The 15 Mile Seventh-day Adventist Church in CPC, Bisiatabu district held a Family Emphasis Week from September 6–12, focusing on the theme of family, faith and the digital space.

Pastor Michael Kave led the week’s presentations and worship services, exploring both the opportunities and challenges digital media presents to Adventist families. 

The sessions highlighted how technology can strengthen faith, learning and family connection when used intentionally, while also encouraging families to recognise the risks of its misuse.

Throughout the week, individuals, families and young people who had been absent from church for various reasons were warmly welcomed back into the church community.

Their presence brought encouragement and joy to the congregation.

Adventist Family Life Leader Mrs Kathleen Ratnasingam emphasised the importance of involving children in regular family worship, particularly morning and evening worship. She encouraged parents to create opportunities for children to use their digital skills positively—for example, through music, family worship songs, live-streaming worship services and other digital resources that can share the gospel beyond the home.

“The digital space can become a ministry opportunity for our families when we intentionally use it to point our children and others to Jesus,” Ratnasingam said.

The week concluded on Sabbath, September 12, with a special highlight as Pastor Kava dedicated eight babies during the worship service. 

The dedication added a joyful and meaningful conclusion to a week centred on strengthening families and nurturing faith in an increasingly digital world.

The 15 Mile church hopes the emphasis will encourage families to make Christ the centre of their homes while using digital technology wisely as a tool for connection, learning and ministry.

 Life Retreat held on 24-26 April has been described as a spiritually enriching and impactful gathering for church families and leaders within the Central Papua Conference.

According to the CPC Family Life Director, Pastor Bill Robinson, the main purpose and theme of this year’s retreat was to lead families to be “Rooted in the Word, Focused on the Mission.”

He explained that the inspiration behind the retreat came from a desire to strengthen worship, prayer, and fellowship among families across CPC, while also sharing the five-year strategic plan for both the Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) Adventist Family Ministry and CPC Family Ministry. The retreat also provided a platform for joint planning and collaboration among family ministry leaders.

Participation was described as strong and encouraging, with representation from both rural and urban churches within CPC. Family ministry coordinators, pastors, district directors, and church representatives actively engaged throughout the program. Facilitators were also commended for delivering solid and practical content.

Key topics covered during the retreat included:

• God’s Design for Families in this Modern Age (Spiritual Renewal & Mission) – Philippians 4:6–9 

• Equipping Leaders for Family Discipleship (Ministry Strategy & Action) – Mark 10:45 

• Families as Centers of Mission (Ministry Strategy & Action) – Joshua 24:15 

One of the challenges highlighted was ensuring full attendance from all districts, including local church Family Ministry leaders, district coordinators, pastors, and district directors.

Despite this, the overall impact of the retreat was described as powerful, particularly through the presentations and shared experiences of facilitators on family ministry topics.

The most encouraging highlight of the weekend, according to Pr Robinson, was witnessing God’s presence during early morning prayer sessions and the spiritual response that followed the presentations.

Robinson emphasized that the retreat has strengthened relationships among CPC church families and reaffirmed the mission of making homes centers of discipleship and service.

Plans are also underway for follow-up activities to continue strengthening families beyond the retreat experience.

Toule Junior High School, a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school in Rigo East with more than 700 students, has received a new double classroom facility to support its growing student population.

The new classroom, built by the Central Provincial Government last year, was officially opened yesterday and is now ready for use by the school.

Central Province Governor Rufina Peter, who attended the opening ceremony with other government representatives, encouraged students to recognise the responsibility that comes with attending a church-agency school.

“You are in a church-agency school. Your responsibility is to show Christian values and principles in the school, in your community and in your future careers,” Governor Peter told the students.

She encouraged the students to carry the values they learn at school beyond the classroom and into their communities and future workplaces.

Toule Junior High School Principal Tony Omohae acknowledged the support provided through the new infrastructure, saying facilities remain one of the major challenges facing the school.

He said the school continues to work to put the necessary resources and facilities in place to meet the needs of its growing student population.

