05/11/2024
Efogi and Launumu Churches Celebrate Centennial of Adventism in Efogi, Mt. Koiari, Central Province//
Efogi, Papua New Guinea — October 30, 2024
In a deeply significant gathering on October 30, 2024, church members from Launumu, Efogi, and other local congregations within the Efogi District assembled to celebrate a milestone: the 100th anniversary of Adventism in Efogi and Launumu. This event commemorates a century of faith since the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on October 26, 1924, by Australian missionary Pr. William Lock and his family.
The first Seventh-day Adventist church in the area was established under challenging conditions, with Pr. Lock venturing into the mountainous Koiari region, accompanied by his family, to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ among the local villages. Two years later, on January 13, 1926, Fijian missionary Naputalai Navara and his family joined the mission, bolstering the church’s work throughout the surrounding communities of Mount Koiari and beyond. Together, the Locks and the Navaras laid the foundation for Adventism in Papua New Guinea.
To honor this century-long journey of faith, a wooden bell monument was unveiled by Pr. Kepsy Elodo (a son of Efogi), PNG Union Mission Ministerial Secretary, on October 31, 2024. The monument is a carved replica of the original wooden bell, traditionally crafted in the Fijian style, which was first installed by Navara in 1926. Known as a "garamut" or bell, this piece was initially used from 1926 until 1941 to call villagers to worship. After World War II, in 1946, the wooden bell was replaced with a modern metal bell, yet its legacy as a beacon of faith continues.
In an emotional address during the centennial celebration, Pr. Lonol Winnie, President of the Central Papua Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, spoke on the historical and spiritual significance of the occasion. He congratulated the congregations of Efogi and Launumu, calling on them to preserve their faith and dedication. “May this celebration be a symbol to remember to always uphold the principles and faith in Jesus Christ, not just for the next 100 years, but until Jesus comes back,” Pr. Winnie remarked.
The commemorative event saw the unveiling of a monument by Pr. Winnie, joined by Pr. George P**i, General Secretary of the Central Papua Conference, and Bray Yomba, Chief Financial Officer of the Central Papua Conference. The monument serves as a reminder of God's guidance and the resilience of the local church community over the past century.
Guests present also were Evangelist Carl Jack, a son of the pioneer missionary Faole, Retired Pastor Pr. Amos Bena,
Pr. David Gairo, Moresbysouth District Director, Efogi District Director Pr. Oscar Munile, local church pastors in Efogi District and program committees.
Efogi and Launumu, with pride and humility, paid homage to the pioneering missionaries whose sacrifice and vision brought Adventism to their lands and throughout Papua New Guinea, and to the generations of believers who have continued that legacy. The gathering concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude, with participants declaring how blessed they felt to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Gogea Media
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