Solomon Islands District - Youth Mission Trip

Special Report written by Hudson Kwale...

The youth program was held at Rauai Family Worship Centre in West Kwara’ae, Malaita on the 2nd to the 4th July 2021.

The name for the program was “New Things” and the Scripture was Isaiah 43:18-19. Our youth should be focused on new things that the Word of God has for us in the future, which determines our destination. It was really a weekend of blessing for our families at Rauai Village.

We experienced that our Lord has given us a chance to learn from the youth at Gateway Corps and Honiara Corps as well. We come to realize now that God has been with us throughout the years of our past life. However, we are now focusing on God’s words to reward our future. We really enjoy and learn a lot during the weekend from what the other youth put on show. It was a challenge for us.

The drama displayed to us a reality of lifestyle of today. The program helped us to be strong and caused us to put our focus on God to live as Christ Jesus, the One who hold the future for us despite our wasted past life. The program helps our spiritual life grow up one more step and thank God for keeping us to the maturity of life.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank God for His presence with us during the special weekend. We will always remember the youth mission team in our life for what they have done as we venture into the future.

We pray that God will allow us another opportunity to come together in the future. This is for our youth to feed from the Word of God. Once again, thank you very much. Looking forward to meet your youth group again in the future. God bless!

YOUTH TESTIMONIES...

Jesmah Taka (Rauai Youth Leader)

To define the theme “Do not dwell on the past” which means youth do not hold onto what had happened on the past in their lives, but to look forward to our future for new things that God will provide for us.  During the youth program held from Friday, 2nd July to Sunday, 4th July 2021 at Rauai village, the youths were really blessed and got spiritual food from our mighty man of God Pastor Wency. It also helps Rauai youth to move up next level in their lives. We experience from many good things from different youths that they came to attend the youth program with us. We do learn from them from their characters and actions that they display during the youth program.  To conclude my brief story, I would like challenge Rauai youth to follow the examples that Gateway youth from Honiara has shown us. Rauai youth is now blessed and can now feel the blessing and presence of God after the program and onward.

Jeffrey Kalia (Honiara Youth)

The program was mandated or set on Friday 2nd July 2021. We departed from Honiara at 1:00 pm in the afternoon to Auki, Malaita Province. There were 36 youth members on board in the ship to Malaita. Now we were finally grounded in Auki wharf at 5:00 pm and also board the truck on the same port. The youth arrived in Rauai village at 8:00 pm where the program was held and also location of The Salvation Army church.  On the same Friday night the program was started at 9:00 pm, and I know that there are four (4) youth groups that gathered for the program. They are as follows: Honiara youth, Gateway youth, CRC youth and the hosting youth which known as RAUAI youth. These are youths that came together for the program. During the youth camp I can see that God has done great and mighty things in the life of the young youths even the people of Rauai village and surrounding areas are also blessed by God’s Word at the camp. Indeed, that’s how you can see intervention of the Holy Spirit is in this young people on the Sunday worship at Rauai, the pastors, women and the youths are carrying; even I was filled with the presence and power of the almighty God.  Finally, but not the least, God is at work and moving power of the Holy Spirit is changing and transforming the three ex-prisoners of Rauai young men, they are no longer under the power of darkness or evil, but they are now, the sons of God and we as youth, should give honor, glory and praise back to our almighty God for what he has done in the life of these young men. Therefore, greater things are yet to come! This is the beginning of our journey with our God with more to come. God, you are great and more than enough to us. But I would like to leave one verse in the Scripture, it said ‘always give thanks to God because his love endures forever.’

Gideon Sency (Honiara Youth)

For me the youth mission to Rauai was a blessing. I have experienced God’s power moving mightily and done great things in the lives of all that attended the weekend camp. As an individual I have felt the anointing of God was upon all the young youths during our time. God transformed lives and set a new beginning for people in Rauai to abide in. Under our youth theme we carried to Rauai NEW THINGS — ”See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).  God fulfilled His promise by making a new thing in Rauai and I see His mighty hand moving and touching the lives of each person that attended our youth camp. Souls were saved, relationships restored, and covenants were made with God.  For me, I am very happy and blessed because everything that God prepared in me for the mission. I was able to share with everyone that attend on that weekend camp and seen positive feedback which I know it does impact lives of individuals that join our weekend fellowship. To God be the glory for all the marvelous things that he has done.

