When Barnabas Manetavua was baptised in 1975 at Tenakoga Seventh-day Adventist Church, it should have been the beginning of a lifelong walk with God. But instead, it became the moment he slowly drifted away, lured by the promises of the world.
“I left the Church after I was baptised—50 years drifting around, doing things in this world,” Mr Manetavua shared.
Mr Manetavua, 67, comes from Vatilau Village in Northeast Guadalcanal’s Paripao Ward in Solomon Islands. Married with seven children and many grandchildren, he owns a 4ha cocoa plantation comprising 4000 Amelando and Trinitario varieties of cocoa trees.
Following his involvement in the ADRA Soul Cocoa Plus Project, and a visit from the ADRA team who worshipped with the local church, Mr Manetavua was inspired to return to Jesus through their encouragment and support.
“I decided to come back to Jesus when the ADRA director prayed for me at the ADRA office,” he said. “The encouragement I received from the ADRA Soul Cocoa team also played a big role in helping me to leave my past life behind.
“I didn’t go through any Bible study or attend a series of meetings, but through the influence and encouragement of the Soul Cocoa Project team, including Patrick Mesia as the project manager, I decided to come back to Jesus, and I am now ready to be baptised.”
Mr Manetavua attended Vatilau Adventist Church on Sabbath, April 26—his first time in church in 55 years. He is now preparing for rebaptism.
“I would like to thank God for leading ADRA to influence me and my wife to accept Jesus—after 55 years wasting my spiritual lifetime enjoying life in this world,” he said.
