melanesia newsstorage01.mmuk.net/resource01/magazine/mmnewsletter_issue66_… · melanesia news -...

melanesianews

Issue 66, Summer 2010

Grow ingforGrowthGaranga AgricultureProject

Equipping for Ministry

Brothers and S i stersin the UK

It is some thirty years since I went to minister as a parish priest in Papua New Guinea, the neighbouring Province to the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM). Communications with the United Kingdom depended mostly on air mail, though later

on telephone calls became more possible.

Communications with Melanesia are now of course transformed. Email means that responses in theory are only constrained by time difference, (power sources and climate conditions being allowed for!)

But however rapid and however efficient communications are, they are no substitutes for direct human contact. I am sure that the Melanesian Mission has remained an effective body because there are so many members who have direct experience of living and working in the Islands.

However the pattern of people from the UK going to ACoM has inevitably changed. In recent years we have been blessed in this country by remarkable missions from members of the religious orders of ACoM. They have been a source of inspiration to many people and a way in which the spirituality of the islands can be experienced by Christians here.

Because this direct contact is so important it is a real delight that Archbishop

David and Mary will be coming from ACoM

to visit the UK in May. It

will give the Archbishop an opportunity to visit supporters in Chester and Exeter and to meet other members of the Trustees.

It is also good that someone of the experience of Canon Brian Macdonald-Milne has been able to give a considerable amount of time to visiting the Melanesian Brotherhood Households and other religious orders in both ACoM and in the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea.

In due course it is going to be time for Dave Friswell, the Mission’s Executive Officer, to visit to help those in Melanesia know with whom they are dealing in the UK.

The Trustees have to keep in mind the most effective means of keeping relationships close and effective. But we also have to keep in mind responsible use of resources, and a wary eye on the “carbon footprint” of these journeys.

So we will be considering what sorts of ways we will most benefit from visits from

Melanesia. We also need to consider that in times when opportunities for

longer terms of service in Melanesia are getting less, how people can nevertheless experience the life of ACoM.

These are some of the topics of discussion that we can have with Archbishop David, and there are some very exciting possibilities. But none of these of course detract from the crucial communication of prayer. Pray

for the visit of Archbishop David, and for the Trustees and

supporters, as we look to all the ways we can to keep

our relationship strong.

+Nigel

Melanesia News - Summer 2010

Keeping in Contact...

ArchbishopDavid Vunagi

2

Melanesia News - Summer 2010 3

This year’s Melanesian Mission AGM and Festival will be held at Merton College, Oxford on Saturday 18th September from 10.45 to 16.00.Bishop John Coleridge Patteson became a Fellow of Merton College in 1852 where he prepared for his ordination just two and a half years before he went out to the Melanesian Islands.We are grateful to the Dean and the Chaplain at Merton for offering the use of the Chapel and a meeting room for the day. We are also hoping for our usual good Festival weather to make full use of the grounds of the College over lunch.The day will include the Mission’s AGM, various presentations and time for discussion along with our Festival Eucharist. It will a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. We hoped to be joined by as many of the Melanesians currently in the UK as possible including Brs Nelson and Jeffrey currently studying at Chester University and Sr Veronica who is at Trinity College, Bristol.More details of the days events will be available on the Mission’s web site (www.melanesia.anglican.org) a little nearer the time.Bring a packed lunch - drinks will be provided.

The Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood are hoping to organise a quiet day and a regional meeting on Friday 17th September also in Oxford. More details of this will be sent out directly to Companions.

Oxford has five Park and Ride services on the major roads into Oxford. Each takes about 15 minutes to get to the city centre. Those approaching from the south of the city do stop a little closer to Merton College, but it is not far from the other stops. Check out www.parkandride.net and scroll down to ‘Oxford’ in the destination box for more details of routes, times and prices.The mainline railway station is just under one mile from Merton College.Parking in central Oxford is limited even for Blue Badge holders.

Annual Festival 2010


‘On a Mission’ - the new DVD showcasing the work of the Mission and the work of the Church of Melanesia is still available. This twenty minute presentation is ideal for showing to Mission Groups, PCC meetings, House Groups and of course to your congregation. For your free copy just ring, write or email and I will pop a copy in the post to you. Contact details on the back cover of this magazine.

New Years HonoursWe would like to congratulate Fr John Lamani, non-stipendary Anglican priest and owner of the Solomon Star newspaper on being awarded the CMG in the Queen’s new years honours list, for service to media, church and the community.Also honoured from across the Christian denominations in Melanesia were Chief Samuel Tauhanihorona Hou’Asia, for services to the Church, the community and for voluntary work, and Revd Justus Charles Lesimaoma, for services to the Church, the Government and the community.

4

Melanesia SundayThank you to all of you who celebrated Melanesia Sunday with us in January this year. It was great to hear back from some of you how your day went. Here is just one of the notes I received:-

“To my delight I am able to send you a cheque from our Melanesian Mission Sunday Lunch in January. We loved using the Eucharist service and went out singing ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’ in Pijin! Three of our young people took a major part and the congregation so enjoyed it that we hope to repeat it next year.”Margaret Jones. St Wilfred’s, Grappenhall.

We hope you will celebrate Melanesia Sunday in 2011 on 16th January - put the date in your diaries now. More details in the next magazine.

Dear Dave,The brothers are enjoying the new water pump at Tabalia. Also we celebrated St Simon and Jude with twenty four Novices admitted to become professed brothers andabout twenty Brothers renewed their vows and aboutnine were released from their vows.

There were many thousands of people who came to witness the celebrations.

During the week which leads to the celebration, we held our SI Regional conference for the Brothers and Companions which was chaired by the Archbishop David Vunagi. It took us four days for the conference and there were important issues which were discussed.