Solomon Keniruahia (Honiara Youth)

Mission to Rauai was a really great opportunity for us to experience the power of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of His Holy Spirit upon all young people of Rauai, Honaira and Gateway.  During this mission, we got a lot of experience with the young youths of Rauai, how God does transform their life from darkness to light. In addition, some of these young youths are great rascal boys, but God change them and now they have a testimony to share.  “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).  Firstly, to God be the glory, great things He has done. Through this mission God really touched my life and I’ve seen the mighty move of God in this mission to Rauai.  Secondly, young people of Rauai are really a great testimony for the people in and around Solomon Islands. God really works in their life and transforming their life and through our life they have seen and have more courage to have God in their life.  Lastly, but not the least, I just want to give all the glory and honour back to our mighty God for His provision, protection and blessing in this mission.

Regina Akwasitaloa (Gateway Youth)

The program was very good. It was well organised and we really enjoyed our time on the weekend. Physically the environment was good, which we enjoyed our time in sharing with other youths at Rauai. And spiritually the program really impacts great things in our lives!  As the theme ‘New Things’ in Isaiah 43:19-20 and the sessions organised for the weekend were successful, which we really appreciate the sermon from the servants of the Lord. Their main emphasis was for us to watch for the great things that God is going to do in our lives, rather than dwelling in the past. So, we really blessed by the Word of God throughout the weekend.  In addition to that the prayer chain organised was also successful, which throughout Saturday night we prayed continuously until morning. This brought great impact in the lives of the youths as well.  And during Sunday night, which was our social night, it was a great time where every youth really enjoyed the items presented from each youth. As from the Gateway Youth we really enjoyed our time on the weekend. We were really blessed with the Word of God through the changes that we experienced in our lives and it’s a blessing for us in our journey with our God. So, the youth program was successful. God bless us all.

Dongi Dongi Mission Trip - Day 18

Final Day in Palu

Waking up on our final day in Palu was a little surreal after three very busy weeks working alongside three shifts of amazing team members who have fully engaged with our mission trip.  Not only have we accomplished what we came to do but have been richly blessed by generous hospitality, good friends and a number of unplanned ministry opportunities. One of these unplanned ministry opportunities was to participate in the Youth Meeting at Towua Corps, an invitation we received earlier in our trip.

Before the Youth Meeting we ventured one last time out into Palu for a motorbike tour with Nyoman and Tato, who took us up a mountain that overlooked the city.  Half way up the single trail track Nyoman's motorbike overheated leaving us stranded on the side of the track.  Tato and Neville continued up the mountain while Nyoman and I rolled back down the mountain to get help.  Fortunately, part way down the bike restarted and we avoided a long walk back home!  Unfortunately, Nyoman lost his phone where we had broken down somewhere back up the mountain!!

After our little misadventure I finished preparing my sermon for the Youth Meeting and we then joined a very eager youth team for a great night of worship.  Throughout our trip we have observed a vibrancy and passion among Indonesian Salvation Army youth in a number of locations and the Towua Corps youth were no exception tonight.  Their worship team, dancers and timbrelists expressed a joy that transcended language, uniting us in spirit as we worshipped together.  Once again we were deeply moved to see the Spirit of God minister in the lives of these young people who responded to the message.

Dongi Dongi Mission Trip - Day 15

Eager Young Minds

One of the many joys of this mission trip is the diversity of unplanned ministry opportunities that have added value to our primary mission activity for both our team and hosts.  Last week I was asked to present a seminar on 'Problem Solving' to a class of high school students.  Today I was asked to present a seminar on leadership to a class of vocational school students.  Both seminars excited me as they appealed to my passion as a leader to equip others!

With the arrival of Neville last night, Nyoman seized the moment by offering Neville one of the topics he was required to teach to the same group of students.  Despite the late request, Neville stepped up to the plate and willingly accepted the offer.  So, Neville taught on 'Healthy Relationships', I taught on the 'Nature of a Leader' and Nyoman taught on 'Drugs and Sexuality.'  What a team!

One of the funny moments of the day was driving to the location of the seminar.  Due to an interruption by one of the Palu teachers as we were about to leave, we were running very late and the morning Palu traffic didn't help matters either.  Just as we were about to make a right turn at a main round-a-bout a police motorcade with sirens blaring entered the intersection stopping all traffic to allow them through. Except Nyoman!  He saw it as an opportunity to tag on the end of the last police vehicle and use it as a police escort. It worked!! The normally heavy traffic pulled aside to allow the police vehicles (and us) through, giving us a clear run all the way to our destination in a fraction of the time. Genius!
 

