of PNG.
“The investment in training, leadership development and practical skills will not only support new believers but also help sustain the growth and mission of the Church in PNG for years to come.”