The conference has knowledged the help of the Melanesian Mission, Chester Diocese and the UK Companions for support over the years. Thank you very much and God bless,

Mr Alphonse Garimae, Secretary to the Melanesian Brotherhood

After serious flooding in April 2009 which caused damage to the Brothers HQ at Tabalia, friends and Companions from Ottery St Mary, Devon, pledged to raise the funds needed to restore the damaged water supply for the Brothers. After assessing the damage, work was carried out by local engineers who replaced broken and missing parts, renewed the switchgear and raised up the protection around the bore hole and pump to guard against future destruction. Our thanks goes to all in Ottery who do so much for the Church of Melanesia. Below is a letter of thanks from the Brothers:-

Water, water everywhere


A number of supporters of the Melanesian Mission have suggested to me that it would be good to have more time at the Annual Festivals. I am aware that many people travel long distances and that time is often short for our meeting. One option would be to start earlier in the day and finish later but this makes it difficult for those travelling. Another possibility would be to hold the event across a thirty six or forty eight hour period. This would of course involve finding suitable accommodation. For many years now the AGM and Festival have been held on a Saturday. If we were to move to a two day event then we would need to consider whether a ‘Friday and Saturday’ or a ‘Saturday and Sunday’ would be best. For those in full time work the Friday could be difficult and for clergy and those with responsibilities within their church, Sunday could be a problem.I would welcome thoughts and comments from as many of you as possible about this issue. Would you like to see a two day event? If so, which days do you feel would be best? Would you be more likely to attend a longer festival? How much would you be willing to pay for accommodation? How far in advance would you commit yourself to attending a residential meeting? These are just a few of the issues we need to explore. Please do let me know what you think about the idea and the practicalities. Contact details are on the back cover of this magazine. Thanks.

Dave

Quite a bit has been happening on the finance front recently. Our “Boat Appeal” is well underway. So far we have raised £6,547 and some of this has been gift aided which adds a further £1,439, giving a total of £7,886. Thank you to everyone who has supported this appeal, whether you have done so individually or as a church. We are now able to buy the first boat but please keep the fundraising and giving going. It would be fantastic if we could reach our target of £25,000. The project will be kept open until at least the autumn so there is time to organise an event in the summer with the better weather. How about a themed fundraising event such as a raft race or a row along a local river followed by a cream tea! Remember you can still use the ‘gift catalogue’ to order those special presents for friends and family.

The Trustees will be considering ideas for a new project as we feel that this type of focussed fundraising works well and creates enthusiasm for a particular issue. If you have any ideas for a project then please let us know. We would particularly like an education based project as this is one of the areas where we will be focussing some of our energy and effort in the next few years.

We would like to raise the ‘Block Grant’ which we give monthly to Melanesia. This is currently

£3,000 per month. Like ours, the Melanesian economy has been hit hard by the global downturn, however it will be much slower to recover than ours. In order to increase our grant we inevitably need to raise more money! Could you commit to regular giving on a monthly basis? If just ten extra people could commit to giving £20 per month we could send an extra £200 per month to Melanesia. Every bit helps and if you are a tax payer and can Gift Aid your donation we can send more. (With Gift Aid that could mean an extra £3,000 a year!) Please contact me or Dave Friswell if you would like a standing order form, a Gift Aid declaration or more information.

In 2009/10 we have been unable to balance our budget because our investment income has been significantly reduced due to the drop in interest rates. We have had to utilise some of our other funds in order to support the work in Melanesia. The Trustees have been looking at where our investments are placed and have agreed some changes which should increase our income streams going forward. I will report more on this at the AGM.

Thank you for your support of the Melanesian Mission without which we could not function.

Helen Miller (Hon Treasurer)

Money for Mission

Thinking ahead...

Praying with the Anglican Church of MelanesiaWednesdayThe Diocese of Ysabel,.The churches on Isabel, the Russell Islands and the Western Solomons.Bishop Richard and Hilda Naramana.The Rural Training Centres and the Garanga Agriculture development project.Jejevo Hospital and the newly opened diocesan conference centre.

ThursdayThe trustees and staff of the Melanesian Mission in the UK.Companion and partnership link dioceses in England.Mothers’ Union links from the UK.The Melanesian Trust Board in New Zealand and support associations in New Zealand and Australia.

FridayThe Diocese of Vanuatu and New Caledonia.The churches on Pentecost, Maewo, Ambae, Efate, Espiritu Santo and at Noumea ,New Caledonia.Bishop James and Patricia Ligo.St Patrick’s College, Vureas.Torgil Training Centre and Lolowai Hospital.Talua joint Presbyterian and Anglican Theological College, Santo.

SaturdayThe Solomon Islands Christian Association.Government medical programmes and hospitals.The Solomon Island College of Higher Education.All Melanesian tertiary students studying overseas.The safety and well-being of all who travel between the islands, by sea and air.The Mission to Seafarers in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

SundayThe Anglican Church of Melanesia in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.The Archbishop of Melanesia, Archbishop David and Mary Vunagi.The Provincial Cathedral of St Barnabas, the Dean, the Very Reverend Davidson Nwaeramo and members of the Chapter and Cathedral Council.The Diocese of Central Melanesia and parishes in Honiara.The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Fr Sam Ata

MondayThe Diocese of Banks and Torres, Vanuatu.Bishop Nathan and Selina Tome.Fisher Young Rural Training Centre at Patteson Bay.The Vanuatu Christian Council.The President of Vanuatu and government ministers.

TuesdayAll priests, deacons, catechists and church workers in Melanesia.The retired archbishops, bishops and clergy of the Province.The Governor General of Solomon Islands,

government ministers and public servants.The Regional Assistance Mission to

Solomon Islands (RAMSI).


The Anglican Province of Papua New Guinea

6

Praying with the Anglican Church of MelanesiaSundayThe Diocese of Central Solomons, on Guadalcanal, Gela and Savo.Bishop Charles and Edith Mary Koete.Bishop Patteson Theological College, the Principal, staff and students.Matthew Jones, Deputy Principal, our mission partner from the UK, Anna his wife and David and Edward, their children. Selwyn College, Maravovo and Bunana Training Centre, Gela.

MondayThe parishes, institutions, schools and people who support the Church of Melanesia through prayer, giving and service.The Brothers and Sisters of Melanesia serving in Australia, Britain, PNG and the Philippines.The Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood in Europe.

TuesdayThe Diocese of Hanuato’o, Eastern Solomons.The churches on Makira, Ugi and Ulawa.Bishop Alfred and Esther Karibongi.Kerepei Hospital, Ugi and St Stephen’s College and Training Centre, Pamua.

