In March 2019,
a devastating flash flood and mudslide
struck Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia,
engulfing the campus of Papua Adventist Theological College.
This catastrophe claimed dozens of lives,
displaced thousands of people,
and forced the school to relocate in a temporary facility
while it rebuilt its infrastructure and academic programs.
Despite this situation,
God's grace and blessing have enabled the school to continue operating.
Students at this campus come from various places.
Some are from remote areas in Papua,
in the mountains,
others from coastal regions.
Currently, the college has 22 students with 18 faculty and staff.
Even the numbers are now decreasing
due to catastrophes that are causing people to relocate.
Although our campus is small, our professors are exceptional,
teaching us in-depth about the Bible.
I decided to study at STTP
because it teaches us how to be better pastors in the future.
The college has a unique value that attracts students.
Despite the small number of students and lecturers on this campus,
a unity atmosphere exists and is always present among us.
This college is committed to giving its students the best education
and ministry experience.
When we go out, we usually do visitation and ministry with pastors,
church members, and even our lecturers
on various islands like Napan Island,
where there's no Adventist church yet.
Balancing spiritual education
and hands-on ministry is the best way
to keep students connected to God's mission.
Currently, all teaching takes place in their limited classroom facilities,
which are inadequate for providing an optimal learning experience.
We really need a lot more facilities
such as computers, books,
classrooms, dorms, chairs, whiteboards,
which are essential
to support both the students and the lecturers on this campus.
Due to ongoing campus construction, we can't study properly.
We are conducting classes in unfinished classrooms.
And since our dormitories are not yet ready,
we are temporarily staying in the homes of church members.
This college has faced numerous challenges,
including limited programs and losing their campus home.
Your prayers are needed.
As a world church, we need your support in prayers.
Please pray for this place.
Please pray for Papua Adventist Theological School
that we may be able to grow
facility-wise, number of students,
the faculty members,
and to be able to offer much more programs.
As the school grows,
its goal is to introduce more people to Christ.
One of my personal desires as a school leader
is to see many Papuans brought home to heaven.
A portion of your 13th Sabbath offering will help construct facilities
needed for this college.
Thank you for supporting the mission offering for this school.