Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 8)

Officer's & Nominees Retreat

Saturday, 19th November 2022

The last day of the retreat commenced with Nominees Rex and Manalyn leading the morning devotions before Colonel Garth presented the final two sessions. As with the previous sessions, the topic on ‘Attitude’ spoke directly into the lives of the local leaders. The Colonel referred to the lives of several biblical characters—Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Ruth, Elijah, Daniel, Job, David, Barsabbas, and Paul—providing case studies to identify the relationship between attitude and character. Two key points emerging from the case studies were, “Your attitude cannot take you where your character cannot sustain you” and “Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine you’re altitude.” Finally, the question was asked, “What do you bring to Jesus in your pot?” (John 2:1-11), with three suggestions offered:

1. You carry a conviction
2. You carry a revelation from God that confronts culture
3. You carry a vision

After a final meal together, the District Officers led a closing Worship Service that provided an opportunity for testimonies from the congregation leaders. Once the first person stood up to speak, it unleashed a wave of open sharing that revealed the value and impact of this retreat to the leaders. Majors Robert and Vanessa then discussed the District’s progress with the Territorial Strategic Plan (TSP) Local Action Plan to celebrate the mission goals achieved this year and share the mission goals for next year. The recent change of appointment for Solomon Islands was also officially announced with Envoys Alick and Esther welcomed as Area Officers for Malaita, in addition to their current role as Area Officers for Western Province. Major Vanessa then concluded the Officer’s & Nominees Retreat with a message from Isaiah 30:21 entitled ‘God Whispers’, reminding everybody that “you won’t hear Him if you aren’t near Him.” Auxiliary Captain Wency extended heart-felt words of thanks to Colonels Garth and Patti, acknowledging their leadership and investment into the lives of the Solomon Islands leaders. The venue for the retreat was a real blessing, providing a pleasant, relaxing and suitable environment for the leaders to enjoy each other's company and get the most out of the time with the Territorial Leaders. An expression of thanks was also extended to Pastor Andrew Fanasia from SWIM for the use of their facilities. This vote of thanks was reciprocated by Andrew, as he expressed his appreciation to The Salvation Army for choosing the SWIM base for this event. After a well-earned rest back at their motel room, the Territorial Leaders were driven to the airport by the District Leaders for their return flight to Port Moresby. The week Colonels Garth and Patti spent in the Solomon Islands was an enormous encouragement to the District and a great opportunity for them to see in person the mission and ministry they read about in monthly newsletters and through regular posts on Facebook.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 7)

Officer's & Nominees Retreat

Friday, 18th November 2022

Day two of the Officer’s & Nominees Retreat began with Nominees Jimley and Joana leading morning devotions. Colonel Patti then continued on from yesterday with a session on ‘Practical Holiness’, speaking from Romans 12:1, Galatians 5:16-26 and Romans 7:14-20. She highlighted The Salvation Army’s 9th Doctrine—”We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ”—to emphasise the process of surrendering our whole selves to Jesus Christ, which is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Of course, a session on practical holiness isn’t complete without reference to one of the great historic holiness teachers of The Salvation Army, Samuel Logan Brengle, whom she quoted, ”Holiness equates to having the mind of Jesus in control over every issue of life.” The session was wrapped up with Colonel Patti outlining 3 conditions of discipleship identified by Jesus: complete surrender, identifying in His suffering and death, and obediently following Him (Mark 8:34-37); before concluding with Paul’s testimony declaring “it’s no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Colonel Garth led the second session for the day on the topic of ‘Honesty’, unpacking seven definitions:

1. Honesty means telling the truth
2. Honesty is not just truth-telling, but truth-living
3. Honesty means truth over tolerance
4. Honesty is always the best policy
5. Honesty makes you complete
6. Honesty pleases God
7. Honesty is a value to be taken seriously

The session concluded with a discussion around the importance of trust and how that applies to a Salvation Army officer or leader. The lunch break was hampered by heavy rain, keeping everyone under cover. This was followed by a business session led by the District Officers to discuss the Mission Support Projects (MSP), statistics and other mission matters. Major Vanessa spoke about the newly purchased sewing machines and starter kits that will be handed over to 5 Home Leagues as a skills development and income generating project to support local mission and ministry initiatives. Major Robert updated the leaders on the other MSP’s and explained the use of the ‘Called to be a Soldier’ and ‘Day by Day’ books, which had finally arrived after being held up in customs, as a follow-up to the recent District Renewal Campaign. The session was very interactive and went longer than planned, with a number of leaders asking clarifying questions, eager to be fully equipped as church leaders. Unfortunately, the rain continued all afternoon, causing the cancellation of the scheduled recreation activity and a modified version of the renewal activity to under shelter. The evening devotions was led by Envoys Alick and Esther Hagi, which was a fitting conclusion to an amazing day that was full of blessings and helpful leadership insights.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 6)

Officer's & Nominees Retreat

Thursday, 17th November 2022

On Thursday morning, the District Team travelled out to SWIM (Supporting Work in Ministry) Conference Centre and Transit House to set-up for the Officer’s & Nominees Retreat ahead of the arrival of the congregation and Territorial leaders. Colonels Garth and Patti joined the delegates for lunch before the District Officers launched the retreat with an Opening Worship session. The District Emergency Services Coordinator Festus, together with his wife Freda, prepared lunch and the rest of the meals for the retreat. During the Opening Worship, Major Robert introduced the leaders from each of The Salvation Army congregations across the District using a PowerPoint presentation to feature mission highlights from each location. Major Vanessa then introduced the Nominees/Candidates who have applied to enter the Officer Training College in PNG. A message was given on ‘Choosing a Covenanted Life’, based on Deuteronomy 30:11-20, to set the tone for the three days together.

