Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 73, 18 May 1945, Page 2

Thoughtful Moments

(Supplied by the Wliakat

A UNIQUE CHURCH DEDICATION j 1 IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS (By Chaplain-Captain G. Thompson, 2nd N.Z.E.F.) | When the .lapane.se occupied the Pacific Islands they invariably Found deserted villages, the natives having lied to the hills', taking -with them their scanty belongs and establishing themselves, in newly constructed make-shil't (dwellings in places almost inaccessible to the. invader. With the rut hies destruction of their village gardens and tlie loss of their canocs for fishing purposes, the natives found their changed circumstanccs most difficult. Liberation came when the Allied troops drove out the enemy, an,d one of the first tasks was to provide sustenance to the natives who had proved loyal to the Allied cause. The missionary, Rev. A. W. Silvester on this particular island, fled into the hills with his people, and there ministered to them and rendered valuable assistance to the Allies when they recaptured the island. The natives, however remained in the hills while Allied troops guarded the coast. One of the first things the natives did after making temporary shelters lor themselves in clearings hewn out of the jungle was to build a church in which they could worship God. To the dedication of one such building a party accompanied the relieving missionary, Rev. A. H. Voyce, on a recent Saturday. The single .track which to us was at times almost imperceptible, led for the first 30 minutes along the banks of a beautiful slow-flowing river, which had to be crossed several times.. This peaceful scene was marred by the appearance of a burntout Japanese bomber which had buried itself deeply in a clearing which once had been a native garden. The track now became rougher but the guide ■ unerringly and tirelessly led Us on. We travelled along a razor back slid down a precipitous ravine to the cool waters of a rippling mountain .stream then made a tortuous ascent of the other side. We had now been two hours on the trek and were gladdened to hear the sound of voices and laughter as we approached the village. The party was greeted by the chief and the ciders of the village, who solemnly shook hands with every member. The children quickly made their appearance and smilingly welcomed the strangers. The village itself is in a very picturesque location being on a mountain ridge approximately 800 feet above sea level. The lew dwellings—which are of a temporary nature—have not the appearance of the normal houses in the coastal villages, but it appeared as if all the efforts of the villagers had been directed in the building of a beautifully constructed House of God.

lie Mmistejs' Association).

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE

Before the opening ceremony took place the native medical boy who was with us attended to the needs of the sick.

At a signal from the missionary, the native teacher called his people together and they formed up in front of the closed doors of the church. H was a moving, sight to sec about 1130 black men and women and children looking with prdic. on their handiwork .and then to hear them .sing in their own native tongue "Wo love the place, O God. wherein Thine honour dwelleth." The missionary then addressed the gathering before, the doors were

thrown open after which the visitors entered, being followed by the villagers. The opening hymn was "All Hail the Power of Jesu's Name" being followed by the native teacher reading Psalm 2:} and offering a prayer. His language was unknown to us but was understood by God, who blesses prayer and him who prays, independent of colour or tongue. I had been asked to christen some babies and the lovely hymn, so reminiscent of such events in our homeland "When Mothers of Salem Their Children Brought to Jesus " was softly sung by the natives as three mothers with their little babies in their arms ( with their husbands behind them, stood before the pulpit. As I explained, the significance of the gifts of these children back to God the missionary translated the words into Pidgeil English, which was understood bv

most of those present. When accepting these little, ones as God's own children it was of interest to hear the translation as "picaninnies belong God." Another hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus " was then 9 sung by the congregation, being followed by an address by the missionary. The native choir in wonderful harmony then sang several wellknown hymns in their own tongue, and the visitors responded by singing "Onward Christian Soldiers," The service concluded with the benediction ceremony of a worthy edifice built for the glory of God in the mountains. "Somewhere in the Solomons." It was difficult for us to realise that these very people bad been amongst the most fierce and savage head hunters of the South by the transforming power of God which was proclaimed to them by faithful and courageous missionaries, they have become, during the short period of -10 years a docile and lovable race. It was with regret we said farewell to our hosts and amidst parting shouts and handwavings we set off again down the jungle trail towards camp.- One will always remember with gladness this pleasant little interlude in the midst of a life of strict military routine at a forward area in the South Pacific.—From "The Open Door," mis-, siennrv magazine of the N.Z. Metlv- j odist Church.