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.