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Return to Melanesia Reflections from Issue 67, Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 21st Century Mission... What’s in a name? • Prayer and Spirituality • Advocacy Well a name helps • Education people to recognise • Relationships who or what they are dealing with. The These are the areas in which we can focus our Melanesian Mission is shared mission. In prayer and spirituality it is a name that will have important to remember that it is prayer with, not immediate associations just prayer for. The gift of Melanesian spirituality and resonances for to the Lambeth Conference, and in the two visits all who have been in recent years by the Religious Orders from the involved with its work, Islands have highlighted how mission happens or with Melanesia. in this country along with the Missio Dei in The name has stuck, while other agencies Melanesia. The role of supporting education and have changed their names, seeking to reflect being advocates in this country brings in real an important truth. “Missionaries” in the partnership, that is not just based on money. public mind tends to produce an old fashioned But none of this works without relationship. picture of a white person going out to convert The Melanesian Mission has been blessed by people in a far off country. It has always the support of those who have been part of the been a caricature, but as churches developed ministry and mission of the Anglican Church of through the twentieth century, so people tried Melanesia over many years. But how in the future to reflect the changing nature of what was do we maintain those contacts? Clearly the recent happening. The word “partnership” became visit of the Executive Officer is very important in increasingly popular. This wanted to emphasise this. But supporting placements of varying lengths that now partner churches had as much to will also be an important way forward in the give each other as receive. future. People may not go out for as long as in None of this is tidy, and the moment you try the past, but focussed contributions can be highly and analyse any word you realise that they effective. are inadequate in some way. Often people ask But relationship is enhanced by the presence of what true partnership is, and point out that it Melanesians amongst us in this country. There are often gets distorted when all the wealth and hopes that another visit by the Religious Orders skills are vested in one partner and the other will be possible. The format may be different, struggles to know what they have to give. but there is so much that is gained whenever For me the crucial thing about our title now is these visits happen. We are also blessed by the that it is Melanesian Mission UK. In the end for presence of ordained Melanesians ministering in Christians, all mission is God’s mission (Missio this country. Dei). We join with our Melanesian brothers As it happens, by keeping with the old name, we and sisters in that mission, and that mission are managing to reflect truth as well. That God’s happens in the UK as well as in Melanesia. mission is not “done” to someone else. We join in In order to keep a proper perspective and God’s mission, and in our case we are blessed by balance, the Trustees have been working on having Melanesian partners in that. an overall strategy, and at our AGM asked All the words in our title “Melanesian Mission UK” those attending to look at aspects of that are important, and I hope that our strategy will strategy. help us to be properly attentive to what we are It can all be boiled down to four doing to be part of the Mission of God. headings: +Nigel Stock

2 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Just a thought... We are thinking about the future work of the Melanesian Mission and the funding of a potential 2012 Mission by the Brothers and Sisters to the UK (see back page) and about launching an Education Project. As ever we need funds to make these initiatives happen. If every person who receives this magazine gave 50p per week (or 50p more per week than you give already) then we would have another £22,000 of income per year! If this were £1 per week this would give another £44,000 - and just think what that could do to help the Church of Melanesia fulfil God’s mission in Melanesia. Every little helps, please think and pray about this and thank you for all that you give already. Included with this magazine is a standing order form. If you feel able to support the Church of Melanesia in this way then please complete the form and return it to Dave Friswell (address details on the back cover). Thanks once again. Helen Miller Treasurer A run to be proud of Back in October Jane Williams from Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire put on her running shoes and completed the Great Eastern Half Marathon in a very respectable two hours and fourteen minutes! Jane decided to run the half-marathon in support of the Melanesian Mission after her parish church offered to help pay for the rainwater tanks for Selwyn College, in Solomon Islands, after the devastating flooding last year. With Selwyn College, Cambridge, just down the road from Waterbeach it is hoped that these links with the colleges and the parish may be further strengthened. The day of the run was very hot and sunny which took its toll on some of the runners. Jane has raised over £500 in sponsorship money which is really wonderful. She is trying to twist my arm to join her on the run in 2011. We shall have to see about that! (Jane asked me to join her on this run but ‘sadly’ I was in the Solomons at the time!) If you would like to ‘do something special’ and raise some extra funds for the Mission then just let me know. Dave Friswell