The first session was led by Colonel Garth, who spoke from 1 Samuel 15:1-35 on ‘Spiritual Integrity’. After highlighting some of the barriers to spiritual integrity, Colonel Garth outlined the requirements for leading with integrity. His message resonated strongly with the leaders present, providing a challenge that spoke into each of their cultural contexts. The second session was led by Colonel Patti who spoke from Matthew 5:43-48 and Philippians 4:8-9 on ‘Spiritual Perfection’, building on the verse—”be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Colonel Patti explained the biblical context for spiritual perfection and gave some practical guidance on how to live a holy life that is set apart from sin and for Christ. Both sessions were powerful and timely messages that complimented each other and incorporated the Territorial theme ‘Rebuild, Restore, Renew’ that has been taught across the Territory, including Solomon Islands for the past two years.

Following another delicious meal prepared by Freda and Festus, everybody gathered in the communal lounge for evening devotions, led by Auxiliary Captains Wency and Fostina. It has been wonderful to see Fostina’s growth, as she is now standing alongside Wency with more and more confidence in an upfront leadership role. As she emerges from the shadow of her husband, her God-given gifts and abilities are shining brightly, inspiring the other women to break free of the cultural constraints placed upon them because of gender and lack of education. Nominee Jimley led the evening worship and everybody joined together in a time of prayer to end an inspiring day. The rest of the evening was kept free to encourage unstructured social interaction between the leaders, who are normally separated by the seas and remoteness, with very limited mobile and internet coverage in many locations. The value of fellowship becomes very evident during these types of events.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 5)

Learning Space, Networking & Coffee Ceremony

Wednesday, 16th November 2022

The Salvation Army Learning Space at Burns Creek Settlement in East Honiara is an exciting expression of transformational mission in action. Colonels Garth and Patti were welcomed by the women and children who participate in this learning space with great enthusiasm as the young boys in traditional dress greeted them with a cultural dance. Chief Peter Usi felt honoured to have the Territorial Leaders visit their humble community. The Colonels were able to observe a literacy lesson conducted by Elizabeth Tolilalo and even joined in on leading an action song with the children. It was exciting and a little emotional to see the progress of the children as one of the girls who previously could not read or write stand up and confidently read out a welcome speech to the visitors.

After the Learning Space literacy class, the Colonels were taken to visit Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands for a networking meeting with Managing Director Bob Pollard. This social enterprise tour provided them with an insight into the operations of the DME coconut oil plant The Salvation Army operates in North Malaita. They learned about each step of the process of a village operated plant, from cracking the nut to extracting the oil. The tour also gave them an understanding of how the oil is processed and made into the quality products sold by Kokonut Pacific locally and internationally.

Following the first networking visit, the Colonels were taken out for lunch with Archbishop Chris Cardone of the Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara to B Natural Café, where the Solomon Islands District Team conduct their weekly meetings every Monday morning. Archbishop Chris is a good friend of Majors Robert and Vanessa and a strong supporter of The Salvation Army. In the absence of acceptance by the national church council (SICA), Archbishop Chris has proactively engaged The Salvation Army in a number of ecumenical events and joint mission opportunities, including working with the Sisters at Mary Mazzarello Development Centre, where Major Vanessa has done a couple of workshops with the women about how to make and use the reusable sanitary kits.

After lunch, the second networking meeting was held at World Vision with Nancy Waegao, who heads up their Gender and Child Protection Sector. This social justice visit provided the Colonels with an insight into the World Vision Channels of Hope for Gender program and Gudfala Laef for Boys & Girls Sunday School curriculum, which is currently being rolled out to The Salvation Army churches. Major Vanessa has established a strong working relationship with World Vision, which has proven to be a valuable partnership for The Salvation Army in this social justice space.

In the evening, the Territorial and District Leaders had dinner with Ethiopian friends who are also an important part of the Solomon Islands District networks. Dr Zelalem is a medical doctor and the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Pacific in the Solomon Islands. Zelalem and Hawariat had invited Majors Robert and Vanessa to their home for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, so the visit of Colonels Garth and Patti presented an opportunity to share this experience with the Territorial Leaders. They were all blessed with generous hospitality, great company and a delightful cultural evening of home cooked Ethiopian food and fresh stovetop roasted coffee, served in their traditional way. Drinking coffee in Ethiopia is an unhurried communal event where life and stories are shared over 3-4 brews.

This day of networking was aimed at connecting the Territorial Leaders with some of the important community and business relationships that significantly contribute to the success of the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands District. These networks are intentionally nurtured by Majors Robert and Vanessa to ensure they are mutually relational, as well as functional. The visits undertaken today are only a sample of a wide and diverse network of relationships that have become integral to the development and growth of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 4)

Workshops, Cultural Tour & Fellowship

Tuesday, 15th November 2022

The day started with two skills-based workshops to provide the Colonels with an experiential insight into a new social enterprise project and sewing group that are having an impact on the livelihood and well-being of Solomon Islanders. Colonel Patti joined with a group of expat women who meet weekly to make reusable sanitary kits that are distributed to disadvantaged local women around the Solomon Islands. Colonel Garth joined with a group of local men for a session of melting aluminium cans and a lesson on different aluminium casting techniques. Unfortunately, the charcoal used to fuel the foundry didn’t burn hot enough to bring the cans to melting point, so the Colonel missed out on seeing this part of the process. The working theory behind this disappointing outcome to the workshop is that the charcoal contained too much moisture from exposure to recent heavy rain. 

