The Tikopian community came together in joy and reverence on Sunday to celebrate a major milestone—the official launch of the New Testament Bible in the Tikopian language, now known as Te Rongo Laoi, which means “The Good News.”
Held at St. Francis Anglican Church, White River, Honiara, the service was full of emotion, colour, and faith.
Tikopians from across Honiara and beyond gathered for the occasion, joined by fellow Tikopian members of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church and representatives from Solomon Islands Bible translation networks.
The Holy Communion service was led fully in the Tikopian language by Fr. Dr. Robert Santa Fakafu, with the sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Edward Kolohae, General Secretary of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA).
Dr. Kolohae reminded everyone that “your language is your heart—and that is where God will speak to you.”
His message encouraged the people to let this new Bible be a tool for deeper faith and a stronger Tikopian Christian identity.
One of the most powerful moments was when the four traditional chiefs of Tikopia, joined by elders from Anuta, carried the newly printed Bibles to the altar.
It was a moving scene that showed the unity of faith and culture, and the blessing of the Scripture by Tikopia’s highest traditional authorities.
Before the launch, Fr. Dr. Fakafu shared a short history of how Christianity first came to Tikopia. He spoke about two early Melanesian missionaries—Henry Tagalad from Mota and Robert Pantutun from Merelava in Vanuatu—who were sent around 1911 by Bishop Cecil Wilson.
These men didn’t come with power or force, but with humility, love, and a heart to teach. They lived among the people, taught the children, and slowly built trust. In 1929, the whole island of Tikopia was baptised as a Christian community. That’s how the journey of faith began.
The celebration also recognised the long, hard work of the translation team.
Speaking on behalf of the four tribes, Mr. Philip Ariki from Tafua Tribe gave heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the dream of Te Rongo Laoi come true.
He said this Bible will help the people of Tikopia stay strong in their faith.
Mr. Nico Daam of the Translation Group reflected on the power of hearing God’s Word in the Tikopian language.
He said, “Until now, you have heard the Gospel,” and quoted John 3:16, before retelling the verse again in Tikopian—allowing those gathered to hear the depth and beauty of Scripture in their mother tongue.
The Chairman of the Tikopian Translation Committee, Mr. Rongoafenga, also spoke with deep emotion. He talked about the many challenges over the years—no steady funding, hard travel, and the remoteness of Tikopia. But the team never gave up.
Their commitment was strong because they believed God’s Word must speak in Tikopian.
He said the launch of Te Rongo Laoi is a story of faith, hard work, and unity.
During the service, all the people joined Fr. Dr. Fakafu in saying the Great Thanksgiving prayer together—a sacred and memorable moment for everyone there.
Among the guests was the Honourable Freda Tuki Rangirei, Member of Parliament for VATUD Constituency, who attended to show her support for the Tikopian people and their faith journey.
This successful launch of ‘Te Rongo Laoi’ represents not only a past journey and present dedication but also sets a clear projection for the future of the Tikopian people’s spiritual growth and identity.
– ACOM Media
