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.