Following the two workshops, the Colonels were taken out for lunch before embarking on a cultural tour around Honiara CBD. The tour commenced at the Arts/Craft Market and Art Gallery, where they were treated to the creativity of Solomon Islanders through wood carvings, shell jewellery and paintings. The next stop was the “Pride of Our Nation” memorial to the indigenous Scouts & Coast Watchers who played a pivotal role in supporting the Allied Forces during World War Two. The memorial is a reminder to all Solomon Islanders to feel pride in the selfless sacrifices that their ancestors made. Finally, the Colonels were taken to the Guadalcanal American War Memorial, situated on top of the Skyline ridge, offering panoramic views of Honiara. 

The scheduled evening Prayer Meeting was relocated from the usual location at the ‘Prayer Mountain’ to Festus brother’s home, where another Fellowship Service was held with the grieving family. A group from Honiara Corps gathered together for this time of worship and prayer. During the evening people were invited to share words of encouragement with the Ganiomea family. Auxiliary Captain Wency, Major Robert and Colonel Garth spoke into this space from Scriptures that brought comfort and support. A powerful time of prayer followed in the Solomon way, creating a collective chorus of a heartfelt cry out to the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 3)

District Review & Community Walk

Monday, 14th November 2022

One of the important tasks undertaken by the Territorial Leaders during their visit was the facilitation of a District Review to evaluate the mission and ministry impact of the Solomon Islands District. This is the first face-to-face review process for Solomon Islands since gaining District status, due to COVID-19 travel disruptions over the past few years. In preparation for the District Review, a detailed review document was completed by the District Officers in advance of the Territorial Leaders visit to present their Statistics, Programme (Children’s & Youth Ministry, Women’s & Men’s Ministry, Music Ministry, Social & Community Services), Personnel (Officers, Candidates/Nominees, Employees), Business Administration (Finance, Property, Projects, IT, Boards, Inventory). The District Team had a productive discussion with the Territorial Leaders, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for future growth. It was an encouraging process for all involved looking back on the past couple of years of growth and development of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

After a full day of sitting around a table discussing mission and ministry, it was time for some recreation. Armed with some foreknowledge that the Colonels’ “favourite pastime is walking/hiking and exploring new places,” Major Robert organised to take them for an evening walk with the Honiara Hash House Harriers group that he connects with most Mondays. This is a family friendly group of expat and local walkers and runners who meet weekly at various locations around Honiara for an organised walk/run. It is a great way to discover new places, see how people live in urban villages and meet people from all walks of life. Major Robert has been walking with this group for 18 months, which has become a valuable source of networking and fitness. The walk commenced at Lengakiki in the west side of Honiara and weaved around gravel roads and walking tracks, up and down hills for 4 kilometres. The Colonels were welcomed with the customary friendly smiles and warm greetings from Solomon Islanders who are always accepting of strangers walking through their neighbourhoods. What Honiara lacks in infrastructure is offset by a freedom of movement around a relatively safe and hospitable society. This is in direct contrast to walking conditions in Port Moresby, providing the Colonels an opportunity to explore new places in safety.

After the walk, there was a BBQ held at the home of one of the Hash members, whose work contract has finished in the Solomon Islands. This provided a great opportunity for the Territorial Leaders to socialise with one of Major Robert and Vanessa’s network of friends. One of the unique rituals at Hash is the ‘circle up’ after each walk where newbies are welcomed and weekly nominations are made for several fun categories, with nominees subjected to a raucous rendition of the Hash group jingle. Consequently, the Colonels were invited to join the other newbies for this ritual. Let’s just say the lyrics of the jingle would be more suited to a public bar than the THQ board room! If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, Major Robert was also included in an unexpected and slightly irreverent ‘naming ceremony’ where he was dubbed “Dog Handler” in response to his recent dog attack. Fortunately, all this frivolity was taken with good humour by the Territorial Leaders, who really enjoyed the time of recreation and social interaction with a terrific group of people.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 2)

Holiness Meeting & House Cry

Sunday, 13th November 2022

On Sunday morning, 170 Salvationists gathered at the new Honiara City Council Multipurpose Hall for a combined Holiness Meeting with the Territorial Leaders. This venue was chosen to provide more space for the expanded congregation and to allow additional time for a fellowship lunch after the service. The Territorial Leaders were led into the service by the same cultural dancers and timbrelists that greeted them at the airport. After an official welcome by the District Officer, the Honiara Corps Worship Team led an opening time of vibrant praise and worship, displaying the spiritual fervour of the congregation. A number of items were presented during the service by the Children & Youth and Brass Band Learners from Honiara Corps. Testimonies were shared by two representatives from the Malaita and Western Provinces - Envoy Judith Akwasitaloa (Gateway Corps) and Kendrick Lonisasa (Barakoma New Opening). YPSM Webster Buakalo presented an engaging children’s story to 40 energetic pikinini, who are an active part of the life of the Corps.

