Research Paper in Transformational Development

In February 2020, I commenced the first unit of the Master of Transformational Development (MTD) with Eastern College Australia. After three years of studying while serving in the Solomon Islands, I submitted my final paper at the end of April. The MTD runs for six semesters, covering subjects pertinent to international aid and development from a faith-based perspective:

1. Climate Change, Justice & Sustainability

2. Biblical Justice, Human Rights and Advocacy

3. Economics, Development and Human Flourishing

4. Doing Theology in the Context of Poverty & Injustice

5. Leadership and Organisational Development

6. Community Development

Each unit is structured with an eight-week reading period, during which you engage with an online reading cohort, a one week face-to-face intensive, and three assessment tasks, including a take home exam, minor essay and major essay (totalling 10,000 words). The major essay (6,000 words) each semester allows the student to choose a topic within the subject matter that relates specifically to their vocational context. Similarly, the final unit requires a research paper (10,000 words) addressing a key issue relating to their situation.

Throughout this course of study, I have had the privilege of studying alongside some extraordinary practitioners from a variety of sectors from around Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand, who have significantly contributed to my learning experience. The relevance of each subject matter to a Pacific context is self-evident and the Solomon Islands has provided the perfect learning environment to apply this knowledge. This has been especially true in our context of leading the growth and development of The Salvation Army in this region, with every unit being timely, relevant and insightful.

The lecturers from Eastern College Australia contributed a wealth of knowledge and expertise and were very supportive throughout the journey. I am particularly grateful to Steve Bradbury who commenced me on this journey and to Steve Bevis who took over the coordination of the MTD midway to see me through to completion.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory for endorsing my study application and to The Salvation Army Australia Territory for approving and funding this course of study. Their investment in me studying the MTD has been an investment in the expanding mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands. Finally, I want to acknowledge Ness for her unwavering support, encouragement and patience through countless hours of study and our District Team who have carried an extra load while I’ve been hidden away completing assessment tasks. In the words of Paul to the church in Philippi, “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:4-5).

My final assessment task was a Research Paper in Transformational Development, entitled 'Community development reimagined through the context of a Melanesian understanding and experience of ‘shalom’ at a grassroots village level.'

This paper set out to reimagine community development through the context of a Melanesian understanding and experience of ‘shalom’ at a grassroots village level by defining human flourishing and community well-being in local languages. Cultural definitions of a ‘good life’ informed a ‘Melanesian Research Methodology’ that was used to capture indigenous voices with the intention of empowering meaningful community participation in development dialogue and processes.

A review of current literature on community development highlights core principles that speak into five key insights identified by the research results, including: Deficit Mindset, Aid Dependency, Here and Now, Land is Life, and Centrality of Relationships. The discussion and application of these insights offer a critical analysis of current development processes in the Solomon Islands and suggests a more sustainable approach to transformational development in continuity with cultural aspirations for a life that is ‘stap gud’.

The research paper can be accessed and downloaded via The Salvation Army Digital Research Repository link below... 

Research Paper in Transformational Development

Solomon Islands District - Gudfala Laef fo Evri Gele & Evri Boe Training

World Vision & The Salvation Army Partnership

The Salvation Army Solomon Islands District partnered with World Vision Solomon Islands at the beginning of February this year to take part in the ‘Gudfala Laef Blong Evri Gele an Evri Boe’ (Good Life for Every Girl & Boy) Sunday School Curriculum Training.  The training was attended by 20 members of The Salvation Army from our Honiara Church and Gateway Church in North Malaita. After completing this training, the District embarked on an Easter Campaign that sent four mission groups into the provinces to train members of our village churches in this new Sunday School curriculum. The groups travelled to Munda Church in Western Province (attended by members from Barakoma, Vella Lavella and Bonosi, Vonavona Lagoon), Gateway Church at Kwai in North Malaita (attended by members from Kafomauri), Rauai Church in West Kwara’ae, Moscom Church in East Are’are and Fouele Church in Small Malaita. 

The rollout of the Gudfala Laef training by our mission teams gave the participants in the workshop with World Vision an opportunity to put into practice their newly acquired knowledge in a real-life ministry context, gaining confidence and demonstrating how easy it is to conduct an engaging Sunday School lesson.  During the Easter Campaign, they equipped 13 leaders in Western Province, 17 leaders in North Malaita, 7 leaders in West Kwara’ae, 24 leaders in East Are’are and 54 leaders and children in South Malaita (which included members from the Anglican Church and Church of the Living Word).

