Three adult literacy students and their teacher were baptised during a Sabbath program on September 5 at Itiki, Under Bisiatabu district of CPC, highlighting the impact of a community-based literacy ministry operated through the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The four had been participating in the Adult Literacy Program, which is open to anyone in the community, regardless of religious background. While the program focuses on reading, writing and other basic learning skills, it also creates opportunities for participants to build relationships, engage with Scripture and learn about Jesus.
The Adult Literacy Program is part of the Central Papua Conference (CPC) Women’s Ministries initiative. It seeks to address practical literacy needs while strengthening discipleship and empowering members to serve their churches and communities.
CPC Women’s Ministries Director Jullian Lava said the literacy initiative reflects the Church’s integrated approach to mission, combining education, community service and discipleship.
The ministry has also attracted interest from people outside the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Loima Orehe, Sub-Coordinator at Bisiatabu, said she has observed many Community members including other religion showing interest and participating in the program.
“I have observed that many non-Adventists are interested in and participate in this program,”.
The literacy program at Bisiatabu is coordinated by Kila Kone Oga, Bisiatabu Women’s Ministries Coordinator, with Orehe serving as Sub-Coordinator for literacy. Mrs Lava commended both coordinators for their commitment and effort in implementing the program in the community.
The recent baptism of the three learners and their teacher was an encouraging outcome for those involved. It demonstrated how a ministry that responds to practical needs can also create opportunities for spiritual relationships, Bible study and discipleship.
CPC Chief Financial Officer Bray Yomba, accompanied by several CPC staff members, attended the Sabbath program at Itiki to witness and support the ministry and celebrate the baptism of the four new believers. Their presence provided encouragement to the local coordinators, literacy teachers and participants.
The four baptisms provide encouragement for the literacy teachers and coordinators who continue to serve in their communities.
The baptism came alongside another significant Women’s Ministries development, with 53 participants receiving Level 1 certificates after completing a week-long Women’s Ministries Leadership Training.
The training strengthened the ministry’s leadership capacity by equipping participants with knowledge and practical skills for service in their local churches and communities.
The church leaders said that the two Program; four people baptised through the adult literacy program and 53 leaders certified through Level 1 training., highlight Women’s Ministries’ focus on both equipping people for service and reaching communities.
