The Central Papua Conference (CPC), working with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea, has launched an adult literacy training program that is strengthening discipleship and equipping members across local churches, reflecting its ongoing focus on mission and community development.

A total of 55 out of 57 Level 1 Adult Literacy teachers recently graduated from a Phase 2 training held at Gordon’s Seventh-day Adventist Church, marking another milestone in the Church’s ongoing literacy and discipleship initiatives.

The program, conducted under the region's Women’s Ministries department, is part of the Mission Arena initiative focused on retention, discipleship, and equipping members for service. CPC Women’s Ministries Director, Jullian Lava, said the training reflects the Church’s integrated approach to mission.

“This Phase 2 activity supports mission retention and discipleship through the Women’s Ministries framework,” she said.

Lava explained that the program addresses a significant national challenge, citing Papua New Guinea’s low literacy rate. This, she said, directly affects many church members’ ability to read the Bible and fully engage in discipleship.

Through the initiative, participants are trained as missionary literacy teachers who will return to their local churches to assist both members and community residents in developing reading and writing skills, with a strong focus on Bible literacy and Christian education.

The training covered the Adventist Adult Literacy Curriculum, including home language instruction, basic numeracy, social inclusion, and Christian Religious Education Level 1 teaching resources.

Despite challenges such as limited training venues and facilities, the program achieved strong outcomes.

Lava noted that one of the most encouraging outcomes was the enthusiasm of participants ready to serve as disciple-makers in their local communities.

“These teachers are equipped and willing to go back and make a difference,” she said.

She encouraged continued support for literacy programs, including proper budgeting and advocacy, and highlighted their role in strengthening both the church mission and community development.

The program stands as a practical example of how the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to integrate mission with education, empowering members while expanding the reach of the gospel through literacy and service.

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