With the Gudfala Laef now rolled out to eight Salvation Army churches in the provinces and at Honiara Corps, this curriculum will now be used for their Sunday School lessons for the rest of this year.  Our District plan is to continue encouraging and resourcing our churches in their effective use of the Sunday School material to achieve the goal of helping teachers in the Solomon Islands deliver lessons on gender equality and positive gender relationships.  In October, we will be offering a refresher course for those that have been trained and to train any new members. We are also looking at developing additional lessons to extend the impact of the current curriculum, which we will share with World Vision for use in other church denominations.

Solomon Islands District - Easter Campaign (Honiara)

Reports written by Aux Capt Wency Ramo'oroa and Fred Ganiomea

This year, 2023, the Solomon Islands District sent out teams to the Provinces for the Easter Campaign. Our theme for this year’s Easter Campaign was ‘Sacrificial Living’ and the Scriptures were Philippians 2:5-8 for Good Friday and Romans 12:1-2 for Easter Sunday. Almost half of Honiara Corps members, including our District Officers, went out on the Easter Campaign to our village churches in the Provinces. So, Aux Capt Fostina and I conducted the Easter Campaign at Honiara Corps with the few of our members who did not travel. Not much was happening at Honiara Corps during the Easter weekend but we conducted a service on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Daniel Hagi led worship and preached on Good Friday on the theme ‘Sacrificial Living’ from Philippians 2:5-8 very powerfully. I did the Easter Sunday message under the same theme based on Romans 12:1-2. I can testify that people were very emotional about what Jesus did on the cross for us and the question on Easter Sunday was very challenging, because we were asked to respond to what God has done through Jesus Christ.

During Easters I have experienced and witnessed in the past, we only preached about the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. That was our routine celebration year after year. But this year it is quite different, as we looked beyond the event and focused on the actions.

First, we focused on Jesus’ action to set the tone for the Easter campaign and also it is the essence for Easter celebrations. Secondly, we focused on Christian’s actions to respond to what God has done through Jesus Christ. I reflected on the action of Jesus on Good Friday message and that challenges me deeply in a sense that His action is why I have life and I can live. Without His sacrifice there is no guarantee of life for me to live. And He shows me the way to live in order for me to have victorious life as He did. On Easter Sunday, I was challenged by the message too. Instead of preaching about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we preached about our action in responding to what God has done through Jesus Christ. I was in a moment of surprise because the Scripture has taught me to look beyond the event and not to get stuck in the event. If I still revolve around the event, then I will go nowhere.

So, after the Easter weekend, hearing those messages, I am very encouraged and that gives me a new lens to look at how I could move and look beyond the events. Coming back to the weekend, I am very blessed and the onus now is on me to imitate Christ’s humility and to respond to what He has done in order for the Easter theme ‘Sacrificial Living’ to be meaningful and to have an impact in my life as a person that has accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Thank you King Jesus for showing the way to eternal life.

All glory and honour unto Your Name. Amen.

Aux Capt Wency Ramo’oroa

During the Easter weekend campaign, those of us who were left behind at Honiara Corps were really blessed from the Word of God spoken by God’s servants Daniel Hagi and Auxiliary Captain Wency. I was once a real committed Soldier of The Salvation Army over the past years, then for the past seven months, I began to grow colder with my Christian life and I stopped attending church and other church activities that I usually attend. I followed my own desires and started hanging out with friends and work colleagues during my free time. I even ignored some of my church leaders who requested to visit me. Somehow during the Easter weekend, I made up my mind to visit church again. While I was sitting down and listening to God’s word, I started to feel guilt in myself. It was like a mighty storm started in my soul. As I opened my Bible, the Word of God spoke to me from Luke 15—’the parable of the lost sheep’, and it has encouraged me to recommit myself back to His presence. Now, I thank God for His greater love and mercy to send His only Son to save a sinner like me again. If He can do it for me, He can do it for you. God bless.

Fred Ganiomea

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

Reports written by Major Vanessa Evans and Regina Akwasitaloa

Preparing for any trip comes with its challenges and our Easter Campaign was no different. Due to minimal ships going to East Are’are, we were dependent on going on the Pelican Express. This was a great plan until on the day before we were to leave they cancelled the trip due to the ship needing maintenance. We then went through the emotions of the trip not going ahead and then being on again when friends from another church mentioned they had organized with the Taimareho ship to do a short trip to Afio. We were pleased and excited that we would be able to continue with the trip and got word to our villages that we were on our way. Peter and the skipper of our OBM met us at Afio at 3:00 am on the Thursday morning and we then travelled two hours onto Moscom. Travelling through the early hours of the morning on the calm seas was amazing and it was beautiful to see the moon setting and the sun rising on the opposite sides of the boat. It is always a pleasure spending time at Moscom. I love the people, the location and we were extremely blessed by the hospitality of the leaders Peter and Susan and the Moscom congregation. Moscom is growing and God is doing great things within the community through the use of the OBM and church services and programs. Good Friday was an amazing time of fellowship and the feast, which consisted of fish, kasava pudding and veggies, after church was delicious. Each person of the church had a job to do and had fun in the process.

