Pastor Craig Newborn and his wife Janis arrived in Port Moresby on Friday, 12th of December from Brisbane after a long flight from US two days earlier. They were met and welcomed by SASA's dignitaries and pioneers in the likes of Joe Kunda, Paul Siwi, Motsy Davidson, Bonny Igime and Simeon Wai at the Jackson's airport before proceeding onto Pacific Adventist University (PAU) where they were billeted. On Sabbath, they worshiped at a packed 9 mile church where the host church surprised them with a well-choreographed welcome. Pr. Newborn in reply, imploded onto the word of God with his fire-brand homiletics which was enough to let the settlement church take a glimpse of what he had in store for SASA. After a nutritious and filling lunch, the Newborns retired to a nap which was later followed by a quiet evening of bird-watching at PAU. On Sunday, a full session of bird-watching began where they were joined by some SASA pioneers (Joe and Motsy). They started out at PAU, then along Sogeri Road to the city and back.

On Monday, the Newborns toured some of the iconic sites of our city and marveled at some of the structures like our unique parliament house. Then, on Tuesday 16th of December, the Newborns departed Port Moresby for Kundiawa where they were greeted to a rousing welcome at the airport by SASA dignitaries, pioneers, students, church members and public at large. After the welcome, the Newborns were part of a SASA motorcade to Kerowagi where they were officially welcomed into the convention site by SASA, Kerowagi Dorcas Welfare, church dignitaries and the locals. After all that happened from Port Moresby to Kerowagi, the Newborns couldn't hold back their emotion but publicly declared that they have never had such an experience in their lifetime and this was something they would treasure for the rest of their lives. His zeal, vigour and love for the gospel prompted Pr. Newborn to expound and unpack a series of spirit-filled evangelistic and revival messages on the theme of 'To God Be The Glory' throughout the week for SASA and the church members. The congregation at large were not only in awe of Pr. Newborn's articulation and sincerity every time he took on the word of God but also appreciated his Afro-american charisma. Impressively, on the same token, Pr. Benjamin Kola hardly missed a line in translating the pidgin version of Pr. Newborn's messages. In the day, Janis conducted a series of health, nutrition and counseling sessions along side with other local designated speakers on various topics.

It didn't take long for the Newborns to realise that they were there for a good time but not for a long time, it was time to go. They couldn't avoid the Simbu culture when they were swarmed with hugs, cries, kisses and gifts. They probably had too many stuff to take back than what they originally arrived with, however, sure enough as I write I could imagine there could be bilums, wall hangers and carvings hanging down their walls on their splendid Oakwood University home.

 It was one of the most successful conventions SASA ever ran. Some of the highlights of the convention were:

1. Guest Speaker -  first overseas speaker from the State (a black American!!)
2. The launching of the Ingu Ombuno Foundation (IOF). See IOF link for details.
3. POM Society Holiday Inn Ball Nite - raised K40,000.00
4. Constitutional Changes -  updates pending???
5. Baptism -  updates pending???
6. Others ???

SASA would like to thank the following people for their selfless and tireless effort in making the convention a success.

1. SASA 2008 Executives
2. Joe Kunda, Steven Wemin and Jacob Sinne for providing fatherhoodship to the students.
3. Gore Dulume, John Bro and Morris Kaupa for their logistic support in Simbu.
4. Kuman District and the Kerowagi local churches for their undivided support.
5. Other pioneers, students and church members who have given their financial or material support.

SASA has finally come off age and has reached a milestone in its 20 years of existence. To God be the glory, for it was only through him that SASA came this far and its really in safe hands from here on. Amen!

Comments on the 20th Anniversary Convention:

"Planti ol gutpela celebration program bin kamap na bikpela blessing bin pundaun antap long ol we ikam long convention.Ol sumatin bai ikam long taim bilong ol yet long tok 10Q igo long yupela olgeta long contribution, taim na effort bilong yupela long mekim dispela convention kamap wanpela bikpela event long laip bilong SASA" - Steven Wemin.

"Tenkyu Brata Vincent long painim wanpela guest speaker SASA igatim bikpela privilege long igatim long convention.
Taim em toktok, ol pipol sanap olsem hap diwai na ol blue lung mekim save long laik bilong ol. Mi bilip planti manmeri kisim bikpela blessing long kam bilong Docta Newborn wantaim meri bilong em." - Steven Wemin


"I take my hat off for you (SWG) and Joe Kunda for always standing in as a corner post for SASA and the sumatins. Mipela sampela stap longwe na ino luksave tumas long wanem yupela sampela wok long wokim. Tenkyu once more long planti hat wok and an excellent 20th Anniversary celebration. SASA has finally come off age and the future is looking good" - John Kama

"Brother thankyou for the pictures. its heartening to see all the golden oldies still going strong and being part of this celebration. This is really something to ponder about and all glory goes back to the Lord...Cant wait to see the rest of the pictures on the website..Those who also took pictures, paste them on the  website." - Julie Wapo

"Thank you all very much for the Convention outcome. I'm glad things went well.
 For all those who have contributed in making this convention a great success, thank you and
may God bless you all" - Vincent Kumura

"To God be the glory now and forever for His immense blessings upon the
 SASA 20th Anniversary celebration.I sincerely want to thank everyone of you who has given your utmost best
 to make the 20th anniversary a success. Truly, the messages were inspirational and everyone who attended the convention were
very much blessed" - Benjamin Kola

"The convention has been a success, thanks to God, all glory belongs to
Him. I convey the acknowledgment on behalf of the executives in advance
to you all.They really enjoyed the warm and love from SASA members. I really
see them crying. They are now safe at home. That pass their appreciation to all of you". - Joe Kunda



         

Pr. Craig Newborn

Craig Newborn was born in Seven Springs, North Carolina. He completed his college education at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, earning a B.A. in history and religion and an M.A. in history with a secondary education emphasis. Thereafter, he spent four and a half years as a Bible teacher at San Diego Academy before accepting a call to overseas missionary work.  He served more than 14 years in Kenya, Iran, and Lebanon in varying capacities, including church pastor, Bible teacher, evangelist, field president, departmental director, and university chaplain.

After returning to the U.S., he accepted a teaching position at Loma Linda Academy in Loma Linda, California.  While teaching at Loma Linda Academy, he also earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. in Theology and Personality from Claremont School of Theology.  In 1997, Dr. Newborn moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where he became the Vice President for Student Services at Oakwood University.  From January 1999 through August 2006, he was the founding Director of the Oakwood Branch Office of the Ellen G. White Estate and was also a professor in Oakwood University’s Department of Religion and Theology.
 

On August 26, 2006, he was installed as the Senior Pastor of the Oakwood University Church.   He is married to Janis Stephens Newborn, Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Oakwood University, and they have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and three grandchildren.  He and his wife are avid birdwatchers. 

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