One of the highlights of the Holiness Meeting was the enrolment of five Soldiers from Honiara Corps and a Soldier from Rauai Fellowship, including the acknowledgement of 15 new recruits from Vella Lavella, Western Province, who recently completed their Soldiership Classes and are now awaiting enrolment upon a return visit by the Area Officers. Another highlight was the commissioning of two Local Officers from Honiara Corps - Martha Hakolo as Corps Secretary and Mitlyn Taba’a as Corps Treasurer. Festus Ganiomea was to be commissioned as Corps Sergeant Major but was absent due to a sudden death in his family that morning. Colonel Garth spoke powerfully from Ezekiel 37:1-10, asserting, “Our greatest need in this territory, is personal and corporate holiness.” The Holy Spirit spoke through his message, prompting 38 people to respond by coming down to the altar for prayer. After the final song, Major Vanessa acknowledged the visit of the Territorial Leaders by presenting on behalf of the Solomon Islands District the original artwork commissioned for the 10th Anniversary, depicting The Salvation Army flag by local artist Riaz Maninga. Envoy Alick Hagi presented a wood carving of a turtle on behalf of the Provinces and Auxiliary Captain Wency Ramo’oroa presented shell money on behalf of Honiara Corps. These gifts are a cultural expression of appreciation and honour, demonstrating to visitors how much they are valued.

The scheduled evening activity of an Open Air Outreach at Borderline was cancelled due to the death of the brother of a member of the District Team. Instead, the decision was made to release the Corps to attend the ‘House Cry’ as an expression of support and care for the Ganiomea family. Colonels Garth and Patti were gracious and understanding of this change to the program, willingly accompanying the District Officers to engage in this pastoral response. A ‘house cry’ is a Melanesian cultural response to grief where family and community members gather together at the deceased’s home to mourn prior to the funeral and burial. The house cry will usually consist of singing and storytelling to celebrate the life of the deceased and to acknowledge the hope that is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, followed by feasting from the food contributed by those who gather. It is common for a house cry to go until the early hours of the morning. However, once the Corps Officers arrived at the house, a natural handover occurred, allowing the District and Territorial Leaders to leave after spending an hour with the family, so they were home at a reasonable hour. The change of program and attendance of the Territorial and District Leaders was deeply appreciated by Festus and his wider family. It also released the Corps leaders from the tension between fulfilling their cultural and church duties.

Solomon Islands District - Territorial Leaders Visit (Day 1)

Arrival & Welcome

Saturday, 12th November 2022

The opening of Solomon Islands borders on July 1st 2022 provided a long-awaited opportunity for the Territorial Leaders of the Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory to visit the Solomon Islands District for the first time. Colonels Garth and Patti Niemand arrived in Honiara on Saturday, 12th November where they were greeted by District Officers, Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans and Honiara Corps Officers, Auxiliary Captains Wency and Fostina Ramo’oroa. They were then led to the leaf hut out front of Henderson Airport by Major Vanessa and Auxiliary Captain Fostina through a guard of honour, lined with Malaitan dancers and Salvation Army timbrelists from Honiara Corps, for a cultural welcome from an enthusiastic group of Salvationists from across the District.

A small Welcome Service was conducted under the leaf hut, which attracted the attention of other travellers and locals mingling at the airport, who were captivated by the blended sight of Salvation Army uniforms and cultural dress, accompanied by the joyful sound of singing and timbrels. As the Colonels entered the leaf hut, they were presented traditional floral lei’s by two Honiara Corps youth, with the Solomon Islands District flag waving proudly in the background. Woven bamboo fans and cold coconuts were also provided as an expression of hospitality to keep the visitors cool in the tropical heat. After the cultural dances and timbrel display, Western Province Area Officer Envoy Alick Hagi extended words of welcome to Colonels Garth and Patti on behalf the District, which was followed by a time of worship led by Nominee Jimley Fafaluta from Gateway Corps in North Malaita. Major Robert then offered further words of welcome to everybody gathered and appreciation to the welcome party for their fitting reception of the Territorial Leaders.

An overview of the program for the week was provided, which included: Combined Holiness Meeting at Honiara Corps, Corps Fellowship Lunch, Street Outreach (Sunday); District Review, Honiara Hash House Harriers Walk (Monday); Reusable Sanitary Kits Sewing Group & Social Enterprise Workshop, City Cultural Tour, Prayer Meeting (Tuesday); Mission Support Project & Learning Space Visit, Social Enterprise & Social Justice Network Visits, Lunch with Catholic Archbishop, Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony (Wednesday); Officer’s & Nominees Retreat (Thursday—Saturday).

Colonel Garth responded to the welcome with gratitude and joy for the opportunity to meet Solomon Islands Salvationists in person, at long last. He referred to the theme of the 10th Anniversary last year - ’Greater Things’ - to acknowledge the wonderful work God is doing in the Solomon Islands District. Major Vanessa brought the Welcome Service to a close with a time of united prayer in the Solomon way. The Colonels were then driven by the District Officers to their motel accommodation, which gave them a first-hand insight into the deteriorating road and traffic conditions of Honiara, especially following 24 hours of torrential rain! A gift basket awaited the Territorial Leaders in their motel room, providing a selection of local products from the Solomon Islands, good coffee from PNG and a few other items to make their stay comfortable. The District Officers then rejoined the Territorial Leaders for dinner later that evening.