New rain water tanks at Selwyn College

Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 3 Growing Companions While Companions in Chester have been busy growing sunflowers to raise money for the Brothers, the Companions in Ottery St Mary have been growing in numbers! In October five new members were admitted to this ever blossoming group. The new Companions include Lord Coleridge, Katie and Ian Drew (pictured either side of their two daughters), Craig Dawe who spent many hours helping out during the last mission visit of the Brothers in 2005, and Lizzie Steel (on left). A warm welcome to you all. Katie, Ian and the girls are soon to be following in the footsteps of the pioneer missionaries 150 years ago as they set off from Ottery St Mary in Devon and head for Solomon Islands for three months. The girls currently attend Feniton Primary School which is developing links with Norman Palmer School in Honiara, and whilst in Solomons they hope to carry on their lessons at their link school. Katie is the Parish Administrator at Ottery St Mary and will be working alongside the Provincial Mothers’ Union officers in Solomons. Ian, an IT professional, will be working with Julian, ACoM’s IT Officer and visiting schools, RTCs and other church institutions to help sort technical issues and train people in basic IT problem solving techniques. Please hold the family in your prayers as they prepare to travel and serve in the Church of Melanesia. Archbishop visits the UK Although it seems a long time ago now, it was a real privilege to host Archbishop David and Mary Vunagi whilst they visited the UK. This was David’s first visit as Archbishop and the first time most of us had the chance to meet David and Mary since the Lambeth Conference in 2008. Archbishop David was able to meet with all the Trustees of the Mission and attend a gathering of the Eastern Area MBH Companions. He was asked to preach by Archbishop Rowan at Lambeth Palace for the Ascension Day service and David and Mary had a chance to meet with Rowan during the day. Travelling around the country they visited Cambridge, Exeter, Plympton, Bristol, Chester, London, the Wirral, Sandiway and Ipswich to name a few places! It was a busy and tiring ten days but very worthwhile. Our thanks goes to all who organised events, meetings, meals and hospitality for the visit. In February 2011 we hope to host Bishop Sam and Bishop Alfred Karibongi when they come to the UK for a training course in Canterbury. Mary Vunagi, Archbishop David, Dave Friswell, Bishop Nigel and Caroline Stock in Ipswich

4 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 A touch of glass Some readers will have met John Ball at previous MM Festivals. John, now he has retired from full time ministry, is currently working through the winter months in Spain. Alongside John’s work as a , he spends his time painting and making stained glass. For some years now John has been making and selling small glass nativity sets - the profits of which go to support the Melanesian Brothers. Not long ago John was commissioned to make a somewhat larger nativity set for a retired clergy home in Lancashire. The figures in this set were just over twelve inches high. John has also recently completed a window for the chapel of a retreat centre. The design is based on the tree of life in Revelation chapter 22. That tree is said to have leaves for the healing of the nations and John thought that would fit in with the aim of the retreat centre. If you would like to order a small nativity set (figures about three inches high) and support the work of the Brothers at the same time, then let me know. The cost including p&p is £17.50 and cheques should be made payable to the Revd John Ball. Delivery time will depend on demand as each set is hand made from scratch. My postal address details are on the back page. Please include an email address if you have one so we can keep you up to date with delivery. Thanks. Dave Friswell Bible translation gets stamp of approval In September 2010 the Solomons Philatelic Bureau issued a set of four stamps to commemorate Bible Translation in the islands. It would seem that this is the first time that Solomons’ Pijin has appeared on a stamp since records began in 1907. On the block of four stamps the names of various Solomon Island languages, into which parts of the Scriptures have been translated, appear around the edge. On the cover illustration and on one of stamps in the block,there appear two Melanesian Brothers carrying a model canoe as for the Gospel procession, a custom which I believe was started at Tabalia. This makes a very attractive first day cover. The cost of the first day cover is SI $12.60 which is about £1. At the time of going to print I have not heard back from the Bureau about delivery to the UK but if you are interested in getting hold of a first day cover or set of stamps then let me know and I will see if we can get a bulk order sent over. This is unlikely to happen very quickly so please be patient! Dave Friswell

Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 5 Praying with the Anglican Church of Melanesia

