The Solomon Islands for Christ campaign has entered its next phase, with nurturing new believers the Mission’s top priority.
“That’s so important for us,” said Mission president Pastor David Filo. “We don’t want to repeat what’s happened in the past so we need to be intentional as a Mission to rally our team . . . the strategy for nurturing must be implemented.”
Hundreds of baptisms took place on Sabbath (July 18) at the conclusion of the campaign. Now the emphasis has shifted to nurturing those who have made decisions for Christ.
A key focus, Pastor Filo said, is continuing the small groups established before the campaign.
“We had small groups pre-evangelism; those small groups should continue . . . and we have a second harvest coming in November. [It will be on a] much smaller scale, but that’s the plan we have.”
According to Pastor Filo, one of the greatest joys from the campaign was taking the gospel to communities that had previously not been reached. One such site was Buala on Santa Isabel Island, where South Pacific Division president Pastor Glenn Townend was preaching.
“We’ve been trying to get in there over the years, and just now we can see that they are open to listen and support,” he said.
“That’s what gives me joy, that we are now going into areas that we’ve never reached before.”
Pastor Filo credited the faithfulness of local church members for driving the campaign— carrying out most of the preparation and running the evangelistic meetings.
“We put the overall plan out there and the members picked it up and went with it,” he said. “It’s very encouraging to see the passion that burns within them to sacrifice the little that they have.”
He also expressed gratitude for support received from overseas, including the international speakers and those who provided financial assistance.
Recalling the ship fire that destroyed fuel and equipment destined for Rennell and Bellona, Pastor Filo said, “That was a huge setback for us but then somebody heard about it and said we want to step in and support to replace that equipment.
“That’s one of the many supports that’s come from outside. It solidifies the fact that money follows mission. God always intervenes because it’s His work, it’s not ours. We just have to be faithful where we are.”
Pastor Filo also thanked the South Pacific Division for its support.
“This initiative I believe is so timely especially as we see signs fulfilling indicating the coming of Jesus Christ—the church need to go all out intentionally to share the gospel.”
He said seeing the collaboration across the church had been especially heartening.
“I’m so happy and encouraged to see the unity that exists between the unions and the missions and the conferences,” he said.
“That’s what’s encouraged me as pastor, not only as a leader but as a pastor, that we are all in this together.”