Solomon Islands District - PNG Southern Region Congress

Major Robert and Vanessa, along with Auxiliary Captain Wency and Fostina, travelled to Port Moresby to attend the PNG Southern Region Congress that hosted a visit from the World Leaders of The Salvation Army, General Brian & Commissioner Rosalie Peddle. The Congress commenced on Thursday, 27th October with Offer’s Councils, where Officers from South Central Division, South East Division, Gulf District, Solomon Islands District came together for two sessions of worship, teaching and fellowship. The first public Congress meeting ‘Celebrating the Southern Way’ was on Friday evening, which featured a night of praise and worship, cultural items, and a message by the General. On Saturday morning, Salvationists from around the Southern Region gathered at THQ for a March of Witness around Boroko, followed by an Open Air at Centre Point. The Koki Corps Brass Band, along with a combined Timbrel Brigade, led a procession of hundreds of enthusiastic uniformed Soldiers that snaked around the streets of Boroko, offering the public an impressive sight. The real impression, though, was the presentation of God’s Word though song, drama, testimony and a salvation message. In the evening, the Children and Youth were featured in a Praise & Worship meeting, presenting some very creative items that included cultural dances, timbrels and an amazing silhouette performance. The final public meeting on Sunday morning was a Holiness Meeting, which attracted the largest crowd for the weekend. Like with the previous events, the pre-worship had people up dancing and singing with great passion and cultural pride. Koki Corps Band and a Divisional Worship Team supported the congregational singing, with the Cadets presenting a skit for the children’s segment and a combined Sunday Schools reading the Scripture before the General gave his final message. One of the highlights of the Holiness Meeting was the mass enrolment of 84 Senior Soldiers and 67 Junior Soldiers from all over the Southern Region. The other highlight was the public acknowledgement of Auxiliary Captain Wency and Fostina as the first non-commissioned Officers of the Solomon Islands by the Territorial Commander, with the General praying a prayer of blessing over them both.

Reflection written by Auxiliary Captain Wency & Fostina Ramo'oroa...

When we heard that we were required to be at THQ for the General’s Visit we were very excited and looked forward to attending the program and anticipating to see and experience greater things that God is going to do in our lives during the program. While we were very excited about the news of going to PNG, we did have some doubts in our preparations which gave us less hope whether or not we will be able to attend the program because our visas were not ready. Even on the last working day of that week before we flew on Sunday to Port Moresby, I was waiting for an email from THQ confirming the approval of our visas. However, at about 5:00pm I received a message from our District Officer advising that our visas were finally granted. Praise God. Anyway, the rest is history. The program had three parts to it. The first part was a Welcome program at the Airport, the second was the Officer’s Councils and third was the Congress.

Aux Capt Fostina had a great experience during the program. She was well received by the Officers, including our Territorial Leaders, and they encouraged her a lot in her ministry. Their hospitality and kind gestures made her feel at home and feel that she is part of a wider loving and caring Army. She was quite surprised by the infrastructure in PNG, including THQ. But most of all, she was deeply moved and encouraged by the messages shared by the General and Commissioner and also the skits by other groups during the program. As a newly emerging member and leader in The Salvation Army, those messages have motivated her to see and evaluate herself, especially her spiritual wellbeing. She also acknowledged that even though her understanding of English is very low, she seemed to grasp most of what had been said. She was also blessed and privileged to meet with General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle in person.

So, both of us are new in this space. This is our first time to attend what is called Officer’s Councils and Congress. We did not know what Officer’s Councils was all about and what the congress looked like in The Salvation Army context. However, attending the program during the weekend gave us more insight into The Salvation Army programs. We are so thrilled with what we have seen and experienced during the weekend. We also feel that God has spoken to us during the weekend through what we have seen, heard and felt.

During the weekend, we met some officers and cadets and they were very generous to us by encouraging us in our ministry and especially about life at the Officer’s Training College (OTC); something that shed some hope for Aux Capt Fostina, as she is in a preparation stage for our journey to the OTC. Nothing more is so enjoyable than being in the presence of the Lord with those who share the same values, faith and are on the same journey. We learned a lot during the weekend about many things. Some of the things were very new to us while other things are an encouragement of what we have already seen. This opens our eyes to see the bigger picture of the wider Salvation Army. For us, we come from a country where some people know little about The Salvation Army and others know nothing about The Salvation Army. So our participation through the congress will help us to lead the Army in our own country.

We experienced some challenges during our stay for this program. But in the midst of those challenges, God has spoken to us powerfully to live a life of servant leadership and to accept those challenges as an encouragement on our journey of faith. Above all, we are very grateful to God for His unconditional love and faithfulness upon our lives as He leads us down this pathway of our Christian Journey. We give God all the glory, honour and praise for great things He has done. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Journal - Chapter 6

Master of Transformational Development

Community Development

Although this semester is the final chapter in my academic ‘Master of Transformational Development’ journey at Eastern College Australia, it marks a transition in the unfolding journey of personal and professional transformation that will continue long after graduation. In continuity with Romans 12:1-2, throughout this journey I have quite literally been “transformed by the renewing of [my] mind,” spiritually, culturally, and intellectually, which has affirmed “God’s good, pleasing and perfect will” through my calling as a Salvation Army Officer to serve in a cross-cultural context and awakened within me a deeper self-awareness and sense of God’s providence in this space. The application of this transformative journey to my mission and ministry over the past three years cannot be overstated, as it has contributed significantly to the growth and development of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands.

As I embark on my research paper for this final subject – ‘Community Development’ – I am aware that development is also an ongoing process of transformation towards a preferred or desired state of well-being. Unfortunately, in much of the western world, a state of well-being has become defined by the pursuit of more at the detriment of the symbiotic relationships that sustain us. In contrast, the process of framing my research topic within a Melanesian understanding of ‘shalom’ has revealed that community well-being in a Pacific context has more to do with maintaining right relationships than accumulating wealth or establishing programs and projects. The richness of the term ‘shalom’ is captured well by the Melanesian terms ‘gutpela sindaun’ (PNG) and ‘stap gud’ (SI), describing fullness of life, no conflict or division, peaceful existence, love and joy in community (community well-being), holistic well-being. It is noteworthy, the lack of material wealth or modernisation expressed by these definitions. It is going to be a fascinating journey of discovery to explore how these cultural definitions influence village aspirations for development at a grassroots level and how this compares or contrasts with national and foreign development agendas.

