The parade lasted more than 3 hours due to distance.
Police provided escort for the duration of the parade.
An estimated number of 5000 dorcas ladies from around the country are currently in Honiara for the one week federation and more than half braved the early morning heat to parade through the streets.
The parade was described as the longest that Honiara residents have ever witnessed.
There was excitement, chanting and singing as the march proceed from Kukum through Ranadi, KGVI and finally at Burnscreek.
One of the onlookers said it was exciting and colourful to see the elderly women enjoying themselves in the parade.
The parade also affected the flow of traffic which slowed down movement of the commuters heading off to school and work.
This year’s federation had been described as the biggest ever with more women attending.
Each women paid $200.00 as registration fee in order to attend the federation week.
For most of them it was a one year fundraising drive back home through contracted work and selling of their produce which finally earned them money to land them in Honiara.
For some of them it was their first time while for other elderly ladies it would be their last time to visit Honiara.
Some of the societies arrived in Honiara two weeks ago due to transport difficulty.
This year’s dorcas federation outweighs the number of women which attended the Women’s Ministry being organised in June this year.
Dorcas work focuses more on the welfare of the needy.
Dorcas work usually involves visiting the sick and prisoners, providing clothes for those in need, feeding the hungry and providing assistance such tents, housing utensils to those in need.
While the work of Women’s ministry focuses more on the spiritual growth of these Adventist women and to help nurture their spiritual wellbeing while still being with the dorcas.
This concept of women’s ministry is a new thing which most of the dorcas ladies have yet to differentiate.
With dorcas being the main brand name for Adventist women, the turn out for this week’s federation says it all how much most of the women still regard dorcas as the main organisation.
This week’s program will feature various programs ranging from talks, awaress, trainings and workshops.
This includes activities such as cooking, sewing, health, business, first aid, craft making, singing, spiritual programs and sports.
Most of the women have been accommodated at the campsite in their tents.
Some of the ladies said it was exciting to be part of such gathering.
However their concern is more on water shortage and poor sanitation provided at the camp.
Sources close to the church said the organizers have underestimated the number of participants.
“Organisers a expecting around 3000 women, but as the women arrived it exceeds that and is expected to reach more than 5000 by now,” the source said.
Over the weekend last minute work have been completed by the contractors.
There was also request being made by some of the societies for a 24-hour medical aid-post at the camp because some of the ladies have already develop health problems since arriving.
The dorcas program will end this Saturday night with a concert at the Marantha Hall.
A combine service by all the Adventist church will also be held on Saturday morning at the Marantha Hall.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