The Anglican Province of Papua New Guinea

Sunday The and all the Diocesan and Area Bishops. The clergy, catechists and lay workers throughout the Province. Pray that they may have the strength to exercise their ministry with courage, integrity and joy. Monday Friday The Provincial Printing Press in Honiara (1) and The (4), Diocesan Bishop all those who work there. Pray that they may Sam Sahu and Area Bishop Alfred Hou. further the mission of the church through the The clinic and staff at Fauabu. Pray for the provision of Christian literature. diocesan staff as they develop new strategies for resourcing mission in the diocese. Tuesday The shipyard, school, clinic and parish at Saturday Taroaniara (2). The workers, staff, students, The (5) and Bishop Richard nurses and clergy. Keep safe those who crew the Naramana. Southern Cross as they provide transport around Pray for the teachers and MU workers involved the islands. in adult literacy work across the diocese. Wednesday Sunday The Diocese of Banks and Torres (3) and Bishop The Diocese of Vanuatu & New Caledonia (6) Nathan Tome. and Bishop . The rural and ministry training centres. Pray for The Vanuatu Christian Council and the Anglican the remote and scattered island communities Provincial Office and staff in Luganville (7). Pray and congregations. for St Patrick’s College, Vureas (8) and their link school, Wycombe Abbey, in the UK. Thursday The Melanesian Brothers in Solomon Islands, Monday Vanuatu, PNG, Philippines and the UK. Give The Community of Sisters of Melanesia, their strength to their leadership and guide their novices and aspirants. Pray that they may share ministry during changing times in the islands. the Gospel message with those they meet. For Pray for Companions around the world the Christian Care Centre near Honiara (1) and that they may freely offer support in all the religious orders as they work to reduce the most appropriate way. domestic violence and rebuild family life. 6 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Praying with the Anglican Church of Melanesia

Tuesday The Diocese of Central Solomons (9) and Bishop Elect Ben Seka. Pray for Ben as he prepares for the next stage of his ministry and for his consecration in February 2011. The Solomon Islands Christian Association. Wednesday The Diocese of Hanuato’o (10) and Bishop Alfred Karibongi. Pray for St Stephen’s College, Pamua (11) as it enters its second century. For development work, agriculture projects and community training 5 programmes. Pray for Bishop Alfred and Bishop Sam as they travel to the UK for further training in February 2011.

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Solomon Islands 12 11 10 13 1 9 The Anglican Province of Melanesia 3 Thursday The Diocese of Temotu (12) and Bishop George Taleki. The small island congregations throughout the Santa Cruz region including the Reef Islands, Duff Islands, Vanikoro and Utupua. Pray for Diocesan HQ staff at Lata and their income generating Vanuatu enterprises. Friday 8 All the church schools, colleges, training centres, students and staff across Melanesia. For integrity in teaching and learning. 7 For Bishop Patteson Theological College and staff during this time of transition. Pray especially for Mission Partner Matthew Jones and his wife, Anna, and children, David and Edward. Saturday The Diocese of Central Melanesia (13) and 6 Archbishop David Vunagi. Pray for the Chaplains to the Mission to Seafarers, the Society of St Francis and the Community of the Sisters of the Church. The Trustees, Staff and supporters of the Melanesian Mission UK as they endeavour to resource mission work throughout the Anglican New Caledonia Church of Melanesia. Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 7 Partnership and sharing Mothers’ Union members from Ghoveo strength, commitment (Kokota district, Isabel) and Ghueora Parish and determination of (Guadalcanal) met for the second time over mothers. a weekend to share in a variety of activities About eighty-four jointly organised by the two groups. mothers from Ghoveo The two groups which consisted of elder took part in a very members and young observers began the meaningful gift partnership in 2008 when enthusiastic exchange which lasted Ghueora mothers sailed across to the very for four hours. It was vibrant Ghoveo community and shared through a real celebration gifts exchange and spiritual enlightenment in of achievement as worship, including a variety of gospel related Ghorabau women and entertaining activities. and their partners in In his sermon during the Sunday morning Ghoveo met with joy, prayer, a school chaplain accompanying the in dancing, hugging and Ghoveo mothers explained that the partnership pouring perfumes on between the two communities began in each other. 1993 through a marriage between a former A variety of items were Melanesian Brother who comes from Ghueora used in the exchange, The staff at the Provincial Mothers’ Union Office in Honiara village and a woman from Ghoveo village. with the Isabelians presenting mats and sea “The partnership simply extended from a foods in return for a mattress, eating utensils single family unit to include the members of and food from the Guale mothers. communities, and it came into reality through In the evening, Ghoveo mothers rocked the rich the vision and hard work of the Mothers’ Union fertile grounds of the plains, giving authentic and members. It is a partnership in the mission of stunning performances through gospel actions, the church that we must continue to encourage drama, and more of their Isabel type classical in the years to come”. tunes and traditional dancing. In her welcome speech to the Ghoveo mothers, It is hoped that the next round of exchange Ghueora MU leader, Mrs Noma Matai stressed may include more educational activities with that mothers have always taken the leading women from both sides teaching each other the role in bringing the gospel to families and important skills such as weaving, sewing, and communities, and this is evidence of the cooking.

