Learning Spaces Testimony

One of the great joys about mission and ministry is when your vision for a program to change lives becomes a reality through actual real life transformation! This is what is happening through the Learning Space being run out of Burns Creek with a weekly attendance of 40 vulnerable people. Burns Creek is a settlement in East Honiara that has a number of social challenges, including a high level of illiteracy among women and children. As Major Vanessa reflected on the progress of this literacy program, she enthusiastically stated, “I am so excited and proud of those who have been teaching the program, as well as the participants. One such participant is Rose. When Rose first started coming to English classes she could

Australia Day Reception

After the cancellation of last year’s Australia Day event due to COVID-19, it was a great time of celebration to gather together with other Australian expats and Solomon Islanders at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence for this year’s Australia Day Reception. This year’s event was significant, as it marked the change-over of Australian High Commissioners to the Solomon Islands. The outgoing Head of Mission Dr Lachlan Strahan gave a powerful and timely address acknowledging the challenges associated with the current date of Australia Day, while highlighting

World Vision Team Devotions

The Salvation Army and World Vision have a mutual partnership here in the Solomon Islands. This relationship is one that is nurtured through participating in training opportunities, as well as leading their staff devotions, which is a time to strengthen the Christian identity of each staff member. Recently, staff from the Honiara and Temotu Area Program Offices joined together, both in person and via Zoom, to hear Major Vanessa Abiding and Soaking in the from Psalm 139:7 –Where shall I go from Your spirit, or where shall I flee from your presence?” not read and would never speak out loud. When someone spoke to her, she would look downcast and quietly answer, never looking you in the eye. Now Rose is getting up to publicly testify in church with such confidence, looking people in the eye, as well as greeting people with a smile and a handshake. This confidence and change in Rose is a direct result of our Learning Spaces.” Rose is one of many women who have participated in The Salvation Army Learning Spaces who have literally been transformed by this program. Their newly acquired ability to read and write and to speak confidently in public has opened up to them new opportunities they previously could never have imagined.

Australia’s contribution to Solomon Islands. The evening was enriched by a cultural fusion of music by performances from an Australian indigenous artist and indigenous artist from Malaita Province. Major Robert was granted the privilege of opening the evening in prayer, representing, not only The Salvation Army, but the other churches in Honaira. As always, such an evening provides excellent network opportunities, which resulted in a meaningful connection with a Fijian man working for FFA who has a strong interest in The Salvation Army’s workagainsthumantrafficking.

Major Vanessa reminded the staff that God is omnipresent and that they are never alone. She reminded them to have a consistent alone time in prayer, to read God’s word daily and to talk with God during the mundane tasks of every day life. She affirmed that as they practiced these spiritual disciplines they would know the presence of God in their lives and they would be able to share their experience of God with those they worked with through World Vision and through their personal witness. This devotion was well-received and deeply appreciatedbytheWorldVisionstaff.

The Salvation Army Solomon Islands

District Officers - Majors Robert & Vanessa Evans

PO Box 323 Honiara, Solomon Islands

Phone: (677) 30344

Fax: (677) 30344

Mobile: (677) 749 4524

Email: solomon.islands@png.salvationarmy.org

Website: www.png.salvationarmy.org

Support Needs:

 Building funds for new Officer Quarters: You can support by donating funds to contribute to the construction of Officer Quarters at our village churches in the provinces.

 Purchase of furnishings for Officer Quarters: You can support by donating funds to purchase furniture and appliances for Quarters at each of our village churches.

 Purchase of Toyota Hilux for SAES: You can support by donating funds to purchase a suitable vehicle to tow our Emergency Services trailer.

Please contact Major Robert Evans at robert.evans@png.salvationarmy.org for more information if you are able to help with any of these needs.

Prayer Points:

 Finding the right property for Honiara Corps

 Preparation of Candidates for Officer Training College

 Follow-up of three New Opening opportunities in Malaita

 Employment of a District Social Enterprises Manager

 Solution to funding transfer delays between PNG and SI