The Malango Women’s Fellowship celebrated its anniversary on Sunday October 26 at Mataruka local church, in Malango, central Guadalcanal.
The event coincided with a farewell ceremony for the Santo Church of Christ, signifying the official closure of the Vanuatu Church of Christ Mission to Solomon Islands.
The event featured a church service with actions songs, choir performances by the eight local churches in Malango. Messages from God’s Word were shared by Ms. Rachel Lima and Pr. Anthony Christopher from the Church of Christ in Vanuatu.
The two-day event commenced on Saturday and concluded on Sunday.
Speaking on behalf of the Malango Association, Mr. Solomon Possy, who is the secretary announced the official closing of the Vanuatu Church of Christ mission to Solomon Islands.
“Today marks the Women’s closing anniversary and the official closing of Vanuatu mission to Solomon Islands, churches of Christ Santo Malakula Island Conference (SMIC).
“Though they will remain for another week, today is the formal and official closing of the Malango Association with the team,” he stated.
Hezekiah Taku, National Mission Coordinator of the SSEC Mission office, reflected on the longstanding partnership between the SSEC Solomon Islands and the Church of Christ in Vanuatu.
“Partnership with SSEC Solomon Islands and the Church of Christ goes back to 1900 when our ancestors worked in Queensland sugar plantation,” he said.
“In the midst of hardship, God’s light shone brightly, and the message of salvation spread across, bringing people to know the Lord.”
Mr. Taku emphasized the spiritual bond between the two organizations, stating “Vanuatu Church of Christ and the SSEC Solomon Islands are sisters, born out of the same mission.”
He added, “today, we witness the same fire that burned in Queensland sugar plantation in Bundaberg is continuing to burn today.
He also expressed gratitude to Malango and Suta for welcoming the Vanuatu mission with open arms.
Outgoing women coordinator Ms. Tiza Nathan shared her testimony, in reference to 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
“When I was elected as the coordinator for the Malango Association women, one of the thing that comes to my mind and that is 1 Thessalonians 5:24, which say, He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” she said.
Ms. Tiza Nathan, the outgoing women’s coordinator, shared her heartfelt testimony during the farewell ceremony, she stated.
“Today is a testimony that God has called me to His service. When God calls anyone to His work, He will never leave you.”
She further emphasized that despite facing challenges during her four-year term, she confidently testify that God had been with her throughout.
The anniversary celebration concluded with presentation of gifts to the outgoing women’s coordinator and her executive as well as to the Vanuatu mission team in appreciation for their mission work in central Guadalcanal, particularly Malango and Suta communities.
The Vanuatu mission team set to depart on November 1.
By Boaz Sibia,
Pastor, Namoraoni Local Church
