Pastors, ministers, lay people and Bible workers from across Vanuatu gathered at Epauto Adventist Multi-Purpose Centre Hall for the Vanuatu Mission (VM) ministerial conference 2022 held from December 5 to 10.
Themed “Empowered to Go”, the event featured morning devotions and workshop sessions with a wide variety of topics and presentations.
Vanuatu Christian Council chairman and former Aore Adventist Academy student Pastor Collin Kelep spoke at the event opening. The Ministry of Internal Affairs Vanuatu was also represented by the advisor to the minister, Clifton Lonsdale, who gave the official opening statement.
Aiming to ensure the protection and safety of children and vulnerable people within local churches and school communities, Adsafe representatives Meri Vuloaloa and Litiana Turner raised awareness with the presentation “You and Me, Stop Abuse”.
Volunteer missionaries were honoured by Volunteers in Action (VIA) field officer Dr Neil Watts who acknowledged their services and continuous support to the growth and development of the church in Vanuatu.
South Pacific Division Discipleship Strategy leader Pastor Danny Philip was the main speaker for the week and challenged and affirmed attendees in their ministry.
“God calls and qualifies you to be His watchmen and women and He has also empowered you by His Spirit to join His quest of pulling mankind from the darkness of this world into His marvellous light,” said Pastor Philip. He reminded all present that they are “participants of the vision, mission, purpose, values and strategy in the business of ‘making-disciples’ for Christ”.
The SPD leader emphasised the importance of understanding the impact of the five ministerial caps and applying them on a regular basis. He said a pastor or a minister is to be a servant, a shepherd, a watchman/woman, a teacher, a good spouse and a faithful steward. He further encouraged the team to “thank God for what you have and trust God for what you need”.
Also speaking throughout the event were VM administration and departmental directors, and Trans Pacific Union Mission representatives Pastor Linray Tutuo, ministerial secretary, and Pastor Loleth Worwor, family, women and children’s ministry director.
The Adventist Book Centre and VM health department were also present, setting up stalls to provide literature and health services to the participants. A full health screening was conducted on Wednesday morning with the assistance of Adventist nurses and doctors.
