Solomon Islands District Newsletter (Volume 4, Issue 7)

Solomon Islands District

NEWSLETTER July 2021 Volume 4, Issue 7

Ministry Trip to North Malaita

Inside this issue:

(Report by Envoy Wency Ramo’oroa) This is a brief report of my ministry trip to Gateway Corps and Kafomauri Mission in North Malaita, Malaita Province.

Before I took this trip, I went with the youth to Rauai New Opening for their program. I was invited amongst other speakers who spoke during the youth program. After the youth program finished I sent my youth group back to Honiara and I boarded a truck to North Malaita on the same day.

I spent six days at Gateway Corps doing Soldiership classes with those who want to be soldiers in the Salvation Army and also had to sort out some issues with the DME plant, which was the most serious matter amongst others that I went to Gateway Corps to deal with. It took us one full day to complete the Soldiership classes because the people asked a lot of questions around the sacraments, which I explained to them according to what I was taught and believe as a Salvationist. It was amazing to see how well people connected with the classes. As a result of the Soldiership class I enrolled 11 new Soldiers at Gateway Corps and restored another two Soldiers who were stood down a year ago. The congregation at Gateway

Corps, including the newly enrolled Soldiers, were very excited to be part of what God is doing through The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

They have connected with our slogan “Heart to God and Hand to Man” and the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army.

I was filled with Joy to see people coming forward and accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and how they testified to the goodness of God for being with The Salvation Army.

On Sunday, 12th July I and others from Gateway Corps went to Kafomauri and spent three days there. Our three days were well spent doing worship, Soldiership classes and a lot of discussion about the church, land usage, etc. This was the congregation’s first time to hear about our doctrine. They have a little bit of struggle when it comes to

the topic of Sacraments, however, they all concurred after all. The next day I enrolled 25 new Soldiers.

Which is awesome! Praise, honour and glory to the Righteous One. The newly enrolled Soldiers shared their testimonies powerfully and thanked God for The Salvation Army. I also managed to pick up the Land Usage Agreement from the Congregation Leader Mr. Moses Fakani, which they had no hesitation signing. I have observed that Kafomauri has the potential to grow both spiritually and physically.

There is also opportunity for some kind of social enterprise to be started there as well.

Overall, the mission trip was a very successful trip. God is doing great and immeasurable things in the two communities that I visited - touching lives, changing lives, transforming lives. Words cannot express how grateful I am to God for all He has done. I would like thank those who took their time to pray for me and the trip and finally, I thank God Almighty for His protection and provision. Thank you Major Robert and Vanessa Evans to facilitate this trip and The Salvation Army for the funds. This trip is worth taking.

Soldiership Enrolments

2

New Envoy Applications

2

Self-Denial Appeal 2021

2

CRC Student Graduation Message

3

Seasonal Worker & Labour Mobility Support

3

Territorial Leaders Conference

3

Personal Reflection

4

Special points of interest:  39 New Soldiers  New Area Leaders  Global Mission  Church Partnership  Pacific Labour Scheme  District Report

Soldiership Enrolments Following Envoy Wency’s ministry trip to North Malaita, a total of 39 new Soldiers have been added to the Solomon Islands District rolls from three village churches in Malaita Province. This brings the number of Salvation Army Soldiers in the Solomon Islands to 246.

These recent enrolments reflect the amazing mission growth in Malaita through the ministry of Gateway Corps and Rauai New Opening. Together, the personal testimonies of existing Soldiers and village outreach of these two congregations is evidence of the impact of the local mission of The Salvation

Army in Malaita. The ‘Heart to God, Hand to Man’ mission philosophy of The Salvation Army continues to resonate strongly with Solomon Islanders who really want their faith to make a difference where they live. There is a strong desire for development in Malaita and The Salvation Army is seen as a church that makes things happen.

Next month, Envoy Wency will return to Rauai New Opening to conduct further Soldiership classes with an anticipated 25 new recruits who witnessed the enrolments during the Youth Mission Trip. Praise the Lord for this growth!

New Envoy Applications The Solomon Islands District continues to identify and train local leaders to fill key leadership roles for the expanding mission of The Salvation Army. Two such roles are Area Officer appointments to oversee the emerging village churches in the provinces. Alick and Esther Hagi have been informally looking after Western Province for the past twelve months, with Hudson and Mary Kwale recently agreeing to fill the vacancy in Malaita Province. This month applications to become Envoys have been submitted to THQ for both couples, along with a proposal for them to be officially

appointed as Area Officers in both these provinces. The Area Officer role is an important link between village churches and DHQ, providing direct leadership support for village leaders, mission support for village churches, and follow-up of new opening opportunities.

The rank of Envoy in this context is reserved for Salvationists who are above the maximum age to enter the Officer Training College but bring to the role leadership and ministry experience, previous education and a willingness to serve the mission of The Salvation Army under Officer conditions.

Self-Denial Appeal 2021 This Self-Denial Appeal theme for 2021 was “Transform a Life - Transform the Future” which resonated strongly in the Solomon Islands District. The Appeal was launched at Honiara Corps on Sunday, 20th June and in the Malaita Province with four village church leaders on Tuesday, 22nd June.

Connecting the Solomon Islands with the international mission of The Salvation Army has proven to be a powerful reminder that they are a part of a global mission that is so much bigger than their corner of the world. The stories featured from other Territories have inspired and

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encouraged local Salvationists to imagine how The Salvation Army could better serve in their cultural context. It has also provided them with an opportunity to financially participate in this global mission as contributors, not just recipients of mission support funds.

The Altar Service conducted at Honiara Corps on Sunday, 25th July far exceeded last year’s giving, demonstrating a spirit of generosity, despite their own relative poverty. The appeal continues at village churches in the provinces, due to delays in receiving the Self-Denial material in these remote areas.

