F.R.A.S.A HOST TWO WEEK FAITH CONVENTION

By Kenny Romanus, Western Province

More than 150 students, professionals and church parents from the Fly River Adventist Students Association (FRASA) have brought renewed hope to the Olsobip community in Western Province’s North Fly District through a two-week convention centred on faith, service and community development.

During the program, FRASA members took part in a range of community activities, including clearing grass around the Olsobip Health Centre, cleaning community roads, delivering health awareness and education sessions, donating clothing, distributing inspirational reading materials, and sharing uplifting messages with residents.

Held under the theme “Jesus Will Walk With Me” (Micah 6:8), the fourth biennial FRASA convention attracted strong participation from villagers, who attended morning and evening fellowship gatherings at the convention site, strengthening unity and community spirit.

Former councillor and village chief Amina Tup, representing the 16 wards of Olsobip Local Level Government, expressed appreciation to FRASA members for their spiritual ministry and hands-on community service.

He described the students’ visit as a source of light for Olsobip after four decades, noting that the community was encouraged to see young people acting as positive role models and messengers of hope.

“Your presence is a blessing to us. When the people of Olsobip come to know Christ, it brings transformation both spiritually and physically,” he said.

Despite Olsobip’s isolation, the students reached the station safely after being transported by vehicle and then walking along the newly constructed pilot project road connecting Telefomin and Tabubil.

FRASA draws its membership from Tabubil SDA Church, Gii SDA Church and Kiunga Town SDA Church, with students enrolled in high and secondary schools across North Fly, as well as tertiary institutions around the country. Working professionals are also part of the association.

FRASA President Thomrey Hanhupa thanked the Olsobip community for hosting the convention, explaining that its main focus was to equip and educate young people to be active in church life while giving priority to their studies.

He said the initiative was an investment in the morale, education and spiritual wellbeing of the North Fly community, adding that students could become effective future leaders by upholding Christian values.

Guest speakers Pastor Glen Mathew Komati and Minister Nelton Barth encouraged both students and villagers to place God at the centre of their daily lives and to nurture their spiritual growth through positive activities that promote change in families and communities.

They emphasized that God’s Word has the power to transform lives, reminding participants that faithfulness and a strong spiritual foundation are key to overcoming life’s challenges.

The fourth FRASA convention began on December 15 and is scheduled to conclude on December 27, 2025.