WednesdayThe Sisters of Melanesia, the Head Sister, Mary Lulo, and the Sisters of the Church.The Melanesian Brotherhood, the Head Brother, Alick Palusi and the Society of St Francis.The Companions and Associates of the communities.The Christian Care Centre, Guadalcanal.The Mothers’ Union.

ThursdayThe Diocese of Temotu, Outer Eastern Solomons.The churches on Santa Cruz, Reef Islands, Duff islands, Vanikoro, Utupua, Anuta and Tikopia.Bishop George Takeli and LilianLuesalo Training Cemtre, Santa Cruz, and Lata Hospital

FridayThe Provincial Secretary, George Kiriau and diocesan secretaries and office staff.The Melanesian Board of Mission (MBM), literacy programmes and the women’s desk.Fr Patteson Worek, Secretary of the MBMThe Provincial printing press and bookshop.The marineworkshops at Taroaniara, Gela and the crews of the church ships.

SaturdayThe Diocese of Malaita on Malaita, Lord Howe and Sikaiana.Bishop Sam and Rose Sahu.Assistant Bishop Alfred and Rose Hou.Airahu Training Centre, Malaita.Fauabu Hospital, Malaita, and all church medical workers.


The Anglican Province of Melanesia

New Caledonia

Solomon Islands

Vanuatu

7


In proport ion to i ts s ize , So lomon Is lands is one of the countr ies in the wor ld which wi l l be hardest h i t by c l imate change and the people are among those communit ies who wi l l be worst affected . Part icu lar prob lems inc lude the ‘ f looding’ of Ontong Java and neighbour ing Tasman Ato l l and the poss ib le ‘s ink ing’ of other cora l ato l l communit ies , such as S ikaiana and the Reef Is lands . The destruct ion of the ‘art i f ic ia l is land’ communit ies in Mala i ta , such as La Lagoon and damage to cora l reefs wi l l a lso affect f ish ing and tour ism. R is ing water tab les are l ike ly to destroy or adverse ly affect agr icu l ture , especia l ly on the coasta l f r inges , ato l ls and the Guadalcanal P la ins .The increased ra infa l l in the wet seasons and increased inc idence of tropica l cyc lones is a l ready leading to f looding and damage to food gardens . In So lomon Is lands , th is prob lem is made worse by unsusta inable logging pract ices resu l t ing in extens ive deforestat ion .With r ises in temperature, ra infa l l and increased f looding , malar ia and other mosquito borne d iseases are a lso on the r ise. Though on the pos i t ive s ide, s l ight ly increased temperatures and ra infa l l may permit more product ive agr icu l tura l use at h igher a l t i tudes on mountainous is lands such as Mala i ta , Guadalcanal and Isabel .With the except ion of deforestat ion ,

s imi lar issues ar ise in Vanuatu . New Caledonia , be ing in the

temperate zone, is less affected .

C l imate change wi l l add to socia l prob lems due to urban dr i ft and land d isputes , and by putt ing more pressure on land resources due to interna l d isp lacement . At worse, th is may tr igger further c iv i l war in the Solomon Is lands , and at the least wi l l lead to

increased v io lence and weakening of law and order. The economy wi l l a lso suffer due to the changes of agr icu l tura l output and reduced tour ism. Governments wi l l be weakened by economic pressures and populat ion movement . I t is unc lear i f populat ion growth wi l l be affected; increased infant morta l i ty due to malar ia may be offset by larger fami l ies as parents seek to ensure cont inu i ty of fami ly in the face of increased infant morta l i ty.

Un l ike Western nat ions where there is strong centra l government and a separat ion between church and state, in Melanes ia government is comparat ive ly weak . The Melanes ian sense of ident i ty puts tr ibe, is land and re l ig ion above loya l ty to government or nat ion . Consequent ly the churches wi l l have a key ro le in responding to

Chang ing Env i ronment - the impact of cl imate change


cl imate change, and wi l l have to take a leading socia l ro le. In part icu lar ACoM, as the largest denominat ion in the Solomon Is lands and the second largest in Vanuatu wi l l have a major ro le to p lay.

There are many chal lenges for ACoM as detai led be low:-Ass ist ing ‘s ink ing’ communit ies . A lmost a l l the communit ies faced with loss of their homes due to r is ing sea leve ls are Angl ican . Ontong Java, S ika iana and the Reef Is lands are a l l Angl ican is lands . In conjunct ion with Government , the Church wi l l need to determine the extent of the prob lem and the l ike ly t ime- l ine for evacuat ion ; ident i fy avai lab le land for resett lement ;

mediate in reconci l iat ion between tradit iona l landowners and c l imate refugees ; and provide ass istance with log ist ics and recreat ing susta inable communit ies . But perhaps most important ly the Church wi l l have to provide sp ir i tua l and mora l d i rect ion in a t ime of great cr is is and sorrow; and he lp the people to keep their cu l tures going when in ex i le f rom their homes .

Develop the capacity to respond to d isasters . There are l ike ly to be more adverse weather react ions , and the abi l i ty of government to respond is current ly l imited . In many ways the Churches are better p laced to develop comprehensive ways of responding to natura l d isasters , and wi l l have a cruc ia l ass ist ing ro le even with improved response by Government agencies . However, ACoM as yet does not have a developed capacity, and in the past responses have been ad hoc. I t is a lso important to work with other Churches and agencies , and to co-ord inate our responses to ensure effect ive use of l imited resources .

Educat ion . People have to be educated about c l imate change and i ts l ike ly effects . To the l imited extent that Melanes ians contr ibute ( for example, through deforestat ion) educat ion is the f i rst step in correct ing errors .

Develop leaders . Educat ion in affected communit ies is best done by teachers and leaders in those communit ies . These communit ies a lso need their own leaders to represent them on the nat ional and internat ional stage. ACoM is wel l p laced with ass istance from Government and outs ide partners to ident i fy and tra in those leaders who wi l l represent communit ies .

Work ing with outs ide partners . In many respects ACoM is better p laced than government to work with outs ide partners , especia l ly our brothers and s isters in the Angl ican Communion and other s ister churches ; but a lso to work with NGOs and a id agencies . In th is way resources can be better mobi l i sed . However the tendency of a l l inst i tut ions to bureaucrat ise needs to be avoided .