It is the relational dimension of well-being that has spoken into my journey of personal transformation throughout this course of study while leading the growth and development of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands. Reflecting back on an Executive Leadership Development Program I completed a number of years ago, I recall an assessment of leadership blind spots, identifying that the gap between my stimulus and response to be very quick, which can be a real asset leading in a crisis. However, it can be somewhat of a barrier in facilitating local participation and teamwork in any leadership or community development context, which requires much more attention to the process than results. Process is the space where relationships are nurtured or neglected! It doesn’t matter how much material benefit community development promises if it doesn’t nurture holistic relationships within and between communities, with the environment and with the Creator. As a product of a results-driven culture, with a task-oriented personality and a default disposition towards problem solving, lingering too long in the messiness of process is not my natural or preferred leadership habitat. However, I find myself as an unwitting actor in some divine comedy frequently dwelling in this space in my current vocational context. And when that space creates what I consider to be unnecessary drama, I also find myself trying to change the script. Yet, it is in the state of process that a mutual transformation is actually taking place. With a growing self-awareness and appreciation for the value of process, along with the intrinsic and inviolable nature of relationships for human flourishing and community development, I am becoming a much more willing actor in the ‘dramedy’. Though, I must confess that this is very much a work in progress!

It is no mistake, then, that Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) “stresses a ‘relationship driven’ strategy that works on building and rebuilding relationships within and among community groups” (Kretzmann & McKnight, 1993). This strategy is foundational to my research methodology and is reshaping the way I evaluate and manage existing mission development projects initiated by The Salvation Army. I am looking forward to how the results of my research will inform the process of future community engagement in villages where we are nurturing mission and ministry partnerships.

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:4-6)

Solomon Islands District - Renewal Campaign (East Are'are & South Malaita)

Report written by CSM Festus Ganiomea...

Our mission to Moscom and Fouele was truly a challenge for us over the past weeks of the District Renewal Campaign for the recommitment of Soldiers. The trip cost a lot in both finance and physical strength, but through the grace and strength of our God Himself, we managed to successfully complete the campaign. 

We began our mission on the 24th August 2022, when Michael Rautiku and I boarded the MV Ortega and left Honiara for Moscom through a three-day journey trip. We reached Moscom on the 27th August 2022 at 11:00pm and we had a rest for that night.

On Sunday, 28th August we joined the morning devotion before we began our campaign during the main service, where Michael had the privilege of preaching. His sermon was based on Romans 12 and he challenged the congregation on the journey of their Christian life. Right after the sermon I began the campaign based on the standards of a Salvationist and Soldier in The Salvation Army.

On Monday, 29th August after we had breakfast, Michael and I went over to check on the Solar Freezer Project and reinstalled the faulty device that was first installed and was damaged. We checked to see that everything is functioning well again. After the work, we just rested for the whole day and prepared for travelling on the next day.

Tuesday morning of 30th August, at about 10:00am, Michael and I, accompanied by other men and women from Moscom church, travelled to Fouele. We hired somebody from another community to be our skipper due to the rough sea. It took us four hours to travel from Moscom to Fouele, arriving around 2:00pm in the afternoon. In the evening, Michael and I joined the evening devotion and we called it a night.

On Wednesday, 31st August our next campaign session was held at Fouele congregation. We began our service at 10:00am and I had the opportunity to deliver a sermon and present the campaign standards of Soldiership to the congregation of Fouele. In the evening, we showed a film to the congregation about heaven and hell, which really attracted other surrounding churches to attend the film. After the film, two brothers from the Anglican Church surrendered their lives to accept Christ for the first time, which was a great impact of our mission to this community in South Malaita.

Thursday, 1st September at about 8:00am in the morning, Michael and I travelled back to Moscom with other members of Moscom church who accompanied us. The weather during the day was not really fine, so we had to patiently face the heavy rain and rough sea until we reached Moscom at 2:00pm. Later that evening, we showed the heaven and hell film to the congregation at Moscom until late that night.

On Friday, 2nd September, Michael and I boarded a ship and headed back to Honiara. We left Moscom around 10:00am and arrived in Honiara on Sunday, 4th September at 3:00pm. During the three day journey we experienced heavy rain and rough sea but we managed to arrive safely home. Some of the challenges we faced during the mission included our physical strength, as we were sometimes so tired and weary, yet we managed to complete the mission. During our stay at Moscom and Fouele we had to meet our own meals without depending on the community. Also, fuel shortage led to high price of fuel.

The mission to Moscom and Fouele brought a really great impact to these two places. The feedback received mentioned that after the campaign church leaders and members began to live according to the standards and way of a Salvation Army Soldier. It showed that the campaign brought back the life that we should be like Jesus in our Christian life.

Michael and I saw the mission as miracles, because both of us were sick during the time we were ready to leave but the moment we stepped into the field we were healed. All we have to say is ‘to God be the glory, great things He has done!’

Solomon Islands District - Renewal Campaign (West Kwara'ae & Fataleka)

Report written by Envoy Alick Hagi...

As the District geared up for the ‘Called to be a Soldier’ renewal campaign there were lots of disrupting factors. The first being the delay in receiving our grant for travelling and second the delay of ‘Called to be a Soldier’ books arriving on time.

