Solomon Islands Ministries
NEWSLETTER July 2018 Volume 1, Issue 8
Women’s Bible Weekend ordained as His servant in PNG. The ladies enjoyed themselves and took part in the concert on the Saturday night where they performed two dances. They then had the opportunity on the Sunday morning of the program to perform a farewell song to the congregation. Each one of the women who attended were blessed by the way that the PNG ladies embraced them and the life long friends they made.
Over the last weekend of June, Major Vanessa Evans and four other ladies from Honiara Corps—Elizabeth, Joyce, Rita, and Fostina—had the opportunity to travel to PNG to attend the Women’s Bible Convention in Port Moresby. This was the first time the Solomon Islands had sent delegates to the Women’s Convention. The theme for the weekend was “Mi makim mi yet long kamap lait” (which means ‘I Choose to Shine’). Major Fran Everitt from Australia was the guest speaker, and together with Colonel Julie Alley they both spoke into the theme by calling the women to let their
light shine in a dark world because Jesus is the light of the world. Major Fran also spoke about Queen Esther who was a courageous woman whose life was an example that saved a nation. She told the women that God has a purpose for each of them and that He stands with them as they live a life of obedience by saying yes to His will. Major Fran asked the women, “Are you bringing Hope to the world?” and challenged them that they could if they “Choose to Shine.” The weekend was filled with amazing worship led by Lieutenant Ruth Kohe and her team. Lieutenant Ruth is a Godly woman whom God has
One of the many highlights of the weekend was seeing Fostina from Honiara Corps ‘Choose to Shine’ by stepping out in faith to publicly give her testimony before the large gathering of women. This was a significant step for Fostina, who is normally a shy and timid person. Her testimony was a powerful example of how God impacted so many lives throughout the convention.
Inside this issue: 40th Anniversary Parade
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Red Shield Appeal Dinner
2
William Clarke College Visit
2
Solomon Islands District
3
Lime Lounge ‘Office’
3
Enrollment of Soldiers
3
A Personal Note
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Salvation Army Convention Report
Special points of interest: Impact of Women’s Convention Historic Convention in North Malaita $89,200 raised at RSA Dinner District status for Solomon Islands 4 new Soldiers
40th Anniversary Parade On Friday, 6th July an official parade was held at Lawson Tama Stadium in Honiara to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Independence for Solomon Islands. For the first time this year, The Salvation Army was invited by the Royal Solomon
Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to join with other uniformed groups to participate in this significant cultural event. Soldiers from Honiara Corps stood alongside the RSIPF, Correctional Services, Scouts, Guides and Pathfinders for the formalities that
launched a weekend of celebrations throughout Honiara. During the parade a number of official guests were formerly welcomed with speeches given by the Mayor of Honiara, Prime Minister and Governor General. The participation of The Salvation Army in the parade was not only significant for the occasion, it was an ideal opportunity for presence evangelism. The curiosity of thousands of Honiara residents watching the parade has been aroused with many wanting to know more about The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands! A number of Salvationists scattered through the crowd had the opportunity to respond to this curiosity.
Red Shield Appeal Dinner After a couple of months of planning, the Red Shield Appeal Fundraising Dinner was held on Friday, 13th July with 115 people from local businesses and community organisations in Honiara gathering to support The Salvation Army Solomon Islands Ministries. A very fine buffet dinner was accompanied by the musical talents of local band 'Set Wan' and followed by the auction of sponsored items, which included: 3 night package for 2 including twin share bungalow, continental breakfasts & return airfares (Sanbis Resort & Solomon Airlines); 3 nights accommodation package (Papatura Resort); ten $100 vouchers (Bulk Store); designer chair (Ozdesign
Furniture); Garmin 64s handheld GPS (Y-sato Marine); $3,000 donation, Samsung Galaxy phone, Huaweii Y3ii phone (Our Telekom); 2 night weekend dive trip for 1 person (Bilikiki); Smootharc Welder (BOC); personal care package & spa vouchers (Jings Spa); remedial/therapeutic massage vouchers (Charles Gauba); gift baskets with soaps, oils & lavalavas (Kokonut Pacific &
TSA); aluminium framed mirror (Tropic Glass & Aluminium); WW2 Guadalcanal Battlefield tour for 4 by former US Marine. The dinner and sponsored items raised a combined total of SBD$89,200! This is a phenomenal result for the inaugural Red Shield Appeal event. The money raised will be used by The Salvation Army to purchase a DME (Direct Micro Expelling) set-up from Kokonut Pacific to establish a coconut oil plant at Gateway Corps in North Malaita to provide employment for surrounding villages, foster community development, and generate income to resource the rapidly growing mission and ministry across Malaita.
William Clarke College Visit
Major Vanessa had the opportunity to meet with a group of Year 12 students from William Clarke College Sydney while
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they were in the Solomon Islands for a school mission trip. The school has been bringing year 12 students to the Solomon’s for the past 5 years. When they heard that The Salvation Army had a presence in Honiara they wanted to know more about what the Army was doing in the community. Major Vanessa spoke to them about the history of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands, as well as some of the ways that the school may be able to support future ministry initiatives.