Hope for teacher training Steady progress is being made on the plans to set up the John Coleridge Patteson University. Alan Currer was able to spend two weeks in Honiara at the end of October to update the proposal which in its first two phases is focused on developing teacher training and the move of Bishop Patteson Theological College (BPTC) to the new site. The proposal has been agreed ay the Executive Council of the ACoM and has good support by the Solomon Islands Government. The early part of the first phase requires about £700,000 of capital. This will provide teaching and administration rooms and substantial living accommodation on site to enable 60 untrained teachers to qualify at degree level and another 30 to work towards a degree in education management for more senior posts in schools. The move of BPTC is scheduled for the second phase. The next task is to approach trusts and other bodies with a view to securing donations for the necessary capital. If all goes well, programmes could start being delivered from January 2013.

8 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Parenting workshop for mothers Thirty women leaders in the Church of Melanesia attended a week-long workshop on Parenting Consultation Process in Honiara recently. The Mothers’ Union, as a family ministry, focuses on helping mothers to raise their children better but the ministry has been unable to properly address this area, hence the workshop. Provincial Mothers’ Union president, Edith Koete, said the workshop was to help Mothers’ Union leaders, as well as members, become good parents. “Our focus is to strengthen the abilities mothers already have, and provide them with the opportunity to learn new skills that will enable them to contribute to the stability of family life in their communities,” Mrs Koete said. “This is where we mothers most fail and therefore this workshop will help us to nurture each other and at the same time concentrate on the younger generation. From this workshop, we will develop a manual on parenting for women in church of Melanesia. The manual will be designed in a way that will be The staff at the Provincial Mothers’ Union Office in Honiara suitable to our local situation,” she said. Sharon Harpen, Worldwide Parenting Trainer for Mothers’ Union, and Beverly Oven, Overseas and Northern Outreach Coordinator for Australia Mothers’ Union facilitated the workshop.

