Religion, faith, and spirituality

Madeline was compared to Barnabas (meaning son of encouragement) in the Bible. This was because of Madeline’s ability to encourage people to find peace and resolution. An example is that when there is conflict between groups of women, Madeline created peace between the two parties, sometimes they had tears together and then things return to normal. The profits from handicrafts were used to support her outreach work throughout the Islands. Madeline was extremely hard working when it came to supporting, giving, and evangelizing the word of God into people’s lives.

Madeline was a Melanesian Church president for eight years. She was regarded in this position as a Chairlady who was high up in the Church of Melanesia. There was a time that Franklyn remembered when Madeline was congratulated by the Bishop for doing an excellent job as Chairlady following an Anglican church meeting that was held with the Archbishop in attendance.

Madeline was a friend and advocate of Bible translation project since it was brought to Mota Lava. She worked for more than a year as part of the translation staff and was beloved by Steve and Irene Beale, who were the first translators to come to Mota Lava and to begin the project. Madeline and her husband Franklyn continued to be strong advocates for Bible translation in the community.

Historically, Mota Lava has been a difficult place for women. Because of this Madeline had a real heart for women in the Church, especially because the Bible set an example and picture for people to see that there is a light and not to hide that light or keep a “candle under a basket.” Madeline encouraged everyone to set their light up high so that everyone could see it. Madeline prided herself on setting an example and shining a light so the world can see it. Madeline wanted to encourage people as she loved God’s word and she loved the Lord. She was always taking wisdom from God’s word and applying it into action. Madeline had an incredible heart as a woman who was filled by her love for God.

Madeline was seen as a person who wanted to love the person who was in front of her. She was inspired by Bible passages such as Proverbs 31 which talks about this exemplary woman, the exemplary wife and mother. Madeline did that by being industrious, thinking about the importance of the grounds that her family was living on, providing food for them, and creating sources of income. Those all parallel with the Proverb 31.

One of Madeline’s favourite texts from the Bible was when Jesus visits Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). In this story, Mary chooses to listen to Jesus and the word of God rather than help her sister Martha who was busy preparing food and doing other things at the time. For this reason, Martha was upset, but Jesus pointed out to Martha that Mary was right in choosing to listen to the word of God and how this was the only thing of importance. This is how Madeline chose to live her life, by saying that we should be like Mary and listen when people are speaking the word of God. Focus on this and leave worrying behind. Madeline would always listen and act on what she learnt in church.