Members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the Moresby East District united on Sunday, July 19, 2026, to provide practical assistance and encouragement to families in the Kipo Community at East Boroko following the displacement of more than 50 households.
The community was forced to relocate after the construction of a new road linking East Boroko and 6 Mile. The development left many families without homes and disrupted essential services, including water and electricity.
With the community's water supply and power disconnected during the construction, residents now rely on only one or two main water outlets, while the entire area remains without electricity. The Kipo Seventh-day Adventist Church has also been affected, relying on a generator to conduct its Sabbath worship services.
In response to the urgent need, churches across the Moresby East District collected and donated essential food items and household supplies, including bags of rice, noodles, tinned fish and meat, flour, cooking oil, laundry detergent, toiletries, mats, tarpaulins, clothing, and cooking utensils. The donated items were presented during a special gathering and distributed to all families affected by the displacement, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Community Chairman Kuta Vareva expressed his appreciation to the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its timely response.
"The church has always been a blessing to our community," he said. "It was the first to reach out and support us during this difficult time, even before the government and other non-government organizations."
Also present was Kipo Seventh-day Adventist Church Senior Elder Tomaka Noya, who was among those displaced. Despite experiencing personal loss, he encouraged the community to remain faithful.
"We must not let our situation determine our commitment to God. In both the good and the difficult times, we must continue to serve Him faithfully," Noya said.
Natash Efu said taht The outreach demonstrated the church's commitment to serving communities through compassion and practical ministry. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the initiative strengthened relationships between the church and the wider Kipo community, reminding affected families that they have not been forgotten during this challenging season.
The initiative reflects Christ's call to care for those in need, as recorded in Matthew 25:35: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
The Moresby East District continues to pray for the displaced families and hopes to provide further support as they rebuild their lives while advocating for the restoration of water and electricity to the community.