With more than 700 students, the new classroom is expected to provide additional learning space and help the school accommodate its students more effectively.

The opening also highlighted the importance of continued partnership between the government and church-agency schools in providing quality education and facilities for students in the province.

More than 150 Partners in Ministry (PIMs) members gathered at Bautama Mission Station from July 17–19, 2026, for the Central Papua Conference (CPC) PIMs Retreat under the theme "Rooted and Blooming." While the three-day retreat provided spiritual renewal, practical ministry training, and fellowship, it also marked a historic milestone with the conference's first-ever Retirees Appreciation Program, honouring retired pastors, widows, and widowers for their faithful years of service to God's mission.

The retreat was initiated under the leadership of Mrs. Priscilla Winnie, wife of CPC President Pastor Lonol Winnie, with the vision of strengthening Partners in Ministry while creating opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

Throughout the weekend, participants took part in personal devotions, united prayer, worship services, group discussions, and seminar presentations addressing the realities of ministry life. Topics included Prayer in the Life of a Woman, coping with the Challenges of Being a Pastor's Wife, Pastor's Wife and Loneliness, and Woman and Self-Esteem.

One of the retreat's most practical sessions focused on the challenges faced by pastors' families in ministry. During the presentation, participants were reminded that serving God should take precedence over trying to satisfy the expectations of everyone around them.

"Every church member has expectations of a pastor's family, but you cannot meet them all without exhausting yourself or placing unnecessary strain on your family. Do what God has called you to do, serve faithfully, and let everything you do bring glory to Him," Minister Theresa Henry encouraged.

The message resonated with many participants, reminding them that their identity and success in ministry are measured by faithfulness to God rather than by meeting every expectation placed upon them.

During one of the worship services, CPC Chief Financial Officer Bray Yomba challenged pastors' families to uphold the high standards of Christian leadership, reminding them that their lives are constantly observed by the members they serve.

"As men and women of God, people are watching us. They look to our lives, our families, and our example. Let us live in a way that reflects Christ and upholds the calling He has entrusted to us."

The highlight of the retreat came on Sunday morning when 20 retired workers, including retired pastors, widows, and widowers, were honoured during the CPC Retirees Appreciation Program. The ceremony was the first of its kind in the conference and recognised the dedication, sacrifices, and lasting contributions of those who faithfully served the Church throughout their years of ministry.

The program deeply moved the retirees, many of whom expressed appreciation for being remembered and recognised.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Pastor Tony Kemo thanked the PIMs leadership for the meaningful initiative.

"Thank you for remembering us. As retired pastors, we feel that we still belong to this family. Many of our fellow workers have fallen asleep in the Lord, but God has spared our lives. Though we are retired from active employment, we are still serving the Lord."

Another retired pastor also expressed gratitude, saying the appreciation program reminded them that their years of faithful service continue to be valued by the Church and encouraged them to remain active in God's mission.

The retreat concluded with worship, prayer, and a renewed commitment for PIMs members to remain firmly rooted in Christ so they may continue blooming in ministry. Participants returned to their districts spiritually refreshed, encouraged by one another's fellowship, and inspired to continue serving God and supporting the mission of the Church with faithfulness and joy.

The inaugural Retirees Appreciation Program left a lasting impression on both current and retired workers, highlighting the importance of honouring those who have faithfully served before us while encouraging a new generation of Partners in Ministry to continue building God's kingdom together.

A week-long health initiative at Koki Seventh-day Adventist Church is helping members and the wider community discover that caring for their health is an important part of Christian stewardship.

Held from May 24 to 31 under the theme "Being a Steward of the 7 Dimensions of Wellness," Adventist Health Week brought together volunteer health professionals, medical missionaries and church members to promote healthy living through health education, practical services and spiritual encouragement.

More than 4,300 attendances were recorded throughout the week as participants gathered for nightly health presentations, worship services, Sabbath School, Adventist Youth programs and a Community Health Expo held on the grounds of Koki Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Guest speaker Dr Robert Jones presented Bible-based messages highlighting the connection between faith and health, while local health professionals delivered presentations on diabetes, mental health, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, leprosy and women's health. The nightly sessions also explored the seven dimensions of wellness,physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational, environmental and spiritual, encouraging participants to adopt a balanced lifestyle that honours God.

