South Pacific Division

Historic Outreach to Remote Tribe in Papua New Guinea Leads to First Baptisms

Adventist volunteers empower the Bush Mengen tribe through spiritual and practical support.

November 21, 2024

Papua New Guinea

Paul Bopalo and Juliana Muniz, Adventist Record

Two people were baptized as a direct result of the historic outreach program.

[Photo: Adventist Record]

The Adventist Church in New Britain New Ireland Mission in Papua New Guinea has achieved a historic milestone. Church members from the Pomio district have successfully reached the remote Bush Mengen tribe, conducting a weeklong program that led to the tribe’s first two baptisms. The mission team visited from November 4 to 10, 2024, offering Bible teaching and practical skills training.

Previous outreach attempts in 1983 had failed due to cultural confrontations, fears of headhunting, and local sorcery, which forced the mission team to withdraw. More recently, Adventist Church Elder Ben Uva Tagaliurea took on the challenge with his family, working in the area since graduating from the Rarokos Layman Training School in 2023.

The mission group’s journey to the Bush Mengen tribe involved travel by boat, truck, river crossings, and several miles on foot. Upon arrival, the locals were intrigued by the Adventist presence and expressed curiosity, especially when the team used technology like projectors and slides for presentations.

Photo: Adventist Record

In addition to preaching, the team offered training in tailoring, coconut oil extraction, adult literacy, financial literacy, and cooking techniques, which resonated strongly with the tribe.

Health and wellness were also part of the program. An Adventist nursing professional delivered health talks on lifestyle diseases and held a free clinic where hundreds came in for medical consultations and treatment.

As a result of the program, two members of the Bush Mengen tribe chose to be baptised—the first baptisms in the tribe. Other attendees showed interest in learning more, and tribal leaders noted that the Adventist church was unique in addressing both spiritual and practical needs.

“Other churches have come and offered spiritual guidance, but the Adventist church brought both spiritual and practical support,” one leader said.

The Pomio district team is asking for prayers and support as they continue working with the Bush Mengen tribe, aiming to expand the church's presence and impact in the region.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.