A group of seven youth from Solomon Islands (SI) recently had the opportunity to visit Australia on a “look and learn” trip. Although they came from various backgrounds (including doctor, journalist, environmental scientist, accountant and health inspector), what binds them together is a common interest in health and talent for music.
“Whenever we go to the Solomons on a mission trip, they come along and provide music,” says South Pacific Division (SPD) health director Dr Chester Kuma. “They are passionate about reaching out to the communities, running health expos and singing and sharing the love of Jesus.”
The group arrived in Australia on September 20 to attend the Wantok church camp and provide music during the camp meetings (September 22-25). They then had the opportunity to visit the SPD headquarters and tour Adventist Media.
For many of them, it was their first time on a plane, let alone visiting Australia.
“It was a great experience for me,” says Etuini Pikacha, who recently graduated as a journalist. “I enjoyed seeing the Division office and visiting Adventist Media. Being here has really expanded my mind. Seeing what the SPD and Adventist Media are doing to promote the gospel makes me think I should be doing more to spread the gospel at home.”
“I’ve always heard about the things that are being done at Adventist Media and the SPD but I never dreamed that I’d be able to come here,” says Angie Taisara, who is studying a Diploma in Business Studies. “The people are so friendly—I’ve been able to meet so many new people.”
On September 29, the group staged a concert at Avondale College of Higher Education to raise funds for the 10,000 Toes campaign, a SPD initiative helping stamp out diabetes in the South Pacific.
This is an initiative close to Angie’s heart.
“I’ve actually just taken a gap year to care for my father who is a diabetic patient,” says Angie. “His leg was amputated last year. This is why I’m interested in assisting the health team and helping stomp out diabetes in the Solomons.”
