Dennis Perry, a longtime member of Wahroonga Seventh-day Adventist Church, located about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his extraordinary service to some of the most vulnerable communities in Papua New Guinea.
The award, announced as part of the King’s Birthday 2025 Honours on Monday, recognizes Perry’s community work through operationLIFE (formerly Operation Food for Life), a charity he cofounded in 1998 after witnessing people living and foraging for food in rubbish dumps in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
“I’m deeply humbled and proudly honored,” Perry, 77, said, giving “all the praise, honor, and glory” to God.
“I acknowledge this prestigious award with our cofounder David Woolley as a symbol of the collective efforts and testament put forth by [the] incredible and extraordinary people I have had the privilege to serve with over many years.”
Inspired by Matthew 25:35-40, operationLIFE offers food, clothing, compassion, and the love of Jesus to “the least of these”—those who are hungry, vulnerable, destitute, and forgotten, including patients dying of HIV/AIDS and those in prison. It also provides education for vulnerable and at-risk children. What began with just 20 students now has enrollments of more than 300 children.
According to Perry, the mission is simple: to follow the example of Jesus. His desire is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others in practical, life-changing ways.
“We can change lives by showing that unconditional love, care, and concern—not just to be a terrific person for God, but to be a ‘care-riffic’ person for God.”
Perry hopes to encourage others to step forward in service. “You may not be able to change the world, but you can mean the world to just one person,” he said. “God is just waiting for a three-letter word from you—yes.”
Despite recent health challenges, Perry remains passionate and determined to continue his work of love and mercy. “I can’t wait for what God’s got next. I’ve learned to start small, think tall, and with God, give it your all,” he said.
Terry Johnson, president of the Australian Union Conference, congratulated Perry and acknowledged his faithful service and lasting contribution. “The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia warmly congratulations Dennis on receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia,” Johnson said. “It’s a fitting recognition of his faithful service, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to the values of compassion, integrity, and community. We are deeply grateful for the impact he has made both within our church and in the wider Australian community.”
OperationLIFE is a supportive ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific.
The original version of this story was posted on Adventist Record.