Saturday was another early start out on the water to Fouele with a 2 hour OBM ride. This was my first time at Fouele and it was just as amazing as all of the other villages that I have been blessed to travel to. When we arrived we went through the mangroves, which was like nothing else I have experienced before. We were warmly welcomed by Robinson and Lottie and their family who are the

church leaders, as well as by Chris, who is the chief and also our previous church leader. We were spoilt by having mud crab for lunch and then fish for the rest of our time there. On Saturday afternoon we were able to take a 10 minute ride in the boat to Fanalei Island to see the devastation that climate change has had on the island and the community that lives there. The opportunity to also lead both congregations through the Easter services, as well as taking them through the Gudfala Laef Sunday School material was amazing and to see Regina and Elizabeth rise to the occasion of training was awesome to see.

Like I mentioned earlier, our trips come with challenges. Our next challenge was finding out on the Monday that the boat that we hoped we would take home had been chartered overnight and wasn't going to be near us until Thursday which meant we had to travel on the Victory boat, which is one that Rob had travelled on when we first arrived in Honiara. Let’s just say his trip was not great, however, this trip was fine, other than being sunburnt as we were on the top deck with no shade. We had to sleep on the open deck and we were grateful that the seas were calm. Being able to spend time at Moscom and Fouele and share Easter with these congregations, as well as with our mission team, was just what my soul needed. To be out in the villages is like nothing else and I am privileged to be able to do this for God.

Major Vanessa Evans

During the Easter mission, I was so blessed both spiritually and physically, as I know that because of God I am able to travel into different places that I’ve never been to before. I really enjoyed the environment and how God showed me His goodness through the natural environments. I am so blessed and convicted by the Word of God that was preached by Major Vanessa Evans on Good Friday from the book of Philippians 2:5-8, that spoke about how we should have the same mind like Christ and our attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus. And we should be mindful that servanthood is very important for our Christian life. As well as Easter Sunday, the Word of God preached by Major Robert Evans from Romans 12:1-2, which reminds me as Christ shows His great mercy, we should offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. It recaptures my heart and mind to give a strong passion to our God by offering Him true worship: ‘Not to conform to the standards of this world, but transform us inwardly by a complete change of our mind’. I just give honour to our Daddy God in heaven for the great and marvelous things He has done. To God be the glory.

Regina Akwasitaloa

Solomon Islands District - Easter Campaign (West Kwara'ae)

Reports written by Festus Ganiomea and Nirit Taba'a

Our mission trip to Rauai in West Kwara’ae was a very successful one, with five of us who travelled down during the Easter weekend. Our trip began here at Honiara ports on Thursday, 6th April 2023, where we boarded MV Auki Express and departed at 8 am. The trip was very exciting because two of our mission teams boarded the same ship to Auki. We reached Auki and boarded a truck to where we headed to.

My team arrived at Rauai late in the afternoon and we took a little rest and later prepared for our first program in the evening. During that evening we had our first program, which was the film crusade about Hell and Heaven. There were more than 80 people who attended that film show during the night.

On Friday, 7th April, which was Good Friday, we had a morning service and elder Jackson took the opportunity to share from the Word of God to the people. His sermon was based on Philippians 2:5-8. After that sermon, he gave an appeal and 14 people responded to God’s Word. Out of that 14, only two couples accepted Christ for their first time and the others recommitted their lives back to Christ. In the evening, we showed the film the Passion of the Christ and 70 people attended that show. Next day, we just rested.

On Sunday, 9th April, for the Easter Sunday Service, Solomon and the youth at Rauai lead us powerfully into worship and Elder Jackson got another chance to share again to us from God’s word from Romans 12:1-2. His sermon was very powerful and after that sermon 5 people responded to God’s Word. Later that evening, we had to refilm the Passion and Hell movie as they requested.

On Monday, 10th April, the team returned back to Honiara safely on the Auki Express. These mission trips were truly a challenge for those of us who we left our comfort zone and stepped into the field where we encountered so many things. We just want to give all the glory back to our Lord Jesus Christ for His strength and guidance throughout the whole mission. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Festus Ganiomea

This year’s Easter Campaign has been a joy and blessing for me. I have been challenged by the theme saving others and sacrificial living. I had experienced God’s blessing and God answered my prayer after this campaign and I thank God for that, as it motivates my faith and belief that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who has risen from the dead so I may be saved.