"The health message is about more than preventing disease," said Dr Jones. "It is about restoring the whole person and leading people to experience the abundant life Christ offers."

The week reached its peak on Sabbath, with approximately 1,500 people attending the church's health-focused worship services. The Sabbath afternoon Adventist Youth program featured a panel discussion titled "Eden Reclaimed – Living the Wellness Blueprint," where church leaders shared practical ways to apply biblical health principles in everyday life.

The program concluded with a Community Health Expo that served 145 participants through free health screenings and lifestyle education. Volunteer health professionals provided blood pressure and blood sugar checks, body mass index assessments, exercise and nutrition education, hydrotherapy demonstrations, natural remedies information, stress management support and prayer ministry.

The expo was organised in partnership with the church's 10,000 Toes advocates and volunteer medical missionaries from the PNG Lay Institute of Global Health Training (LIGHT). Mrs Donalyn Posai coordinated the LIGHT team, whose members donated their professional skills and time to serve the community.

Pastor Kevin Mark said the program reflected Christ's method of ministry by meeting people's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

"Health ministry allows us to build relationships with people while sharing the love and hope found in Jesus Christ," he said.

Health Ministries leaders said the week strengthened collaboration between church departments, health professionals and volunteers while increasing awareness of preventive healthcare and the Seventh-day Adventist health message. They also expressed hope that the initiative would inspire more young people to pursue careers in healthcare and medical missionary work.

The Health Ministries Department thanked Dr Robert Jones, Pastor Kevin Mark, volunteer presenters, musicians, church ministries, the Communications team, deaconesses and the LIGHT Medical Missionaries for their contribution to the success of the program.

By combining practical healthcare with gospel ministry, Adventist Health Week reaffirmed the church's commitment to Christ's healing ministry and demonstrated how serving the community can become a powerful avenue for sharing the hope of Jesus.

More than a decade after the last visit by a General Conference Children's Ministries director to Papua New Guinea, Dr. Orathai Chureson has challenged church leaders, parents and teachers to make discipling children a mission priority.

Concluding a nationwide tour of PNG at the Central Papua Conference (CPC) in Bautama on July 3–4, Dr. Chureson encouraged attendees to intentionally lead children into a relationship with Jesus.

"Our mission is to win the souls of little children and help them come to know Jesus," she said during the sabbath worship attended by Sabbath School teachers, Children's Ministries leaders, parents and church members.

The Bautama program marked the final stop of Dr. Chureson's 10-day visit, which took her across PNG's four regions. Hosted by the Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) Children's Ministries Department, the itinerary included meetings with church leaders, worship services, and leadership training in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka and Kokopo before concluding in CPC.

Dr. Chureson said she had long wanted to visit Papua New Guinea after hearing reports of the PNG for Christ evangelistic initiative and the many people who had accepted Jesus through the nationwide campaign.

"I heard so much about PNG because of PNG for Christ," she said. "I wanted to come and see how we can strengthen Children's Ministries so that more children will also become disciples of Jesus."

The visit was the first by a General Conference Children's Ministries director since former director Linda Mei Lin Koh visited the country in 2013. Participants described the occasion as a privilege, noting that despite many opportunities around the world, Dr. Chureson chose to include the South Pacific Division and PNG in her itinerary.

A highlight of the weekend was the recognition of Children's Ministries leaders who have served faithfully over the years. Sixteen current and former Children's Ministries coordinators and directors received commemorative ministry pins, while church leaders also acknowledged several leaders who were unable to attend.

Welcoming the visitors, CPC General Secretary Pastor George Paki thanked the General Conference, South Pacific Division and PNGUM for investing in the training and encouragement of local Children's Ministries leaders. He urged participants to apply what they had learned in their local churches as they nurture children in faith.

