The grand old church of Sissano, which was built by the German SVD missionaries in 1925 and was the oldest building on the north coast of PNG, was utterly destroyed by the tsunami of July 1998.

The tsunami killed 2, 300 people of five villages and distrupted the livelihood of the north-west coast for two years.

Because the funds which flowed into the diocese from many countries in response to the need of the people were designated for humanitarian aid only, and not specifically for church projects, no churches could be built with this source.

Only after all the rehabilitation work was complete could the diocese then turn to seeking assistance in rebuilding the five large churches which were destroyed.

In April this year our prayers for a builder were answered when Andreas Hoffer, who has his own company in New Zealand, volunteered through Mahatiri Organisation to come to Aitape and complete the Sissano church, which was designed and begun by Steve Joyce, who spent three years in the tsunami area building four beautiful churches in the new locations of the destoryed villages.

Steve was here only one week but he gave Andreas a thorough introduction to the church site and the foundations which he had done. Much of the steel framework had been transported to the site with other materials. Steve also gathered former workers who knew the project and allocated new tasks. A small hut was still standing, which Andreas took over as his on-site accommodation.

The work on cleaning away the debris and growth at the site began immediately and the construction of a new road through the swamp and another one leading from the village to the church was started with much enthusiasm from the people of Olbrum, who were proud to see their church rising again.

Andreas is conscious that he has only a year to finish the church with bush carpentars and untrained construction workers, but he is not dismayed and is optimistic about the outcome. He says he needs prayers and hard work and the church will stand as a beacon to boats entering the Sissano Lagoon, the scene of so much suffering from the tsunami.

The diocese does not have the ready cash to make the dream come true, but we trust in Jesus and Mary to favor us.