I also want to express how God has been with me, as I can see what has been done at Rauai community throughout the weekend. We experienced the devil trying to disturb our program and families had been attacked by evil spirits but as Ephesians 6:12 says, ‘we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in the dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.’

However, I’ve picked an object when reflecting back on my journey with the Lord. The object is a key to a lock. If there is a right key to a right lock, nothing can stop you to unlock that particular door that has been locked. Nothing is hard for the Lord to fight against the right enemy. And then I release that if I want to be sacrificially living for Jesus. I must have the right spirit in me, make right choices, with right armour to fight against evil, like a right key to a lock to unlock it so that I will be able to save others. I praise God for all He has done for me, to save me and accept me for who I am. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Nirit Taba’a

Solomon Islands District - Easter Campaign (North Malaita)

Reports written by Webster Buakalo and Abraham Taba'a

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is risen indeed and lives forever! What a great time that God is at work. It was an exciting and challenging trip and there were 28 of us that travelled to Gateway. We boarded Auki Express to Auki and travelled by truck to Gateway, arriving at 5:30 pm.

There was a great experience of joy, peace, love and harmony between Gateway, Kafomauri and Honiara Corps sharing things in common. We shared our duties for cleaning up, morning and evening devotions. Spiritually and physically, we were filled by the power of God. There was something new, something great, something beautiful happening among us; something we never experienced before. God is at work because He has risen indeed and He is our King that reigns forever.

With the powerful theme ‘Sacrificial Living,’ the character demonstrated about itself as we saw all Christians and even the backsliders working together as one. The Friday session was led by Honiara worship team and the preacher was sister Elizabeth Tolilalo. There were people who gave their lives to Jesus. On Sunday, Gateway worship team led the worship and the preacher was Webster Buakalo and also people gave their lives to Jesus too.

We would like to acknowledge Solomon Islands District leadership for allowing us

to go on this mission trip. Let’s give glory, praise and honour back to our God for great things He has done. Amen.

Webster Buakalo

Easter is a significant holiday in the Christian faith and it is a time when believers reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My reflection of our Easter program in Kwai Village includes:

The significance of Easter: This reflects on the meaning of Easter and how it impacts my life. Easter represents the hope of new beginnings and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

The program's theme (Sacrificial living): This considers the theme of the Easter program in Kwai village and how it relates to the message of Easter. When I think about how the songs, readings, and

other elements of the program that contributed to the overall theme of the Easter campaign, it is very effective to my personal view as a young Christian.

The music: The music involved in the Easter program, reflecting on the songs that were sung considers the lyrics and how they relate to the Easter story. How the music impacted my emotions and helped me connect with the message is really meaningful to my spiritual life.

The message: Reflecting on the message that was shared during the Easter program in Kwai Village, it impacted my personal life and how it can be applied to my daily life as a Christian.

The community: When I think about the community of people in Kwai who attended the Easter program, I reflect on the fellowship and sense of belonging that comes from being a part of a community of believers in sharing the goodness of Christ.

Overall, the sacrificial living of Jesus Christ teaches us important lessons about selflessness, humility, love, obedience, and forgiveness. By following His example, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and impactful to others. Committing you and I as a living sacrifice for Jesus Christ is not a one-time event but a daily decision to follow Him and live according to His will.

Abraham Taba’a

Solomon Islands District - Easter Campaign (Western Province)

Reports written by Envoy Alick Hagi and Irene Aebata

Our mission team departed Honiara on the 2nd April 2023 and was the first team to leave. Our team consisted of two youth, namely Junior Ganiomea and Irene Aebata, myself and wife Esther Hagi. Our destination was to stop at Noro and catch a public bus to Munda. We got a public three tonne truck from Noro to Munda. The transport dropped us at the church in Dunde, an area called Tolovae. Our team met up with Rex and Manalyn and had morning tea before children began to arrive for the morning Learning Space. Rex requested Junior and Irene to take the morning devotion. They had a class and then Rex told the children that they will have an Easter break.

Our team rested while Rex went to Lambete station to do the shopping for the old people that will be visited and given a little blessing. We accompanied Rex to distribute the food to the old people. The families appreciated the food given to them. In the afternoon, Mr. Apollos Tuzakana arrived at Munda. He walked across Kohingo Island and got a boat at Rawaki across to Noro and a bus to Munda.

