Koki Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted its inaugural Stewardship Convention, attracting approximately 250 registered participants. It was the first time a local Adventist church in Papua New Guinea had organised a stewardship convention of this scale.
Held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, the convention featured Pastor Grego Pillay as keynote speaker. Drawing on his experience in ministry, leadership and mission, Pastor Pillay challenged participants to rethink stewardship through the biblical concept of “mission entrepreneurship”.
Pastor Pillay served in Adventist ministry for more than 20 years and is now CEO of Newcastle Health Solutions, a specialist occupational and environmental medicine practice. Together with his wife, specialist physician Dr Jessica Maistry, he is committed to integrating Christian values with professional excellence and community service.
“Their combined experience in ministry, healthcare, leadership and business provided a unique perspective that inspired delegates to see stewardship as the faithful use of every gift, profession and opportunity entrusted to them by God,” said Pastor Miller Kuso, Sabbath school and personal ministries director for the Papua New Guinea Union Mission.
According to Pastor Kuso, Pastor Pillay introduced thought-provoking concepts that challenged conventional understandings of stewardship.
“He encouraged pastors, business leaders, professionals, university students, young adults, lay members, entrepreneurs and those seeking employment to recognise that God has entrusted every believer with unique gifts, abilities and opportunities to participate in His mission,” he said.
“His presentations emphasised that stewardship extends far beyond financial giving and includes one’s vocation, influence, creativity, leadership and service to the community.”
The convention also featured presentations from Pacific Adventist University lecturers, Pastor Wally Kapi, stewardship director for the Central Papua Conference, and Pastor Kuso. Leadership representatives from BSP Bank conducted practical workshops and breakout sessions focusing on financial literacy, personal financial planning and investment.
“The success of the convention was made possible through the dedication and commitment of the leadership and members of Koki Seventh-day Adventist Church,” Pastor Kuso said.
“Overall, the Koki Seventh-day Adventist Church Stewardship Convention established a strong foundation for future initiatives and demonstrated that local churches can play a significant role in equipping members for holistic stewardship, leadership and mission. It is our prayer that this pioneering convention will inspire similar initiatives throughout the Central Papua Conference and across Papua New Guinea as churches continue to empower God’s people for faithful participation in God’s mission.”