These initiatives include the School Fees Loan Program, She Sells Sea Shells Mission Project, and the Solo Army Lavalava Project. The students were very interested in the School Fees Loan Program and the impact on students in Honiara who are not in school. At the end of the presentation, which was held at Save the Children office, one of the students prayed for Major Robert and Vanessa and for their team and their ministry in the Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Ministries
Solomon Islands District Last month it was reported that Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans were invited to attend the Territorial Leaders Conference in Port Moresby. A significant announcement was made at this event that could not be shared in that newsletter until IHQ had officially released the news. It can now be revealed that the Solomon Islands has been formerly recognized as a part of the PNG Territory with the Territory’s name being changed to—The Salvation Army Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory. This inclusion into the name of the Territory also means inclusion into the structure of the Territory. As a result, the Solomon Islands has become the second District in the Territorial
structure, alongside the Gulf District in PNG. It also means that Majors Robert and Vanessa are now the District Officers of Solomon Islands, with Major Vanessa becoming the District Director Women’s Ministries. While sharing this news with
the other Divisional Commanders and District Officers, Colonel Kelvin Alley acknowledged the growth that has led to this historic occasion. He also prayed over the new District Officers after speaking Joshua 1:5-6 into their leadership.
Lime Lounge “Office” Not owning any other building in the Solomon Islands other than the Quarters presents a number of challenges but also opportunities for The Salvation Army. Instead of remaining hidden away in their Quarters to conduct ministry and business, Majors Robert and Vanessa frequently visit the Lime Lounge Café in the centre of Honiara for meetings, pastoral visits and other administrative tasks. Their regular uniformed presence has built many networks and raised the profile of The Salvation Army in Honiara. Recently, a connection was made with a local architect named Opan who also
uses the Lime Lounge as his office. After asking Opan to assist with an Autocad file to view a concept drawing that Major Robert had drafted for a future building, Opan offered to render the drawing in 3D
to develop the design so it can be presented in conversations about the acquisition of land. This generous initial offer has led to a number of creative consultations over the past week that has resulted in a beautifully laid out design for the Honiara Corps and District office. Within the same week another business man politely interrupted a meeting to offer his support for The Salvation Army. Rarely does a week go by without a new connection or a new opportunity. You could say coffee has become the currency that opens the door for mission and ministry opportunities
Enrollment of Soldiers Following the excitement of enrolling 17 Soldiers in Kwai at the Convention in North Malaita, it was a great joy for Majors Robert and Vanessa to enroll a further 4 Soldiers in Honiara the next Sunday. Jade, Irene, Sandy and Norma are sisters who have enthusiastically embraced The Salvation Army as the church where they worship and serve. Between these four ladies, they serve God in the worship team and youth ministry through the Honiara Corps, and
Volume 1, Issue 7
one of them as a teacher at Honiara Integrated Primary School (where The Salvation Army has a ministry partnership). Their Mum and Dad couldn’t be more proud of their daughters entering into this covenant relationship with The Salvation Army. Over the coming months a number of other recruits who have completed the Soldiership Training Course but were unable to attend the Convention in North Malaita will be enrolled at their
home congregations. God is truly at work leading passionate Christ-followers into Salvation Army Soldiership.
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Solomon Islands Ministries District Officers - Majors Robert & Vanessa Evans PO Box 323 Honiara Phone: (677) 30344 Fax: (677) 30344
Officially launched on the 4th November 2011, The Salvation Army Solomon Islands Ministries is a District of the Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands Territory. With an established presence in the capital Honiara in Guadalcanal and an expanding presence in Malaita, the Holy Spirit is opening up new ministry opportunities for The Salvation Army throughout the Solomon Islands. Building upon the vision of the pioneering Officers and subsequent leaders, we intend to fully explore these new opportunities and will raise up indigenous leaders to advance the kingdom of God in the Solomon Islands.
Mobile: (677) 749 4524 Email: sarmy.solomons@gmail.com Website: www.png.salvationarmy.org
Prayer Points: Establishment of DME (Direct Micro Expelling) Plant Acquisition of land for a Corps/District building Capital funds to set-up School Loans Program Follow-up of new mission opportunities in Malaita
A Personal Note... I had the privilege to attend the Bible Conference in The Salvation Army in Boroko, PNG. And that’s my first time. I thank Majors Robert and Vanessa to give me the opportunity to attend the Bible Conference. I really encouraged by the Word of God. I choose the light! It’s not easy for me, but I thank God to give me courage. Yours in Christ,
Rita Houpana
Our trip to Port Moresby was very exciting indeed because four of us who left Honiara to attend the Women’s Convention in Moresby PNG, none of us had money, all we had with us is our tickets for the plane, our passport and baskets. Despite all this the Lord had taken care of us.
buy food, God had provided for us and we never go hungry for that 4 days that we wait for our flight. Our brothers and sisters from Port Moresby had taken care of us and had to thank God for them and we pray that the Lord will continue to blessed them and their families for many years to come.
The Women’s Convention we attended is quite new to four of us from Solomon Islands and very helpful to all of us because we have never attended such a convention at a regional level before, and listening to the guest speaker Major Fran Everitt is very much rewarding.
Yours in Christ,
After the Women’s Convention had ended on the 1st of July 2018 we have stay another 4 days behind due to heavy booking on the flight at that time. Despite we don’t have money with us to
Joyce Maeatua