The next day, Tuesday 4th April, Apollos wanted us to visit his place. He organized a bus from Munda to Noro, and then a boat ride from Noro to Bonosi to his place in Vonavona lagoon. All the expense were meet by Mr. Apollos. We got to his place and were met by their family who prepared for us. I had the opportunity to conduct an awareness session about The Salvation Army for the whole community and after Mr. Apollos ask his family what is their decision. He made it clear to them that he will join The Salvation Army even if they will wait. We went back to Noro and caught a public bus back to Munda.

On Wednesday we had a rest day then on Thursday 6th April, in the evening Junior and Irene did a session for the youth. There were 7 youth that attend the session. Friday, 7th April was Good Friday and so I preached on our District Easter theme “Sacrificial Living” from

Philippians 2:5-8. On Saturday, 8th April I did Soldiership Classes with three recruits. Then in the afternoon, Irene and Junior Gani did a class for five of our leaders: Rex Tiokomateana, Manalyn Tiokomateana, Apollos Tuzikana, Mary Tuzikana, and Kendrick Lonisasa from Barakoma New Opening.

On Sunday, I preach again on our theme for Easter “Sacrificial Living” from Romans 12:1-2. We had 7 seekers that responded to the message. I had the opportunity to present a New Opening Certificate to Kendrick from Barakoma. After the service on Sunday, Kendrick and Apollos left for Noro by Public Bus. Our mission to Munda, Western Province was a very successful trip. Junior Ganiomea recommends that in the future we need to send two youth to help in our new mission and fellowship. I am in support of the idea and will wait for our District Team to approve the vision.

Envoy Alick Hagi

I was so blessed to be in Munda for the Easter campaign as part of the team to Western Province. We had a great time together with the youth, as well as the adult leaders of our church. I saw that God is moving in Munda. I was very excited when I saw what God is doing in the lives of the young people.

For Junior and myself, we didn’t expect that we would lead a youth program but somehow God had spoken in our hearts when the youth at Munda came forward and asked if we could do the youth program for them. We led a program for them on Thursday afternoon. What God is doing by using us when we were in Munda, I haven’t seen anywhere except in Munda what God has placed in the hearts of the young people. I’m so very excited that we came to meet each other and share with them the Word of God through the songs we sang and through our testimonies. Also Junior and I had the privilege to share the ‘Good Life for All Boys and Girls’ training. For me to lead our leaders in this training was a challenge, but now I am able to teach the adults and I can confidently say that they are also excited about the training. It feels different when God has called you to be His witness and when you are His witness, He will bless you.

In Bonosi, I see that God will continue to touch the lives of the people and the families in Bonosi. They were very excited by our visit to their village and were interested to learn about The Salvation Army church, so we shared with them what God has for them as a community. For me, going to Western Province was not easy because I thought that I’m too young to go on a mission, but somehow God has a plan for my life, so He changed my mind that I’m His witness and I will go wherever He calls me. I will answer His calling.

I just want to give all glory and honor back to God. To God be the glory, great things he has done in Western Province.

Irene Aebata

Solomon Islands District - Easter Campaign

Following a disrupted District Easter Campaign last year, due to COVID-19 lockdowns, it was wonderful to have the freedom to send out teams across the Solomon Islands District again. This year, the District Team decided to invite the young adults to join them on the campaign trail to provide a mission experience for the young people from Honiara Corps. This decision coincided with the completion of the World Vision ‘Gudfala Laef Blong Evri Gele & Evri Boe’ Sunday School curriculum and the District Preaching Workshop, enabling the participants in both these training events to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. The theme for the weekend ‘Sacrificial Living’ was developed during the Preaching Workshop, providing sermon outlines for the mission teams to share at each location. As teams prepared to travel to their respective destinations, they were confronted by the reality of life in the Solomon Islands with the cancellation of two of the ships travelling to key ports in Malaita. With one of the trips facing cancellation and two of the others being delayed, the teams prayed for alternative pathways. At the last minute, with very limited seats available, God made a way and the teams set off on their voyages, which involved travel by ships, public trucks, ray boats and even a bit of a hike. The stories that emerged from the weekend were nothing short of inspiring! This special report captures short reports from team leaders and reflections by a team member from each team, accompanied by photos to show the diverse mission and ministry undertaken throughout the Easter weekend. These stories will testify to lives transformed, leaders equipped and communities deeply encouraged by the interaction between the visiting teams and local Salvationists. The statistics for the District Easter Campaign include: 42 sent out on mission, 309 attending Good Friday and 312 attending Easter Sunday services, 42 recommitments and 2 first time commitments to faith, 135 leaders and children participating in the ‘Gudfala Laef’ training, 3 new Soldier Recruits and 2 new Missions! It is clearly evident that God was at work through this campaign.

The stories and photos from the special report published with the April newsletter can be read in the following blog posts...