Chang ing Env i ronment - the impact of cl imate change


As the need for more vocational training increases in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the Church is looking at ways to support such initiatives and develop policies to guide them.

Staff from within the Anglican Church in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu who are involved with Rural Training centres have met at the St Barnabas Provincial Cathedral Hall in Honiara to review the development of Rural Training Centres (RTCs) in the two countries.

The RTC principals, diocesan secretaries and other stakeholders were joined by the General Secretary, George Kiriau, and Education Secretaries Fred Tari from Vanuatu and John Kela from the Solomons. The consultation was funded by the American Church through Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) and Kirsten Muth who is Senior Director for the Asia Pacific was also able to attend.

Each of the centres had prepared details of their work before the meeting which Education officers Augustine Rihae (Vanuatu) and George Kokili (Solomon Islands), together with Josiah Maesua the Principal of Airahu Training Centre, drafted as a background document to the consultation. Central to the discussion was how could the church respond to the increasing demand for places in RTCs and how could RTC training be improved.

ACoM General Secretary George Kiriau gave a paper arguing that the Church cannot afford to ignore the fact that in both countries for every person getting a place at an RTC there were many (possibly up to eight or nine) who missed out. The dilemma for the Church however is that RTCs are expensive to run and so it is really difficult for the Church to fund more than one RTC per diocese.

Presently there are two dioceses without RTCs. These are Diocese of Central Melanesia (DoCM) and Diocese of Central Solomons (DoCS), however DoCS has asked the Province

for help to develop an RTC at Taroniara (see page 18). Because of the financial

pressures of creating additional RTCs the policy of having

affiliated RTCs was adopted some years ago. There are now two affiliated RTC’s in DoVNC. They are located at Agape and Narea in predominantly Anglican populated areas where it is felt that the church ought to be doing more for their children.

Church support was initially agreed upon to be in terms of training that could be done through the church or materials and books that may become available to the church from donations. The two affiliated RTCs now receive some minimal financial assistance from the ACoM Vanuatu office in Santo and other financial support from the Provincial budget. The Diocese of Ysabel also runs an additional RTC at Kholaero and is planning a third one in the Russell’s. It has also secured external assistance to establish a community based RTC in Choiseul Province. The Diocese felt that it covered a wide area and saw it necessary to establish additional centres. Also the church plans to support a community based centre in the Weathercoast of Guadalcanal.

It is clear that for the church to increase RTC places it has to find effective ways of centres raising their own funds. Torgil in Ambae has shown that this is possible. They currently raise large amounts of money through running carpentry and mechanic businesses, their hospitality course runs a rest house, sewing and cooking projects and they have a house for rent. Discussion centred around ways for making the centres more self sustainable, how the church could support village based Community Learning Centres to open up options for village learning, strategies for RTCs to increase their intake and especially intake of women, and how new subjects could be introduced.

The consultation recognised the need for a formal ACoM policy to be developed around RTCs. The Education Secretaries have since met in Vanuatu to begin writing the policy, and Episcopal Relief and Development has offered to accept a proposal for funding to encourage self sustainability for RTCs.

(Adapted from the Melanesian Messenger)

Training for Life

Since its establishment in 2005, Garanga Agriculture Development Project of the Diocese of Ysabel continues to grow, not only in terms of the variety of crops it is cultivating but also in the acquisition of additional land and the amount of work being undertaken at the farm.

New crops introduced in recent years are now producing yields that are ready to be harvested along with other long-term crops such as cocoa, coconuts and betel nuts. Coffee is currently the newest crop being introduced on the farm and it is growing pretty well. Also the Eucalyptus tree

and the bio-diesel plant Getropha (pictured right) are now reaching maturity. The Getropha market is still a problem as the market quota is still insufficient for local buyers let alone exports. Other seasonal vegetation crops like peanuts, water melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, egg plants, pawpaw are currently being rotated on the old site and the newly cleared plot on the other side of the Garanga river. Kava, which currently has a very good market value, also continues to benefit the farm.

The Diocese has recently acquired twenty hectares of land from the Isabel Provincial Government. This is additional to the fifteen hectares obtained when the project began in 2005. This acquisition is a reflection of the vision and the desire by the Diocese to engage in economic activities to support the Diocese in its long-term goals, one of which is agricultural production.

A new cocoa fermentation unit and drier facility is now complete at the project site. The first cocoa harvest will be processed this year. Meanwhile new cocoa nurseries are being nurtured awaiting transplants later in the year.Garanga is looking at rice as one of its main commodities in the future as a good market is readily available. Currently rice is cultivated on a small field of six 25 x 50 metre plots with four harvests already completed and another plot expected to be harvested before long. The harvests so far have produced astounding results and produced the highest rice yields in the entire province last year. A good result for a small scale production farm.

The Garanga Agriculture Development Project



The first harvest produced 220kg while the second harvest doubled the yields to 490kg. The other harvests were still in progress when this report was being written. However the Diocese is optimistic of an improved production. The farm is currently trialing a high-protein strain of rice obtained from the Asia Pacific Sustainable Development (APSD); an agricultural institute on neighbouring island of Malaita. The Diocese is looking to see which strain is most suitable before we venture into large scale operation. But the good results so far have indicated a real potential for rice development at Garanga. No artificial fertilizer is used nor are insecticides for pest control. Technical support is currently offered by the Isabel Province Agriculture Department.

Apart from the direct economic benefits to the Diocese, local people are also benefitting by directly participating in the farming activities. Families are employed for up to three months at a time in the farm. This is to help families who find it hard to meet their financial obligations especially in education for their children, health or simply to meet other basic and social needs.The farm is currently a labour-intensive undertaking due to lack of mechanical tools. Most are hand tools only which can also be attributed to the slow pace in tilling and



expanding into new agricultural sites. The Diocese is promoting organic farming so no artificial fertilizers or nasty insecticides are used. This has sometimes affected the vegetation growth.With acquisition of additional land, the prospect for future expansion and diversification of crops is certainly possible. If any Diocese in the province of Melanesia is prepared to support its mission and ministryby itself with a small grant assistance from the Anglican Church of Melanesia coffers, Ysabel is confident to do so. Ysabel can bank on the foundation it lays in the agriculture sector as one of the investments it is currently undertaking in the Diocese. And with the kind financial assistance by its donors and partners this will only further strengthen its plans and visions of self-support to enhance the mission and ministry of the Diocese and the Anglican Church of Melanesia as a whole.

