A remote Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in Western Province’s Olsobip, once left without a resident pastor for decades, has experienced a major spiritual revival following a recent mission trip and student convention that combined evangelism with practical community service.
The Olsobip SDA Church, established in the 1970s after early pioneers arrived by mission aircraft, survived for nearly 20 to 30 years without pastoral leadership, sustained only by a handful of members—at times fewer than 15. Access to the area remains difficult, requiring a 25–30 kilometers trek by foot.
That long period of isolation began to change between 2018 and 2020 when volunteer minister Jim Francis served in Omaura and later extended his ministry to Olsobip. His outreach led to three baptisms and helped grow church membership from about 12 to more than 50. During the recent FRASA 4th Biannual Student Convention, three additional members were baptized, with the service officiated by ordained pastor Glenn Komatti who serves at Kanudi outside Port Moresby.
“This was the first time the community witnessed such a gathering,” Mr. Francis said, describing the convention as a moment when “great light came into the darkness.”
He said there had been no major church meetings in Olsobip for many years before the event.
Hundreds of students and adults attended the convention, which was marked not only by sermons but also by visible acts of service.
Students cleaned drainage systems around the local health center, patched roads, and assisted with general community work—activities local leaders said deeply touched residents.
Eighteen members of the Harvesters Ministry Group travelled from Port Moresby to support the convention, bringing Bible boxes, The Great Controversy books, and a new signboard for the Olsobip church.
Their singing and participation were widely praised by attendees. The group is led by Pastor Komati, who also delivered the main sermons under the theme “Jesus Will Walk With Me.”
Pastor Komati’s messages focused on walking with God, understanding His purpose, and responding to His call, alongside educational sermons aimed at guiding young people in their academic and spiritual journeys.
Medical support was also provided by Dr Tony Ila and his team, including a dental nurse and resident, who offered check-ups, tooth extractions, and basic treatments. Clothing and other donated items were distributed to families, an experience community members described as unprecedented.
“Nothing like this has ever been done here before,” community members said, noting the impact of both the spiritual and humanitarian outreach.
Community chief Amina Tuptaral said the convention confirmed to residents that the church was demonstrating God’s love through action. Pastors from other denominations also attended with their families, joining worship services and sermons.
“This convention brought light and life to our people,” Chief Tuptaral said. “You brought joy, happiness, and tears of joy.”
Pastor Komati described the gathering as one of the most significant moments in Olsobip’s history. “Indeed, God visited and was among us during this time,” he said.
For a church that once struggled to survive in isolation, the mission trip has marked a turning point-renewing faith, strengthened community ties, and left Olsobip with a renewed sense of hope and spiritual direction.