Dongi Dongi Mission Trip - Day 14

#SelfieWithJesus

The morning started with the news we all were hoping to hear - 'Flight GA623 has departed!'  Stav FINALLY got on his way to Jakarta for the first part of his long awaited journey home.

The morning then continued with a drive out to the Donggala area to visit a campsite in Pusat Laut that the Palu School are interested in purchasing from THQ.  This site would provide an ideal location for a proposed campsite to host retreats and camps not only for The Salvation Army but other Christian groups.  Once we got past all the mining along the coastal road, the views were beautiful and they got even better as we headed inland among forests of coconut palms and stunning mountain and coastal views.  We parked at a government run campsite neighbouring the property of interest, and it wasn't hard to picture the potential for development.  A walk along the beach to view the boundary lines revealed why this location was chosen.  Although the local beach goers seemed as intrigued by our presence as we were theirs.  Oh, did I mention that the beach goers were cows?!  True!  Anywhere else in the world that might seem strange but somehow with the frequent presence of cows wandering around the streets of Palu, this sight didn't seem all that out of place.

The afternoon changed pace and mood as we attended the one year memorial service of Bapak Oscar Hohoy, whose funeral we participated in last year.  Like at the funeral, a large crowd of family and friends gathered outside the Hohoy's house for a time of worship and remembrance.  Oscar's wife Ibu Deasy displayed courage and strength as she shared the difficult journey for her and her family over the past twelve months.  It really was a privilege to once again share this time with the Hohoy family and observe another stage of the grieving process in this culture.

From sadness to joy, we continued into the evening by attending the Youth Christian Community service at Palu #1 Corps.  It was so exciting seeing this massive hall filled with passionate young people from around the city of Palu who had gathered for a combined praise and worship service.  On Sunday morning at Towua Corps a couple of the youth leaders asked me to share a word of encouragement at this youth service.  Their theme was great!  #SelfiesWithJesus, which I had a bit of fun with as I invited the youth to take a selfie and tell me what they saw.  I then spoke about how they are made in the image of God and as God's children, filled with His Spirit, reflect the glory of Jesus.  It was an awesome night of worship led by the youth and a passionate message shared by Major Erik Kape.  God is clearly at work in the lives of the youth in Palu!

 

Jakarta Mission Trip (Day 7)

After a day of touring around Jakarta with Nyoman & Suni, I had the opportunity to speak at a youth event at Jelambar Corps to explore further the vision launched at the family camp on the weekend.  Below is my sermon outline...

VISI MENUJU HARAPAN

Selamat malam. Katakan pada orang di samping anda…  “Yesus Kristus adalah harapan dunia!”

[Youth Participation - Blindfolded: “What do you see?”]

When you were blind folded, all you could see was darkness, but when I shone the torch in your face (while still blind folded), you were able to see light in the darkness…

This is what having a “vision” does. It helps us to look through the darkness towards a light of hope. It changes our view of reality. It enables us to see beyond what is to what could be! It gives us a different view of ourselves, others and the world around us.

When Peter preached to the crowd who had gathered at Pentecost, he reminded them of the words of the prophet Joel:

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy” (Acts 2:17-18)

When God pours His Spirit upon the youth of this Corps, He will give you a vision of tomorrow!

What do you think that vision might look like? You can stop wondering, because God has given us a clear view through His prophets...

1. Vision of HOLINESS (Isaiah 6:1-5)

Isaiah saw his own sinfulness - “I am a man of unclean lips” (v 5)

God gave him a vision of His holiness - “My eyes have seen the King, the Almighty God” (v 5)

2. Vision of HEALING (Jeremiah 33:6-9)

Jeremiah saw the brokenness of a city - “I will hide my face from this city because of all its wickedness” (v 5)

God gave him a vision of healing and restoration - “I will bring heath and healing to it” (v 6)

3. Vision of HOPE (Ezekiel 37:11-12)

Ezekiel saw the death of a nation - “Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone” (v 11)

God gave him a vision of hope and life - “I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them” (v 12)

When you look at your own life, what do you see?

When you look at your city, what do you see?

When you look at your nation, what do you see?


I want to speak the same prophesy of Ezekiel to you today and say that…

• I see a “vast army”, rising up to take its place, filled with the life and power of the Holy Spirit!
• I see a people who, in the victory of the resurrected Christ, have been restored and made whole!
• I see a generation of young people who are a part of God’s redemptive plan for the city of Jakarta!