Solomon Islands District

CRC Student Graduation Message Pastor Jimmy and Major Robert are now discussing opportunities for CRC and Salvation Army members to come together for combined leadership development opportunities that will equip leaders from both churches for mission and ministry.

Major Robert Evans was invited by Pastor Jimmy Vasula from the Gateway CRC Church (Christian Revival Crusade) in Henderson, East Honiara to be the guest speaker at their Bible School Graduation.

This group of students had engaged in three months of formal Bible training to equip and prepare them for ministry in CRC churches in the Solomon Islands.

The theme for the graduation was ‘Built Up In Christ’, based on Colossians 2:7 “...having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Major

Robert encouraged the students to keep making spiritual progress by being grounded, growing, grateful believers, so they will stand firm and never be led astray in their faith.

This growing relationship between CRC and Salvation Army churches over the past three years is providing mutual encouragement that not only benefits the congregations in Honiara, but is overflowing into the provinces where village churches from both denominations are supporting each other.

Seasonal Worker & Labour Mobility Support Earlier this year, Majors Rod and Debbie Serojales, Mildura Corps Officers in northern Victoria, contacted Majors Robert and Vanessa to explore a possible support role with Solomon Islander seasonal workers presently based in Mildura. This initial conversation has led to a connection in Honiara with the Solomon Islands Support Services for the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme to discuss how The Salvation Army might compliment their support role for workers preparing for departure and families who remain in Solomon Islands. As a first step, Major

Robert and Envoy Wency accepted an invitation to conduct a one-hour presentation on ‘Personal Hygiene, Good Nutition and Well-being’ at the Pre-Departure Briefing held for 155

Solomon Islands men about to leave for Australia to become Meat Workers and Poultry Farm Workers in NSW and QLD. This presentation enabled Major Robert and Envoy Wency to provide a local and Australian introduction of The Salvation Army so these workers will have the confidence to seek support, if needed, while far away from their families and culture. The facilitator of the briefing was pleased with the presentation and invited The Salvation Army back next week to repeat their presentation to a another group of workers preparing for their departure to Australia.

Territorial Leaders Conference Last week, Divisional and Territorial Leaders met in Port Moresby for the annual Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territorial Leaders Conference (TLC). Unfortunately, continuing COVID19 travel restrictions have inhibited Majors Robert and Vanessa from attending in person and joining with their PNG colleagues this year. Nevertheless, technology enabled them to participate in most sessions via Microsoft Teams.

Due to the impact of COVID-19 across the Territory, this years TLC incorporated the Appointments Consultation and DC Induction, which are usually held earlier

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in the year. The comprehensive program for the TLC included presentations from Business Administration, Programme Department, Personnel Department, Women’s Ministries, Spiritual Life & Leader Development, Leadership, and the Chief Secretary and Assistant Chief

Secretary. These presentations were followed by Divisional/District Leaders reports from around the Territory, including the Solomon Islands.

Majors Robert and Vanessa’s report from Solomon Islands highlighted the Districts progress in its three mission priorities: MISSION PARTNERSHIPS - recruitment, training and development of local leaders and construction of Officer Quarters, MISSION RESOURCES establishment of social enterprises and resourcing village churches, MISSION GROWTH - opening of new Churches and growth of Learning Spaces.

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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.

The Salvation Army Solomon Islands District Officers - Majors Robert & Vanessa Evans PO Box 323 Honiara, Solomon Islands Phone: (677) 30344

 Purchase of additional equipment for SAES: You can support by donating funds to purchase a deep freezer to store food for Emergency Services and Disaster Relief.

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.

Fax: (677) 30344 Mobile: (677) 749 4524 Email: solomon.islands@png.salvationarmy.org

Prayer Points:

Website: www.png.salvationarmy.org

 Sponsorship for construction of Officer Quarters  Land for Honiara Corps  New Envoy and Opening Applications submitted to THQ  Leadership development for village churches  Preparations for 10th Anniversary (General’s visit CANCELLED)

Personal Reflection… (Part 2 of 2) I have visited a number of villages over the past three years and each time has been something of a soul-restoring experience.

There is a simplicity and synergy in the rhythm of village life that reconnects you with what really matters. Yet, I find myself frustrated by the very thing that rejuvenates me.

Despite the organic beauty, my cultural conditioning still sees a deficit in village life that appears to limit the development possibilities that could improve living conditions, provide education and create employment opportunities. How does one respond to such a tension?

I can push harder to try and manufacture a state of shalom as a cultural outsider or I can sit with the tension long enough to discover what a state of shalom looks like for cultural insiders. I suspect this kind of relational enquiry would go a long way to answer the questions I have been pondering about the nature of development in a Solomon Islands village

context. I also suspect that it may even reframe my own sense of well-being to be a little less result driven and a little more relationship orientated.

When Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10), He did so knowing what fullness of life looks like in a Kingdom culture, despite the prevailing Greco-Roman culture of His day. His sense of shalom was not defined by the dominant cultures but cast a counter-cultural vision for “a way of life that is best of all” (1 Corinthians 12:31b, NLT). Navigating the space between two cultures as Christ followers challenges us to assume a posture of humility to look beyond our own cultural ways to discover a revelation of ‘Christ in culture’ (Niebuhr 1951) to experience a deeper sense of shalom as fellow citizens of the Kingdom of God. Translating this into my role as the District Officer of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands invites a different approach to development. It opens the

door to a mutual exploration of social enterprises and other mission endeavours that seek to find what a Kingdomorientated fullness of life might look like in specific cultural contexts.

Guiding a community towards a clear picture of a preferred reality would provide a basis for transformational development where success is measured by the degree to which it contributes to human flourishing in the village.

Major Robert Evans