Dr. Chureson was accompanied by South Pacific Division Children's Ministries Director Ruthy Batu and PNGUM Women's and Children's Ministries Director Elise Ricky.

The weekend concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to the Children's Ministries theme, "Every Child, a Disciple of Jesus," as churches across CPC continue equipping children to know Christ and participate in His mission.

A Level One Literacy Certification Program held at Bautama has equipped 53 participants not only with basic reading and writing skills but also with the capacity to serve as literacy trainers within their communities, strengthening the Church’s mission of education and empowerment.

The two-week intensive program was described as a practical response to the challenge of illiteracy in rural communities, while also supporting discipleship and personal development through education.

Organised under the leadership of CPC Women’s Ministries Director Mrs. Julian Lava, the program combined foundational literacy training with a strong focus on community-based teaching methods, preparing participants to return to their villages as literacy facilitators.

Church leaders highlighted that literacy is closely linked to discipleship, as the ability to read Scripture, understand written communication, and engage in daily learning strengthens both faith and community participation.

Leaders said that it reflect a growing emphasis within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Papua New Guinea on integrating education, mission, and community development as part of holistic ministry.

Participants were encouraged to view their new skills as a service to their communities, helping others gain access to opportunities previously limited by illiteracy.

A graduate shared their experience, saying: “Before this training, I am not confident enough. Now I have gained confidence to teach others who are unable to read and write, and I can use these skills to serve God and fellow men”

Leaders affirmed that such initiatives contribute to long-term community transformation, particularly in rural areas where access to formal education remains limited.

The graduation concluded with a call to continue expanding literacy programs across Central Papua Conference, strengthening both community empowerment and mission engagement.

Literature Evangelists from the Central Papua Conference (CPC) recently conducted an outreach program in Maopa, a coastal village in the Abau District, combining literature distribution, Bible studies, prayer ministry, and community support.

The outreach resulted in the distribution of 365 books and magazines, visits to 68 homes, 66 prayers offered, and 28 Bible studies conducted. The team also visited seven former Adventists and provided food supplies to families in need.

Maopa is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Port Moresby and is one of the communities being reached through the CPC Literature Ministry's ongoing evangelistic efforts.

According to Vavine Komba, Area Manager for Literature Ministry in CPC, literature continues to play an important role in sharing the gospel and supporting local church mission initiatives.

"Books themselves speak louder than a sermon. A sermon may be forgotten, but a book remains in the home, speaking again and again to every member of the family. Through literature, we can enter places where a preacher may never go and continue sharing the gospel long after we have left," Komba said.

In addition to distributing literature, the team spent time praying with residents, conducting Bible studies, and addressing practical needs through food assistance.

"The gospel is not only about sharing truth; it is also about showing compassion. When we meet people's immediate needs, we open doors for meaningful conversations about God's love and His plan for their lives," Komba added.

Central Papua Conference leaders commended the Literature Evangelism team for its commitment to frontline mission and community engagement.

They described the outreach as an example of the church's mission in action.

Rose Maine Sinias

The Central Papua Conference (CPC) has officially launched the OneVoice27 initiative on 19–20 of this month, joining the global Seventh-day Adventist Church movement focused on uniting members in prayer, mission, and gospel proclamation leading up to 2027.

The program brought together church leaders, departmental directors, and members under the theme of unity, “one voice for one mission.”

During the launch, the OneVoice program outline for activities over the coming months and into next year was presented by the Stewardship, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries (SSPM) Department.

CPC leadership emphasized that OneVoice27 is part of a global Seventh-day Adventist Church initiative designed to mobilize members for coordinated evangelism, Bible engagement, digital mission, and community outreach.

Members were encouraged to deepen their spiritual commitment through prayer, Bible study, and active involvement in mission activities. Leaders highlighted that OneVoice27 is not a one-time event but a movement calling every member to participate in sharing hope within their communities.

The CPC President underscored the importance of unity in mission, stating that when the church moves with “one voice,” its collective impact is strengthened for gospel outreach.

The initiative concluded with a call for members to actively engage in upcoming activities across the conference territory as the church moves forward in united mission.