Adventist Church Becomes Shelter for Those Fleeing Community Violence

More than 22 families have been left homeless following a devastating conflict between two communities from mid-March to the beginning of April 2026 in the Nanuk area, East New Britain province, Papua New Guinea. The affected families, whose homes were burned down during the unrest, have sought refuge at the Nanuk Adventist Church grounds.

According to Nanuk church elder Usiah Pukai, many of the victims fled in fear, running directly from their destroyed homes to the church for safety. “They have all fled from their burned-down homes and have run straight onto the church grounds,” he said.

In response, churches from the Kokopo district under the New Britain New Ireland Mission quickly mobilized to support those affected. Led by district director Punga Mova Junior, along with other pastors and church leaders, the churches provided both financial assistance and essential goods to the displaced families.

During the visitation Mova Junior delivered a brief but encouraging message, emphasizing hope amid hardship. “Jesus Christ is the only true peace giver in bad times,” he said.

Nanuk Church pastor, Willie Gila, highlighted the significance of the church’s role in the crisis, noting that while the victims were not Adventist church members, the church remains committed to offering both physical support and spiritual care during this difficult time.

Leaders representing the displaced families expressed gratitude for the assistance received, acknowledging both God and the church for their timely intervention. Donations, including cash and supplies, were formally presented during the visit.

Further support efforts are being planned, with additional visitations expected from other district churches and local mission leaders within the province.

For now, the affected families will continue to stay within the church grounds until tensions in the area subside.

Meanwhile, the church remains actively engaged in providing ongoing support and urges other churches to continue praying for those victims.

The original version of this story was posted on Adventist Record.