The Rev Erick KafaDiocese of Ysabel Information Officer

13


The Companionship Link between Chester Diocese in the UK and the Anglican Province of the Church of Melanesia goes back many years. Unlike some diocesan links which struggle to live out the two way partnership, the Chester - Melanesia link has shown how successful partner links can be, for all involved. In many ways the link shares the same values of the Melanesian Mission and works through the sharing of prayer, people and money.For those in Chester Diocese it is probably the regular mission visits by the Melanesian Brothers and Sisters that best express the sharing of faith around the world. The insights they bring from their spirituality, experiences, joys and sorrows all help us in the UK develop our faith and learn from them.


Grand Designs for Chester HouseA few people from Chester are able to visit Melanesia every so often and this again helps to keep the link and the Church of Melanesia fresh in the minds and prayers of us all.Most diocesan links involve financial support and Chester is no exception to this. With such a

vast difference between the economies of Melanesia and the UK, the gifts of money form a real opportunity to share the wealth of resources that many have here in Britain.Back in 1997 Chester Diocese funded the construction

of a rest house in Honiara. This project was for the Melanesian Brothers to run to provide not only transit accommodation for themselves but also to help the Order become self sufficient financially. More than ten years on, work has

started on a major extension to ‘Chester House, Honiara’ to provide sufficient and suitable facilities for the 21st century.Once again funded through the Diocese of Chester, work is well under way. For those who have visited Honiara and know Chester House, the new building is on land to the right of the existing block (as you stand with your back to the sea!)Bishop Peter from Chester Diocese is due to travel out to Solomons for the opening ceremony later this year.


Far top left: Base slab laid with block and concrete walls for the ground floor.

Far bottom left: Work continues with timber frame of the first floor.

Right: Br Henry Ata checks out the new building.

Grand Designs for Chester House

There will be a meeting of the Europe Region Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood on 17th September at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. Starting with lunch at 12.30 there will then be a led ‘quiet afternoon’ followed by worship. After diner will be the regional CoMBH meeting which will give the opportunity to discuss projects, funding, representation at the MBH and CoMBH conferences in 2012 and support for future UK missions.Overnight accommodation is available at St Stephen’s House.

For more details please contactFr Brian Macdonald-Milne:-

Email: bj.macdonaldmilne @homecall.co.uk

Tel: 01223 861 631

or by post:-

39 Way Lane, WaterbeachCambridge, CB25 9NQ

Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood

Just as we were about to go to print with this edition of the Melanesian News, we have been getting reports of flooding and cyclone damage in Guadalcanal.

Although not as serious as last years flood, rivers have burst their banks, at least four major bridges have been washed away and people’s food gardens have been destroyed. The Anglican Church is working together with the national disasters committee to assist where possible. Thankfully there are no reports of casualties but some buildings have been destroyed.

Cyclone Season

It takes courage to help a small child that has been sexually assaulted through commercial sexual exploitation or incest.It takes courage to help a woman feel secure in instances of domestic violence It takes courage to raise your voice against a man when he is demanding to talk to his wifeIt takes courage to tell a violent person “NO!”It takes courage to stand up when some one is challenging the right for the Christian Care Centre to existIt takes courage to walk the streets knowing people oppose your ideals.It takes love to rebuild the broken spirit of a child or woman.It takes love to disarm a violent man without raising a hand.It takes wisdom to know that the work of the Care Centre is important.It takes passion to persevere.And it takes faith in God to know that He will bring healing and restoration to those He loves.That is for all of us. By Sister Doreen Awaiasi

Sr Doreen has recently been awarded the International Woman of Courage Award for courage and leadership.

It takes courage...


are also involved with the life of Christians at the University. In the University the chaplaincy community offers space and time for students in need of spiritual guidance. This year I was so grateful to the chaplain for giving me the opportunity to be involved in helping out in the chapel services. The highlight of the chapel program was when we went for a retreat in Anglesey which was full of spirit and blessing,

giving the opportunity for students to refresh, stop, think and reflect . This

retreat gave the chance to listen and share with other students of

Chester University.

Last Christmas the chaplaincy committee invited Fr Richard Carter to preach during the University carol service, when he preached on the theme of freedom, reflecting freedom on the life of the martyred brothers. His sermon was so

moving that it even shed the tears of staff and students who

were present during the service.

I also became part of the University Choir which sings during the University

celebrations and other major chapel services. Being part of the choir reminds us of the lovely melodies from the birds and the rattling of palms in the coast of Melanesia. Being part of this group is like another home away from home for me. In February we attended the Church University Choir Concert at Canterbury, a great event to meet with other students from other universities. It was an event which provided a space for students from various institutions to share the gift of fellowship with each other.

Also we should like to thank the MMUK and companions in UK for all the support, both spiritually and financially as we continue on with our academic year. All your prayers have a great impact in our studies and lives here in UK. May the good Lord bless us all as we continue to serve and minister to Gods people.God bless from Br Nelson Koty Bako

It is such a great privilege having an opportunity to study at Chester University. Being a Melanesian Brother present among the good Christian people in the diocese signifies the gift of mutual relationship that is present between the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Chester diocese. We really appreciate the vision of those who founded this program, which I believe is a great contribution to God’s mission in Melanesia.

Coming from a different culture and with different views was the most challenging factor at first. Solomon Islands are so different compared with England, nearly everything was different. From being in a more relaxed society to being in a busy environment, from a communal environment to a more secular environment in which people have different religious views and even being in situations where one’s faith was challenged. Encountering all these challenges would have been more difficult without the help given to us by the Chester Companions and the people in Chester diocese. The support from the clergy and congregations in the diocese is overwhelming and it is where we have felt the presence of Christ’s love that truly shines within the hearts of those with whom we meet and interact. Living among the people of Chester diocese is such a privilege as it broadens my understanding of the varying cultures that exist.

