A remote village in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with no previous Adventist presence welcomed a new church and vital community services following a week-long outreach by Adventist Community Services (ACS) in the New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM).
From May 16 to 24, 2025, more than 300 ACS members from across East New Britain Province traveled to Raigel, an isolated community in the Sinivit Local Level Government area, where residents often journey up to three days to access basic necessities.
Under the theme “Jesus is all I need,” the outreach provided both spiritual care and practical assistance. A major milestone was the construction of Raigel’s first Seventh-day Adventist church, built in just five days through the PNG for Christ initiative, supported by the South Pacific Division (SPD). The church was officially opened on May 25 by NBNIM President Andrew Opis, on land donated by local village chief Herman Seneng.
“This is the first Adventist church in Raigel, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring the gospel and serve the community,” said Richard Koroi, NBNIM secretary. “People in remote areas like Raigel need our prayers and support.”
The completed church building.
New Britain New Ireland Mission President Andrew Opis.
Volunteers building the first Adventist Church in the village.
One of the new VIP toilets.
The outreach concluded with a baptism.
School children with their new uniforms.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief Seneng and the SPD for their contributions.
Chief Seneng, who also allocated land for a future pastor’s residence, pledged to join the Adventist Church along with his family and clan. They attended the first Sabbath service held with the ACS team at the outreach campsite.
In addition to the church construction, ACS volunteers led a variety of activities to benefit the local community. These included health education, life skills training, and infrastructure improvements. Six ventilated improved pit (VIP) toilets were built to serve the community, school, and aid post.
Women’s and Children’s Ministries Director Dianne Pelap shared that the team also sewed and distributed 96 school uniforms and shirts for seven local teachers.
Daily programming included morning and evening worship services led by NBNIM Directors Tangis Kurae and Jeffery Kamo, prayer sessions facilitated by Minister Sandy Yambi, and health presentations delivered by Dr. Robert Wat and a team of medical professionals.
Life skills training included sewing, cooking, and traditional stone baking techniques. More than 300 care packages containing soap, cooking oil, clothing, and other essential items were distributed to families in the village.
“We did many things throughout the week, but we never felt tired,” said Pelap. “Through prayer, the job was done.”
The outreach concluded with one baptism and six additional individuals responding to an appeal for future baptism.
The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.