An inspiration lives on On Sunday 14th November, 2010, the Archbishop of the Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend David Vunagi officiated at the ordination of Clement Paupahu of Boromole Village into the priesthood. Boromole Village is on the northern entrance of Mboli passage that separates the two main islands of Nggela, and is just opposite Siota. (Well known for the site of one of the first boys’ boarding schools in Solomon Islands, the Melanesian Mission HQ, the theological college and currently Siota Secondary School.) The village can provide safe anchorage to smaller vessels; the first of which were from the nineteenth century whalers and traders, blackbirders and then missionaries. Above the village, just few kilometres inland, sits a grass-covered hill not more than 300 meters at its peak. It is called Mt Southern Cross (Seveni in the local dialect) to commemorate the focal point where villagers bid farewell to those who were taken to Norfolk Island as school boys. It also became a look-out for their possible return on the MV Southern Cross, usually some years later. Johnson Tome was one of the villagers who was taken to Norfolk Island around 1897 by the missionaries to have a chance of an organised education. He later became a deacon in 1916 and was ordained as a priest in 1918 at St Luke’s, Siota. He was the first person from Boromole to enter the priesthood - and he remained the only one for the next 92 years! But now another church boat has been steered carefully through the coral reefs that litter the Mboli harbour - not to take away another village boy to Norfolk Island for an education but to bring Archbishop David to ordain Clement, a great grandson of Johnson Tome, to the priesthood. Congratulations Revd Clement Paupahu on the occasion of your ordination. Isaac Seko Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 9 Mission in the midst of conflict For nearly five hundred years the liquid The need to equip the church in the area of continent of Oceania has been called by the conflict resolution found support from the name that Ferdinand Magellan gave it, the Pacific Centre for Peace-building which was Pacific Ocean (Mar Pacifico) because of its already making plans to be able to offer apparent stillness. World class navigator he may training with a local partner in Fiji. From this have been, but I believe history has proven that grew the recent training attended by ACoM he was a bad judge of character. Or perhaps he staff (see article opposite on page 15) was not aware of the adage that ‘still waters This is the first Oceanic program of its kind run deep’. For far from the idyllic paradise for churches, both the God’s Pacific People’s described by artists and authors, beneath the program and the Pacific Centre for Peace- calmness was a raging sea. building acknowledged the work of UNDP The Pacific region has had its share of wars, through its CPAD project (capacity building conflicts and tensions based over the past for peace and development), to draw together four centuries. In the last century the conflicts peace practitioners from the region to further have generally been homegrown issues. But develop capacity building, share experience and conflict is not something that exists merely expertise and develop a community of practice on a provincial or national level but also on a for peace, drawing on stakeholders across social, communal and personal level. Wherever government, private sector and civil society relationships exist there have been, or is the including the churches. potential for, tension or conflict. Revd James Bhagwan Wherever there are conflicts, there are people Revd JS Bhagwan is a Faculty member at working towards peace and reconciliation. Davuilevu Theological College and the Associate People who work in the field of domestic Minister of Dudley Methodist Circuit in Suva. violence, crisis ministries and counselling programs, community conflict resolution or national peace-building in a post-conflict situation. As the churches continue to be an integral part of oceanic society, ministers, pastors and lay workers of the church often find themselves called to become peacemakers, sometimes despite a lack of formal skills and expertise or the opportunity to effectively equip themselves for this complex task. The God’s Pacific People program’s Inspirational Stories project has been working closely with the Anglican Church of Melanesia to document stories of how their church responded to the outbreak of armed conflict between 1998 and 2003. The documentation has been published in the form of a book, ‘Mission in the Midst of Conflict: Stories from the Solomon Islands’. The book and the stories shared in it reinforce the need for Melanesian churches to be proactive, prepared and resourced in order to respond more effectively to the Mission in the Midst of Conflict is published by the conflicts erupting in the region. Pacific Theological College ISBN 978-982-348-022-0 10 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Social justice & human rights training The Commission on Justice, Reconciliation and “Dialogue, mediation and negotiation were Peace of the Anglican Church of Melanesia the key areas of focus. Fiji, being one of the (ACoM) is strengthening its focal aim and Melanesian countries in the Pacific, gave a more developing further training for its staff who relevant context to what was being taught undertook three months training in Fiji recently. especially in the areas of resolving conflicts Secretary to the Commission Fr Mark Graham which both countries have faced,” said Fr said that the training is an important step Tohutohunia. for the Commission and the Anglican Church Participating in the conference were men of Melanesia in peace building especially in and women from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, meeting the Commission’s goals and objectives American Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands and which focus on bringing justice, reconciliation Fiji. Together they gathered to light a ‘peace and peace in the Province. candle’ as a sign of God’s presence and The training covered both theory and practical guidance, of their burning passion for peace work in the areas of conflict analysis, trauma and for the strength to shine this light in their healing and conflict resolution. communities. Participant trainee Fr Reginald Tohutohunia said Similar training was attended by the the practical aspect of the training had been Commission’s Secretary, Fr Mark Graham, in fruitful especially the field work in different Geneva early