I believe it is impossible to minister to other people if we do not understand and appreciate their goodness. There are times that our preoccupied thoughts can have a great influence in our final judgment, without realising that it will have a negative impact on others. I came to

realise this by listening to the people I meet and by interacting with the staff and

students at the University.

Apart from academic studies we

16

Equ ipp ing for m iss ion - ref lect ions of study in the UK


My time in Chester is full of fun, challenges and new interesting discoveries.The first week, caught me by surprise and made me felt as though I was running a hundred metre race. I have never felt so conscious of time and schedules in my life as it was then. Keeping up with the academic language, new learning technologies, readings and deadlines of essays is the most challenging thing. These things engulfed me and the first year went by in a blink of an eye.Socially, I am so passive and shy at first, but then I realize most people have also got the same feelings, So I thought I might as well start chatting with people in order to get to know them and also to gain confidence in public speaking - a requirement in seminars and lectures. However, some people are so reserved and have their own language in socializing with those they choose to interact with.Fortunately, I have come to acknowledge and experience God’s love through the Christian Union and Chaplaincy community of the University. They provide a space, time, fellowship and sharing of our common faith in interactive Bible studies and wonderful varieties of different ways of worship, meditation and retreat together. Besides being part of the Christian community at the university, I have also joined in mentoring international students who are new and have just arrived. It gives me an opportunity as a student and a religious brother to share with them my religious and social experience of being an international student of Chester. Furthermore, I have met with wonderful committed Christians who are involved in helping the poor and homeless in Chester through an Organisation called the Light Project. They offer theological courses for young people both theoretical and practical, which proves to be a powerful and effective way of ministering the gospel. I joined their students once in their project of going out to share the gospel with the public. It is bit like the Brotherhood but they employ a western approach which is relevant to their context. We have also been invited by local parish

churches in Chester to lead Melanesian services and give talks about the Brotherhood and Church of Melanesia as a whole. But since we have been assigned or given the permission to assist with the chalice at the Chester Cathedral, we became regular congregation of the Cathedral. Indeed in general, being a religious brother studying at the University of Chester is so exciting, challenging, inspiring, and demanding. The staff and students are helpful and friendly thus providing a sense of a communal atmosphere.Despite all the challenges we encountered in this circular environment, I believe that the experience we obtained so far has taught, and will continue to teach, us a lot of things we would have never known in our lives. As it is still the best teacher in life, experiencing other cultures can truly lead one to know and appreciate his or her own culture, faith and identity. May God continue the good work he had begun in us all, for everything we do in Lord’s service is worthwhile. Hence, my fellow brothers, companions and Christian friends I am eternally grateful for the continual expression of your faith through material support and prayers.

Yours in Christ service.Brother Jeffrey Akoai

17

Equ ipp ing for m iss ion - ref lect ions of study in the UK

Greetings to you from Trinity College, Bristol.I wondered whether you have heard that I had an exciting problem with my visa last year and had to return to the Solomon Islands for seven months, from February to August 2009. That was a long holiday and I was glad to visit my own family and the Community. I managed to visit all the Community Houses in Solomon Islands including the most recent one on Isabel Diocese. The House had a lovely waterfall near it and if you have the chance to go to the Diocese of Isabel, do go and visit the House. This is an open invitation.

I did a Church Placement at St Barnabas Cathedral, Honiara for a month from March to April. That was a lovely experience for me. My College arranged the Church Placement earlier, which was supposed to take place during summer break in June. That was great, because I had the chance to work with the clergy and to articulate what I learned at Trinity.

The Church Placement was very interesting and demanding at the same time. Women had access to someone like me to share their problems. There was so much to do and so much need. At first, I did not discover this, but later as I engaged myself in the ministry I found out all this. I spent lots of time listening to women and teenage girls about their problems and worries. Also I helped many married people with their family problems, which seems to be an endless job. People had confidence and trust in me, and I realised that God was using me to bring healing, forgiveness, restoration and transformation to the people around me. It helped to bring across the gospel of salvation and through such difficulties, people would deepen their faith in God.

I came back in early September with two Sisters, Agnes and Lillian Mary. They are at Ham in

our Convent having an experience of the Community in a different context and

culture. Thankfully hey have survived the winter and the snow.


Sister Veronica CSC Reports...

You might be interested to know what sort of courses I am actually doing in the two terms. I do Essential Worship. This helps me to understand the different formats in worship and enables me to be creative. The Interpretation of the Bible deals mainly with the difficult texts in the Bible. Sexual Revolution helps me to understand the issues around me and to be sensitive to those who are affected. The Theology and Practice of Evangelism gives me new methods on how to proclaim the gospel. The Book of Job encourages me to see problems in a new way and identify them with Christ’s journey to the Cross. I enjoy them, because I find each course equipping me for future ministry. The Community weeks too are really enriching to me, especially the Children’s Ministry. The Friday talks are great

Dr Fox Memorial

18


when different speakers come to the College. They help me to think logically and to be aware of the pains and sorrows affecting my neighbours.

The theological learning helps me to understand the Bible deeply and in a broader sense. It equips me to be effective in my future ministry and to be a guide to others. However, study and practice support and strengthen each other. I cannot just study alone, but need to put into practice what I have acquired in order to be real and effective. Also if I only practiced, then my resources would dry up for lack of energy and inspiration to keep me going.

The other exciting thing for me this year is I am part of a team that is going to Israel in March. This is like another dream has come true. I am looking forward to visiting the places where our Lord walked, and hope the Bible will come alive to me in a different perspective.

Hundreds of people gathered at Taroaniara Anglican Mission Station on Gela last December to give thanks for the life and work of one of its pioneer missionaries The Revd Dr Charles Elliot Fox.

The event was marked with prayer, singing, feasting and dancing with the highlight being the dedication and blessing of a huge cross and altar in memory of Dr Fox at a place called Lion’s Point a few hundred metres away from the station.

To the community of Taroaniara, the cross historically holds a special spiritual significance to them. When Taroaniara was established as a Mission Station in the 1930’s, people believed there are ghosts within the vicinity of Lion’s Point that haunts and disturbed their community. And so to fend off their fear they

Dr Fox Memorial

Sisters Anges, Veronica andLilian Mary at Ham

lived with, Dr Fox set up a wooden cross that was visible from all directions and from far away. The symbolism of the presence of Christ in that area helped to teach people that Christ is everywhere they go.

