“The Seventh-day Adventist Church values health and well-being, and we did not want to put anyone’s health at risk by possible exposure to the coronavirus by travel and meeting in large groups,” said South Pacific president Glenn Townend.

The PNG church will work with the PNG government to decide whether the meetings will go ahead in May with local preachers instead of international guests.

But they will do so only with PNG government endorsement.

However, the Adventist Church in PNG will continue to meet in small groups to share and consolidate faith in Jesus and His teachings.

“This decision not to have other preachers come to PNG will cause much disappointment for the PNG church because they were looking forward to hosting up to 130 preachers,” Mr Townend said.

“The Adventist Church in PNG has been growing substantially, social justice activities have prepared the soil, and there are thousands of people ready to be challenged to receive baptism and accept a life of discipleship with Jesus.

“Those who were planning to go to PNG in May will be disappointed as they will miss seeing the vibrant and thriving disciple-making movement that is happening in PNG,” he said.