Solomon Islands Ministries - Beauty Among The Ruins

During World War 2 Solomon Islands was an important Allied supply and communication route between Australia, New Zealand and the US in the Pacific theatre of the war. The Battle of Guadalcanal was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan who occupied Guadalcanal and surrounding islands, which resulted in a strategic victory for the Allied forces that changed the course of the war.  While a significant victory for the region, this battle cost the lives of 7,000 Allied troops and 19,200 Japanese troops, with a staggering number of wounded on both sides, let alone the high cost paid by indigenous populations.  A permanent reminder of the impact of this six month battle is left in the ruins of 67 ships, over 1,200 aircraft and countless munitions that litter the ocean floor and countryside of the Solomon Islands.

On Boxing Day I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Vilu War Museum in western Guadalcanal where many of these WW2 ruins lie outdoors against the contrasting beauty of native tropical flora.  As I moved between the relics listening to the well-informed commentary from the museum owner's daughter-in-law, my mind was caught in the paradox of my surroundings.  I felt a sense of privilege being able to walk among these preserved pieces of history on the very land where this moment in history played out.  I felt a sense of awe and wonder being able to personally observe up close and touch these historic instruments of war.  I felt a deep sense of sadness at the number of lives lost as a direct result of these now decaying relics that have become an attraction for tourists.  Yet, at the same time I found myself distracted by the natural beauty that kept intruding upon our historic tour.  Between each of these twisted and aging wrecks grew some of the most stunning exotic flowers I have ever seen that stole my attention away from the heroes of this museum.  Interestingly enough, what once stood as powerful machines of destruction are now lying subject to the regenerative power of nature.

War inevitably leaves a scar upon our humanity that can take generations to heal.  Similarly, the everyday battles of life can also cause deep wounds and leave lasting scars.  Yet, despite the worst that humankind can inflict upon itself, there is a Creative Force at work in this world that brings healing and restoration to all of creation.  Throughout Scripture there is a common theme of restoration that is declared by the prophets (Isaiah 65:17), proclaimed by Jesus (Luke 4:18-19) and revealed in a vision to John (Revelation 21:3-5)...

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

God, in His grace and mercy, has been actively working since the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to restore the beauty of His creation.  Within the paradox of my walk through the relics of WW2 on Boxing Day is a powerful reminder that even among the ruins there is beauty that cannot be extinguished.  Maybe this is a timely message for someone as we prepare to leave behind the year that has passed and enter into the year that is ahead.  

Look for the beauty among the ruins.  
Hold onto the promise of restoration.
God is making all things new!

Solomon Islands Ministries...

After months of anticipation and preparation, Vanessa and I finally landed in Solomon Islands on Wednesday, 13th December to commence our appointment as the Officers in Charge of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.  We were greeted by a warm and enthusiastic welcome from CSM Wency Ramo’oroa and some members of the Honiara congregation, many of whom delayed or cancelled their annual trip back to their home provinces just so they could meet us!  Along with the Honiara Corps welcome party was Pastor Mary Vasula from the Honiara CRC church to greet the incoming Salvation Army Officers as a demonstration of support from the local churches.  After some initial pleasantries, the welcome party ushered us to a garden rotunda adjacent to the airport car park where Wency addressed us with some formal words of welcome, giving thanks to God for our arrival.  It is truly a humbling experience to be told that your arrival is an answer to the prayers of a congregation.

During our first two weeks in Solomon Islands we have approached our new role in a three-fold manner - Look, Listen & Learn!

Persian poet Moslih Eddin Saadi once said, "A traveller without observation is a bird without wings."  As travellers in a new land our senses have been overloaded by the reality of life in Honiara.  From the onlookers perched on top of the airport roof, to the gauntlet of crater sized potholes turning the 10 kilometre trip from the airport into a two hour drive, to the splattering of red spit all over the pavement from the incessant chewing of betel nut, the sights of this city are a world away from what is normal for us.  Yet, the moment our passports were stamped with our residency visas, this became our reality too.  The only way we are going to effectively navigate this new reality, is through keen observation that looks beyond the 'what' to see and understand the 'why'.  Only then can we effectively engage this new culture and really see where God is already at work.

One of the dangers for any missionary entering a foreign land is assuming the posture of an expert with all the answers.  There is no doubt that we have been appointed to this role for a reason and we bring a certain level of experience, training and knowledge into this space.  However, as cultural outsiders living and leading in this new environment we are barely students.  According to Andy Stanley, "It is next to impossible to hear the voice of wisdom if we are not really listening for it to begin with."  Therefore, the prayer of King Solomon feels very real for us right now - "so give [us] the wisdom and knowledge [we] need to lead these people."  Such wisdom and knowledge not only comes from listening to God but also listening to the people entrusted to our responsibility.  Only then can we effectively engage this new culture and really hear what God is already saying.

For the past six years I have been a part-time student of mission studies while leading in a culturally diverse community that has provided me with a real life laboratory to apply everything I have learnt.  This journey of learning does not stop with a degree.  In fact, as leaders "the learning process is ongoing" because "successful leaders are learners" (John C. Maxwell).  Every observation, every conversation, is contributing to our learning experience.  The cultural insiders here in Solomon Islands are the real experts and are our partners in mission.  Taking a learning posture enables us to filter everything we think we know through an appropriate cultural lens to ensure 'how' we lead empowers those with local knowledge.  Only then can we effectively engage this new culture and really discern where God is leading His Army in Solomon Islands.

Even in this short period of time, this posture of Looking, Listening and Learning has revealed to us an alignment of vision with the Salvationists of Honiara Corps and a shared desire to journey together to discover what The Salvation Army will look like as we, by God's grace, expand its presence and impact throughout the Solomon Islands.