Solomon Islanders celebrated for their role in the 100-year SDA mission in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.
Bougainville recently marked the 100th anniversary of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) mission in the region, celebrating the efforts of the first missionaries that came from the Solomon Islands.
The centenary celebrations which took place from December 18 to 31, 2024, highlighted the historical significance of the missionaries’ arrival in 1924.
In 1924, the first SDA missionaries arrived in Lavelai, Buin District, South Bougainville.
From there, they expanded their mission to Inus, North Bougainville, and eventually to Rumba, Central Bougainville.
These early missionaries are credited with establishing the SDA Church in Bougainville, which has since grown and spread throughout Papua New Guinea.
Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the centenary celebrations in Rumba, Central Bougainville. During his speech, he praised the contributions of the SDA mission to Bougainville and acknowledged the lasting impact of the first missionaries.
“We gather today to celebrate 100 years of the church’s presence in Bougainville. But as we celebrate, we must remember why we exist—to share the message of eternal life,” Marape stated.
In his address, Prime Minister Marape also shared his personal connection to the SDA mission in Bougainville. He spoke of how his father, an orphan, was mentored by Pastor Micah, one of the early missionaries in Buin. Marape expressed gratitude for the church’s role in shaping his family’s faith journey.
Pastor Malachi Yani, President of the Papua New Guinea Union Mission, expressed appreciation for the Solomon Islands’ SDA mission. He noted the courage and dedication of the missionaries who brought the gospel to Bougainville, acknowledging their significant role in establishing the church in the region.
“The Solomon Islands SDA Mission’s early work laid the foundation for the growth of the church in Bougainville and Papua New Guinea,” Pastor Yani said.
Bougainville Mission President Pastor Mathias Foxsy highlighted the difficulties encountered by the first missionaries. They navigated remote regions and faced challenges related to transportation, communication, and healthcare. Despite these obstacles, their work established a strong foundation for the church’s future in Bougainville.
Prime Minister Marape concluded his visit by announcing a K1 million contribution to support the continued work of the Bougainville Mission.
Source: Post Courier, Papua New Guinea, ABG Media and Bouganville Mission of SDA