My trip to Rauai had two purposes; first to respond to a leadership crisis in the congregation and the second to conduct the renewal campaign. Given the importance of this trip, I had to travel despite the delay of the books and recommitment cards. So, as soon as the grant hit our account, I was the first to take off to Malaita Province and up to Rauai. I arrived in Auki on 15th August 2022, but the truck that travel to Rauai was overloaded so I was not able to board. I slept overnight at Kwainaketo with one of our youth from Honiara Corps who was in Malaita. The very next day we came back to Auki by taxi to catch the vehicle that travels to Rauai. We got there early so we could get a proper seat. We got off at Anokelo village and some youth from Rauai were there to meet us. They wore their Salvation Army blue t-shirt and carried our bags and goods up to Rauai. It was almost an hour walk from Anokelo to Rauai.

In the evening of Tuesday 16th August 2022, I got all the Rauai congregation in the common meeting hall and confirmed the congregations’ commitment to remain a part of The Salvation Army, due to some recent unrest in the village. Their response was we are The Salvation Army church! Then on Wednesday, 17th August 2022, before I walk to Ngalifalisi with elder Kemuel, John Misitana, Pastor Clifton Siau and my wife Esther; Alban Oba came and asked if I could wait for another day. I said no, I want us to go and check the soldiers at Ngalifalisi. It was almost 5 km of walking. We got to Ngalifalisi at Seth Misitana’s house where they use to have worship. I went through the soldiers list and found that only five soldiers remained, with all others having moved out elsewhere and some to Honiara. I asked Seth’s son who keeps the house because his father went to Honiara. He is not a soldier, but I wanted to find what his thoughts were concerning The Salvation Army. He was very supportive but because his Father and Alban did not cooperate together, he and others in the community just hold back. I only find that his daughter Grima Kosi is the only faithful soldier that can walk to Rauai every Sunday to attend worship. I asked his father what if her daughter does the fellowship for them? He said it is ok and I encouraged him to support his daughter.

On Sunday, 21st August 2022 we had a reconciliation service between the church leaders and the congregation. It was an emotional time as they now feel delivered from the bondage that held them captive. This event happened after I had discussions and did the ‘Called to be a Soldier’ session, where I stressed The Salvation Army’s practice, attitude and behavior. The session helped them understand what it means to be a Soldier in The Salvation Army. The service concluded and we all went to have lunch and then came back to the church and continued with our sessions 8,9 & 10. We started our after-lunch session and I had the privilege to enroll four Junior Soldiers. Then after the enrollment, I divided the church into two groups for discussion and presentation of what they learned from the sessions.

After completing the Rauai ‘Called to be a Soldier’, I left Rauai for Ramah on Wednesday, 24th August 2022 on a north road public transport. I waited for Auxiliary Captain Wency to arrive on Thursday, 25th August before going down to Ramah to collect the commitment cards. Upon arriving at Ramah, I was met by the community elder Martin Lagwai and told him that we would have our sessions in the evenings. Our first session started with the message from General Brian Peddle, then the forward content. Then I went straight into chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4. This was Thursday, 25th August 2022 in the evening. On Friday, 26th August 2022 I did another four chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8 and Saturday Evening I completed the final chapters 9, 10, 11 & 12. I was very excited that I completed the ‘Called to be a Soldier’ for Ramah in only three days and presented their commitment cards. There were only ten that received the commitment cards.

On Monday I went up to my father-in-law place and had a rest while waiting to get back to Rauai on the weekend of 3rd September 2022 for the certificate presentation. I spent 5 days waiting to return back to Rauai on 3rd September 2022 just to present their commitment cards. It was a great time of celebration because two weeks ago there was a reconciliation and now I am back to present them their commitment cards. Grima Kosi, the only faithful Soldier from Ngalifalisi, always walks 4 km to Rauai for Sunday worship. She came with her younger brother who is interested to become a Junior Soldier. She received her card from congregation leader Pastor Clifton Siau. I encouraged Grima Kosi to do house fellowship with the family. Her Father is very supportive of The Salvation Army and so her first Sunday, 28th August 2022, she had seven in attendance.

I presented the recommitment cards to the Soldiers who attended the 12 sessions of ‘Called to be a Soldier’. Rauai had a total of 53 soldiers, but only 28 in total received their recommitment card, as the others had gone to Honiara.

Solomon Islands District - Renewal Campaign (Honiara & North Malaita)

Report written by Aux Capt Wency Ramo'oroa...

In the month of August 2022 the Solomon Islands District focused on its renewal campaign throughout the District. This renewal campaign is very crucial for the District in order to maintain and uphold the values, practices and culture of The Salvation Army as a church, considering the level of growth in our District. Furthermore, for the current Soldiers to reflect on their covenant and renew it.

Before we went out for the renewal campaign we went through a spiritual warfare with sickness and delay of some essential resources for the program, which caused us to delay the renewal campaign trip until almost the end of the month. Auxiliary Captain Fostina and I went out to North Malaita covering Gateway and Kafomauri congregations. We travelled on the 25th of August 2022 and arrived at Gateway evening the same day and were well received by the congregations.

I opened our session on Friday morning with a sermon about living a life of Holiness to set the tone for the weekend from 2 Peter 1:3-4. We structured our campaign into four sessions: The first session on Friday morning, second session Friday afternoon, third session Friday evening and the fourth session Saturday morning. We took the congregations through “Called to be a Soldier” thoroughly to make sure they understood the message clearly. During the sessions it was very emotional for others as this message challenge them deeply. There were some who wrestled with this teaching trying to figure out a way forward for their lives. But in the midst of the deep emotional feeling they were wrestling with, God was at work and I saw the evidence of it on Sunday morning during our Holiness meeting when the Soldiers willingly signed their renewal cards. It was clearly expressed during and throughout the sessions that this is the message that they were waiting for. This teaching was very timely for them as they are approaching an unprecedented time where some of them almost abandoned their covenant. One of the Soldiers speaking in tears said that he regretted that his family did not come with him to attend the program. He said that for those who have their partners and their children with them for the program are so fortunate to hear this timely teaching.

