Pam and I have spent the past 11 days in Buala, the provincial centre of Isabel, as part of the Solomon Islands for Christ program. Although travel plans changed because of the challenges of transportation in remote places, we and the local people adapted.
We were blessed by the faithfulness and generosity of these people. A business professional from Honiara paid for our accommodation, the police (who had one Adventist constable) provided transport, a local businessman provided the fuel and church members prepared two healthy meals a day. A group of 12 people from Isabel, now living in Honiara, gave up two weeks of their holidays to sing at the programs and pray for God’s work.
Before the program, the local people were faithful in visitation, Discovery Bible reading groups, distribution of Godpods and random acts of kindness. On the first Sabbath morning, we visited eight young people under the age of 20 in remand at the local police station because of an alcohol-inspired attempt at murder. No family or government system provided food, so we brought some. Before they ate, I shared my testimony of Jesus and how He can forgive anyone and give them another chance. They were very grateful.
The church here were the hands and feet of Jesus—it was a joy to see everyone working together. It reminded me of the commitment of the people in Bougainville, where I was for PNG for Christ. In PNG, thousands came to the outdoor evangelistic programs, but here we had tens. Without groups of Adventists from neighbouring churches, very few people would have been present. A few locals came to the 10,000 Toes health checks and the meetings, curiously watching from the back, under the trees or from their vehicles.
However, on the Sabbath I was able to baptise 10 people and see the joy of them becoming committed disciple-makers for Jesus. God’s Word and His work through His people does have an impact, whether we see huge numbers or not. We are involved in His mission and called to be faithful. “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