Over the years the wooden cross has deteriorated and finally crumbled. The community of Taroaniara decided to erect a new one with an altar. They wanted to keep the historical importance of the cross as well as helping people reflect and learn from a model missionary pioneer. Fox’s life, work and example in Melanesia is an amazing tale that has been an inspiration to so many people who today still treasure the relationship they had with him. Dr Fox spent seventy of his ninety-nine years in Melanesia as a Priest, Tasiu, Teacher, Scholar, linguist, writer, translator, sportsman and great and wonderful friend to all.

Taroaniara station currently hosts a 300 tonnage slipway, an electrical, engineering and mechanical workshop with a mini hospital, school and home to the Church flagship Southern Cross. It has about forty workers with family members making up a small community of two hundred people.

19

The Church of Melanesia has re-launched its life raft service centre at Taroaniara Shipyard on Gela in the Central Province. Taroaniara used to provide life raft services for its many mission vessels and other government and private boats until the 1980’s when it had to cut the service. Since then a few commercial companies have provided the service in the Solomons but after nearly thirty years the Church felt it needed to provide an efficient and affordable service.Hundreds gathered to witness the launching ceremony attended by church staff, those from the Marine Division of the Solomon Islands government, the Ship Owners Association, the Vanuatu based Bodiam Engineering and International Maritime Organisation, and from the Tulagi Marine Office.In his address to those at the launch the Most Revd David Vunagi said:

“We know that before 1970 this place was an oasis in the Church of Melanesia, where young apprentices came to receive training in different trade skills. And after their training here, they went to the government and to the private sector and used their different trades to serve this nation.However, in the 1970s as part of strategic re-structuring of the institutions in the Church of Melanesia, in preparation for independence from the Anglican Church in New Zealand, Pawa and Pamua were amalgamated and moved to Najilagu, Siota moved to Kohimarama, West Guadalcanal; and the Provincial Press moved from Taroaniara to Honiara. And it was during that time that the apprentice and trade skill training component of Taroaniara was closed down. Only the Shipyard continued its operation to maintain our shipping fleet. But years later,

all the shipping fleet was sold except the Southern Cross.

The education system today in this country has a very weak


Life raft service re-launched

technological and vocational. In view of that, it was regrettable that the leaders of the Church of Melanesia made the decision to do away with the apprentice and trade skill trainings here in Taroaniara about forty years ago.

We know there is discrepancy in the education system in this nation. Our education system tends to concentrate on the academic and less emphasis is put on vocational training. That in my view leads to an imbalance on the availability of trained human resources in the country. There are more people coming out from the formal system than what the nation can absorb in its employment network so most of our young people are going through a process of systematic disorientation. We are only creating an illusion of hope for our students who go through the formal system.In that regard, the Church of Melanesia as a provider of education in this country needs to look at the development of her Vocational Training Centres. They need to be properly equipped and adequately staffed by qualified people as used to be in here in Taroaniara during the missionary days. These centres must be strengthened to a level that can provide

20

“I can see… I can hear… I can talk…but the problem is I can’t read it and write it.”


training which our young people need to give them the skills for life. In that regard, there is no harm in ACoM revisiting the original aim of Taroaniara to provide better alternatives in apprentice and trade skill training for our young people.That leads me to say why we are here today. I would like to take this opportunity to tell all those who are involve in the shipping industry that Taroaniara Ship-Yard is now providing an additional service to your shipping needs. Taroaniara is now the one-stop service for maintenance of your ships and Life-rafts.

On that note I now declare this Life-Raft Centre open.”

THE Western Fishing Company Limited has now been certified and recognised by Earth Island Institute as a ‘dolphin safe’ listed tuna company.The certification of the company follows a visit by the Earth Island Institute Director, Mark Berman, and his Pacific-based Director, Lawrence Makili, to the Western Province recently. They visited Soltai Fishing and Processing Limited base in Noro to certify the operations as dolphin safe before visiting the western provincial premier George Lilo.Mr Berman said, “This is a good news for the western province government and its people because they have our approval to export their products to any market around world.”

Dolphin Safe

21

The Diocesan Mission Secretary, Fr Berry Wilkins, reflects on what it means to give people of the Diocese of Banks and Torres a second chance.

The four-day Literacy training run by the Church at Sola for Banks and Torres is part of God’s plan of mission. The training was led by the Literacy Office under the Provincial Mothers Union Office. Literacy Coordinator, Emily Orudiana, and Women’s Desk Officer of the Church, Judith Siota, facilitated the course at the training house at the Diocesan Headquarters in Sola.

The workshop was aimed at getting the participants know how to write materials, get to understand it well and use it to teach other people. It reflects a moving church and a moving mission. From our lips the Gospel is preached and with our human hands, we put it into action, thus we the church, both pointing to spiritual and physical development in education.

One local literacy church member said, “I can see… I can hear… I can talk… but the problem is I can’t read it and write it.” That’s why we strongly believe that something’s got to be done about it.The illiteracy rate in the Diocese of Banks and Torres currently stands at 85%. This is a huge number and the impact this has on the development of our diocese is immense. Therefore this adult literacy training programme is one way of addressing our problem.

The participants were drawn from the whole diocese and while members of the Mothers Union got an upper hand in the training we were also very happy to give men a chance and three of them have really participated well and really enjoyed their time together getting to share with the sixteen other women.

What has been learnt at Sola will certainly go down to the parishes and districts in the regions and communities. And the Diocese is hoping that this training will contribute a long way to enhancing development within the church and communities especially in the area of adult learning.

“I can see… I can hear… I can talk…but the problem is I can’t read it and write it.”

A new page was recently turned in Bible Translation in the Solomons, with the opening and dedication of a new accommodation block at the Bible Translation headquarters in Honiara. The Co-ordinator of Solomon Islands Bible Translation and Literacy Partnership, Joshua Lui Zoti, said “this building will allow separate accommodation for women students coming to Honiara for training in translation, literacy and scripture-use activities, as well as providing separate space where their trainers can stay.”