During the session we had good times of asking and answering of questions to clear the doubts of others especially about our behaviours and practices. It is clear that a consistency of teachings about our behaviours and practices is mostly needed in our newly established congregations so that they will uphold and protect the integrity of our newly emerging church. This teaching helped them to understand the importance of the covenant that they have signed and the level of commitment needed from each soldier in upholding what they have committed to. After the completion of the “Called to be a Soldier” teaching in the afternoon of Saturday we prepared for the Sunday holiness meeting. The period after the teaching and before the signing of the renewal cards, I asked the congregations to prayerful think about the message we heard during the teaching while they prepare themselves for renewing their covenant during the Holiness meeting. I preached from Luke 9:57-62 on the theme “No regret”, encouraging the congregations to make a serious decision that they will never regret. This message was very fitting as we concluded our renewal campaign.

After the Holiness meeting, I had the privilege to dedicate the outboard motor with the boat that was given to Kafomauri as part of resourcing them to advance the mission of The Salvation Army in North Malaita. That OBM was made possible through the Mission Project Support funds from International Headquarters. We finished our Program with a time of celebration and feasting. Both churches were very happy and thankful to God for such a program. Kafomauri congregation then returned home after feasting on Sunday evening.

 

We left Gateway on Monday morning for Auki, hoping to catch a boat in the afternoon the same day to Honiara. That plan didn’t work out because the boats were all busy with the US Navy Mercy Ship visiting Solomon Islands. We spent a day and night at Auki and boarded the ferry the next day to Honiara.

The renewal campaign for Honiara Corps will be happening very shortly. I have decided to do it in two ways. Firstly, we will do the renewal campaign in our weekday neighbourhood fellowship groups. Secondly, I am looking at doing another round of renewal campaign at HIPS school for those who can’t attend our neighbourhood fellowships. I have decided to do it this way so that all our Soldiers will have an opportunity to attend the renewal campaign program. This teaching needs to continue in our congregations to encourage and remind the Soldiers and Adherents to remain faithful to their covenant.

Spiritual Formation Journal - Chapter 5

Master of Transformational Development

Leadership & Organisational Development

At the beginning of this semester, we launched the Territorial Strategic Plan for Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory in the Solomon Islands. The strategic plan is based on the theme: “Rebuild – Restore – Renew” taken from the Scripture, “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations” (Isaiah 61:4). The vision driving this theme states, “The Salvation Army will actively rebuild, restore and renew where a broken world needs it most.”

In the last six months, the relevance of this theme for Solomon Islands has been punctuated by the riots in November 2021, the community outbreak of COVID-19 in January 2022, proceeding lockdowns and curfews, economic hardship, China security pact, localised flooding and food shortages; all of which exacerbates the brokenness that normally plagues this nation. The impact of COVID-19 related restrictions on meeting together and travelling has greatly hindered The Salvation Army’s ability to put into effect this strategic plan in ways that come naturally to us. It has also slowed down the rapid mission growth we have experienced over the past four years. So, as an action-orientated leader, I have found this period of time to be immensely frustrating!

A time will come soon when we can return to our normal program and set into motion mission activities that will ‘rebuild’ and ‘restore’ but maybe this hiatus has given us time and space to ‘renew’. Ironically, renewal means to ‘resume an activity after an interruption’ but I sense there is space for renewal amid the interruption in this context. For me, this time has led me back to the journal I kept during our pilgrimage to the Holy Land back in 2019, just three months prior to the pandemic. At the end of each full and rich day of exploring places where Jesus walked, I spent some quiet time over a double espresso recording the experiences and insights from our adventures. Reflecting back on those experiences and insights over the past couple of months has indeed been a time of personal renewal in the absence of significant activity and adventure. Ascension Sunday this year provided me with one such moment as I recalled our trip to the Sea of Galilee to the place where Jesus reinstated Peter before His ascension into heaven. This is what I recorded in my journal on that day:

“The first location we visited today had the most profound impact on me! We travelled to the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee where Peter was reinstated by Jesus after his denial of Christ. Here the words of Jesus, “Do you love me?” spoke powerfully to me. We stood on the shore of Galilee and sang the words of Howard Davies song, “Lord, You Know That We Love You.” This was a most fitting song for a very sacred moment. Three rocks shaped as love hearts imbedded into the ground nearby added to the impact of the moment. As we sang the final verse I was overwhelmed with such deep emotion I could no longer sing but could only allow Christ to speak through the singing of the rest of our group…

“Lord, you know that we fail you;

Our sins, how sorely they grieve you!

Many times we have fallen,

Lord, lift us up again.

May we walk to be worthy

Of the call that is ours.

May your will and your purpose

Claim our undivided powers!”

Following this powerful moment, I went and stood in the Sea of Galilee and allowed Christ’s deep, deep love for me flood my soul.”

Remembering that experience in our current circumstances was a powerful challenge to me that ‘my walk may be worthy of the call that is mine’. This has also spoken into some personal conversations with Vanessa about whether we want to extend our time in the Solomon Islands for a third term of another three years. We have been wrestling with this decision, flipping back and forth between our desire as parents and duty as officers, unsure of which way we ought to go. This period of renewal and reflection has given us space to find clarity in our own spirits that our work here is not done and claim the last line of the song that spoke to me on the Sea of Galilee three years ago: “May your will and your purpose claim our undivided powers!” While there are processes outside of our control about whether we stay or go, we are content to say, “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).