“AS we gather here today, I am reminded of the rich history that predates our political independence in 1975. Long before we became a sovereign nation, the church was already deeply rooted in the fabric of our society. Today, we celebrate a significant milestone: 100 years of the Adventist Church in Bougainville. This legacy is not just a testament to faith; it is a powerful reminder of the impact that faith-based organizations have had on our communities.
From Bougainville, the message of hope and service spread to the rest of New Guinea, reaching my own part of the country in 1954. It was during this time that a Bougainville missionary took a young orphan—my father—under his wing, nurturing him not only as a child but also as a future church worker. This personal story illustrates the profound influence of our missionaries, who dedicated their lives to serving others out of love, not for financial gain, but for the love of God.
Christian churches have been forerunners in promoting service to humanity. They have laid the groundwork for community development, education, and social cohesion. As we move forward in our national development discussions, we must place our churches at the forefront, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our society.
Love, as taught through Jesus, is a purer and more profound form of connection than any other. It transcends boundaries, cultures, and differences, uniting us in a common purpose. This is the essence of the missionary spirit—selfless service driven by a commitment to uplift others.
I commend the people of Bougainville for your continued hospitality and for embodying the values of love and service that our missionaries have instilled in us. Let us carry this spirit forward as we work together to build a brighter future for all Papua New Guineans.
