South American Division

Leaders Organize First Seventh-day Adventist Church on Rapa Nui Island

In that remote Pacific island, years of mission work result in 30-member congregation.

April 20, 2025

Chile

Diana Ortiz, South American Division

Parishioners happy to be part of the iconic moment of officially becoming a church on Rapa Nui.

Photo: Remo Díaz

Seventh-day Adventist leaders organized the first congregation on Rapa Nui, a Polynesian island, belonging to Chile, several hours into the Pacific Ocean. The official ceremony took place March 8, 2025.

Some Adventist members have lived in the area for years, but now, with the support of the Chile Union Mission and the Pacific Chile Mission, leaders and church members were able to celebrate the milestone. The Rapa Nui Seventh-day Adventist Church opened with 30 baptized members, who said they want to spread the gospel message so the church will grow.

Bible courses from Nuevo Tiempo's "Revista Esperanza" will be translated into the local language to teach the islanders. Photo: Disclosure

“We want to thank God for this moment, which is a milestone in the history of Rapa Nui,” said local church pastor Rubén Chanduca. “After many years of work, effort, and sacrifice, a dream has come true.”

Nuevo Tiempo Media Network in Rapa Nui

Adventist media network Nuevo Tiempo Chile is also connected to the project, thanks to its new live broadcasts through the local radio station 107.3 FM, regional church leaders reported.

“We are thankful for the ministry of the radio [station], which will broadcast programs for the community in the Rapa Nui language,” Chanduca said.

Nuevo Tiempo Chile Director Remo Díaz said that to accomplish that goal, the network is translating three sets of Bible studies. People will be able to request the new sets free of charge, he reported.

Group of members of the new Adventist Church on Rapa Nui. Photo: Disclosure

Díaz emphasized that one of the roles of the new radio station will be to direct the island’s inhabitants to the newly organized church. “Those who listen will be motivated and eventually drawn to the new congregation,” he explained. “And . . . they will be welcomed by a loving and kind congregation.”

Church Leaders’ Presence

Administrative leaders of the Adventist Church in the South American Division (SAD) attended the event, where they expressed their support and joy of being part of the celebration. Edward Heidinger, SAD secretary, emphasized the importance of the establishment of the new congregation and thanked God for His guidance and blessings. He also thanked the local Adventist members for their commitment to mission and growing the church on the island.

Eugenia Villarroel, the first Rapa Nui islander to give her life to Jesus through baptism. Photo: Remo Díaz

“Our dream is to preach the gospel in every corner, and Rapa Nui is part of our territory,” he said. “Our duty is to strengthen the church in this place and preach the gospel across this region as well.”

Members Celebrate Achievement

Members of the new congregation also shared their happiness and gratitude.

“I am grateful to God for giving us this blessed hope in this place and also because—through a small group, a home, then a branch, and now a church—we feel this is a wonderful gift from our Lord,” said Eugenia Villarroel, the first islander from Rapa Nui to give her life to Jesus through baptism.

Rolando, another member of the new congregation, agreed. “Our wishes have become a reality today,” Rolando said. “We couldn’t be happier.”

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish-language news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news updates.