He said this is the first stage of a two stage plan. The second stage, a larger training centre, is already under construction. The building was opened and blessed by the Archbishop David Vunagi, who was representing the Solomon Islands Christian Association.

Mr Brent Ropp from Wycliffe Associates in the USA was another VIP guest. Wycliffe Associates have greatly supported the Bible translation organisations in the construction of the new facility.


Archbishop David Vunagi and Brent Ropp from Wycliffe Associates opening the new building.

The Diocese of Malaita today has a population of about 50,000 people. It is the largest diocese within the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Like our other sister dioceses in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, we have huge challenges before us but we are willing and ready to work hard for a new and better future for the diocese and its people. In February our Diocesan Council met and gave us its blessing to work toward achieving the following goals within the next ten years: (i) to build a church with true worshippers (ii) to

build a church with a holistic mission (iii) to build a church with ethical

leaders and scholars, and (iv) to build a church with a

strong financial base.And for these goals to be fulfilled by 2020, we need the prayers, co-operation and support of the whole diocese (men, women, youth and children) as well as the support of our overseas friends and partners in mission. I, Sam, on behalf of the Diocese of Malaita, wish to take this opportunity to thank the many friends and supporters of the Anglican Church of Melanesia in the United Kingdom for your prayers and practical support. May God bless the MMUK and ACOM!

Thanks MMUK for all your good works for Melanesia.In Christ,

Bishop Sam Sahu

Bishop Sam writes...

Boost for Bible translation

22


Muriel Jones, before her marriage to Eric, worked for fifteen years in Ghana in secondary school and university teaching where she produced widely-used educational materials. Her students got on well with her, as they found she respected them more than some of the other expatriate teachers, and was very willing to try and answer their questions.

After their marriage, Muriel and Eric went to the College on the island of Small Gela where they discovered that the island had no roads, markets, regular communications (not even a teleradio at the college) and only a small aluminium dinghy with an outboard motor to link them up with the nearest Mission station eight miles away. This was a shock to Muriel who had expected things to be more like Africa or the capital of Fiji. She found the students were not as out-going as the Africans and had to make adjustmentsin many ways.

During a time of illness she wrote letters to her publisher recounting her experiences in the islands. This resulted in the publication of ‘Married to Melanesia’ reflecting her feelings that when she married Eric she got Melanesia as well!

She was a remarkable lady who brought her own inimitable contribution to the College. With her husband she raised the standard of theological education both for the students being ordained and for others, including members of religious orders. In 2008 for the first time the College conferred degrees in theology, which was always the hope which Eric and Muriel had entertained in those earlier days.

Doreen AtA, chair of the Provincial Mothers’ Union and chair of the Christian Care Centre, wife of Fr Sam Ata, died on 12th November 2009 in Honiara of a heart attack. She will be missed by many especially her sister, Mary Vunagi.

Anne le Pine WilliAMs and her husband, Basil, went out to the Solomons via the Panama Canal and the Galapagos on their boat, the Ebb Tide from the Wirral in 1973. They took their two sons as crew for the journey. Basil became the first Provincial Secretary of the Province of Melanesia and was always supported by Anne’s quiet strength.

Obituaries

The ‘Ebb Tide’ at Birkenhead Docks before setting sail to Solomon Islands

Anne Le Pine Williams

Southern Cross LogsIn the archives of the Melanesian Mission we have copies of the Southern Cross Log and the Mission’s Reports dating back to 1876. The first copy of the Melanesia News was produced in April 1977 when Fr John Pinder took up the post of General Secretary.Our collection of Southern Cross Logs ends with the winter edition of 1973 (Volume 81, No. 3) leaving a gap of about three and a half years. Its not clear how many editions of the magazine were produced during this time - but we would love to hear from you if you have copies of the Log between 1974 and 1976. My contact details can be found on the rear cover of this firstever full colour edition of the Melanesia News! Dave Friswell

My time in Chester,The Journey begins.I am now uniformed a servant in the brotherhood,Clothed with vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. Demands my whole life.A yoke on my shoulder,Faith my staff, love my guardian.

I must be humble in every possible way,For I am predestined.A journey in time, through time,A call of duty demands my obedience without question.

Sent forth into the Academic world,Landed on the shores of Chester University.An ordinary sailor, a religious brother,Recalls the good old high school days.Academic knowledge and skills must be rekindled. How difficult would it be?

The academic language, my fifth speaking tongue.Term kicks off with induction; Department staff with subjects;PAT for personal academic assistance;Computer IT, ibis.chester.ac.uk;Library log-in with student IDs etc; Wow! Somebody help!I am new to all these new technological systems of learning.Am I going to cope?Amazed and shocked culturally and academically,

Wait a minute!It’s just the beginning.Let me not crumbled in vain,Let me not decline in regret.For even if it’s like climbing a brick wall,I will walk on by faith and by foot.For this is a journey one must not look back,but look on.


Stay in touch with the Melanesian Mission!Contact details below:-

Mr David Friswell, Executive Officer15 Covell Close, Bury St EdmundsSuffolk, IP33 2HU, UK

Tel: 01284 701 988Email: [email protected]

Web: www.melanesia.anglican.org

24

This journey’s trials and tribulations come and go, Go and come,Not to cease, but destined.Thus, the journey of a million miles startswith a single step.

So as the gift of life is free,But to become the best disciple of Jesus will cost everything.

Brother Jeffrey Akoai

A Brother’s Journey...

We hope you like the ‘new-look’ colour version of the Melanesia News. Do let us know what you think of it.

Along with changes to this magazine, we hope to produce a smaller, electronic news sheet (or e-zine) twice a year to help keep you up to date with news and events. These will be sent out around January and July time.

They will be sent out by email to keep costs to a minimum and to save on paper. To receive the e-zine you will need to ‘opt in’ by sending an email to:[email protected] with ‘e-zine request’ in the subject box of the email. If you do not have access to email then we can send out copies in the post.

If you have received this magazine by post it probably means we have your correct address - but please do remember to let us know if you move house or change your email. Thanks. Dave Friswell

Keeping up to date...

melanesia newsstorage01.mmuk.net/resource01/magazine/mmnewsletter_issue66_… · melanesia news -...

Documents