When a person shares his or her story about how Jesus Christ has transformed their life, that testimony becomes the most powerful sermon of all.
Associate Stewardship Leader Gary Kandipa has shared such a testimony.
Preaching the divine service today before over 300 congregation members at the Sogavare Memorial SDA Church at Gerehu Stage 6 in Port Moresby, Mr. Kandipa detailed his spiritual journey from the Lutheran faith to embracing the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He described it as a calling shaped by life, near-death experiences, and biblical conviction.
Mr. Kandipa reflected on his early years after finishing school in 1993.
His life revolved around rugby and alcohol, including representing the Junior Kumuls in 1996, playing for the Mendi Muruks in 2004, and serving with the police in Mendi.
He said his mindset changed dramatically after surviving a serious car accident.
“I should have died,” he recalled.
He said his spouse and him made a public commitment in church with K1,000 offering not to take alcohol anymore after the accident.
In September 2011, he was flown from Mendi, SHP to serve as bodyguard to former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
A defining spiritual moment came during an official visit to Israel.
Arriving in Jerusalem on a Friday, Mr. Kandipa witnessed the nation come to a complete standstill for the observance of God’s Sabbath.
“I saw how a whole country respected God’s Day of Worship,” he said.
Visits to Bethlehem, the Jordan River, Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee strengthened his belief, turning biblical accounts into living evidence.
In July 2024, Mr. Kandipa said his eldest daughter Fiona encouraged the family to join the Adventist Church.
That, he said, confirmed what he believed God had already planned for his life, referencing Jeremiah 1:4–5 and Jeremiah 29:11.
“I will never go back to the dark world,” he declared, quoting Psalms 24:1 to affirm that everything belongs to God.
He challenged believers to stand firm in faith, reminding them that heaven is ready.
He urged them to be ready to receive God in return.