this year focusing on the Human parts of Fiji which was facilitated by the Pacific Rights. The conference was organised by the Centre for Peace Building. Office. Action planning for mission More than 150 members of the four religious Society of St Francis Legacy Fund and the four communities of the Anglican Church of ACoM religious communities in Melanesia. Melanesia gathered at Tabalia for a three week Workshops covered areas such as the Universal training course on social justice, human rights Declaration of Human Rights and the various and advocacy issues. United Nations conventions including the The workshop was organised by Franciscans Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination International who support the advocacy work against Women and the Convention on the of Franciscan religious communities around the Rights of the Child. It also looked at the biblical world. Four Franciscan International staff came and theological roots of human rights. from Bangkok and Geneva to assist with the The workshop also examined human rights workshop. abuses in Solomon Islands and how the religious The focus of the workshop themes were:- communities might address them. Issues • theology and meaning of human rights, identified have included sexual exploitation of • how to advocate for social justice, children in logging camps; domestic violence; • issues of gender equality (including violence environmental destruction by logging, fishing against women and children), and mining; and corruption, from the village • respecting the environment and to the national level, including problems in the • promoting good governance. electoral process. The first week of the workshop involved One aim of the workshop was to enable the training of 27 trainers from the four Brothers and Sisters to assist communities to religious communities. They then took on the advocate for social justice in the many local responsibility for training the large group of 120 areas where they have households. The for the next two weeks. training will also help them to prepare Support for the event has come from the an action plan for their future social justice work. Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 11 Return to Melanesia There are not many places around the world My travels took me to five out of six of the that I have been to twice, so it was with mixed dioceses in Solomons - along with a few days in feelings that I returned to Solomon Islands for New Zealand to meet with the Melanesian Trust four weeks in September and October 2010. In Board and the Anglican Mission Board. many ways it was nice to go somewhere that My first stop was the Diocese of Malaita where had some familiarity about the place. Bishop Sam Sahu gave me a tour of Airahu Rural Training Centre and Fauabu Clinic. The clinic had seen ‘better days’ but the dedication of the staff and the quality of the holistic care was good to see. The diocese hopes to build a partnership between government and the church for developing the clinic back into a small hospital. This will be very good news for the local community who currently have to travel to Auki to get more than basic healthcare. Dodging the tropical rain storms we travelled on to St Luke’s Church at Bio. The weekend was a time of celebration for the parish as it was their fifth birthday. This new parish had erected its own church building, was part way through constructing the priest’s house and the church I’d been brushing up was full to overflowing! On Saturday evening my Pijin (thanks to the gift of a little phrasebook Bishop Sam confirmed seventy nine teenagers. It from Chester MBH Companions) so I hoped I was wonderful to see real growth in the church. would follow the conversations a little better One does have to ask how serious are we in the this time. But of course there had been lots of UK about growing the church for the younger changes since my first visit in 2006. Lots of generation - and what can we learn from new names and faces in the church. Areas of Melanesia. Honiara rebuilt after the riots of that year. Many Of course with confirmations and birthdays more cars, minibuses and pick-ups cruising up comes the excuse for feasting and and down Mendana Avenue. And so it was with entertainment. Again avoiding the torrential excitement, enthusiasm and a little uncertainty I downpours, we sang and danced into Saturday found myself back in Melanesia. evening and again on Sunday afternoon. Of course there was nothing to worry about Someone at Bio has even got a picture of me really. I was met at the airport by both familiar joining in the dancing! and new faces - faces that had been little more than ‘email addresses’ came to life and over the following weeks were to become both work colleagues and friends.

It is impossible to fit into these pages a full account of the visit (there will be a full report on the website soon), so I hope to use this space for words and images that convey something more about the life and work of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the current society in which it is Some of the confirmation candidates working. at Bio Parish, Malaita 12 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011

One of the obvious changes in Solomons over with the direction that ACoM is travelling. It the past four years has been the ‘mobile’ was interesting to be able to share insights, revolution. It seems that overnight one of the concerns, uncertainties as well as exciting future most difficult areas of the world to communicate plans that they have for the church. There is a very clear (and healthy) awareness that if they wish to grow and develop the work of the church in Melanesia then they must locally resource any new initiatives. For many years there has been a reliance on funds from the UK and New Zealand - and of course we hope that this assistance can continue for many years to come. But the reality of the current global economic situation is that there is unlikely to be lots of new money generated externally for some years to come. Recognising this, ACoM is really setting about how best to motivate and encourage real stewardship of time, resources and money from within its own congregations. I came away from these meetings with a feeling across has been linked up with phone masts and of real hope for what the future holds for ACoM. microwave dishes. There are still many remote The diocesan office of Temotu is at Lata. Its islands that have not yet got this technology a small community with a police station, post but it did seem very strange to know that you office, hospital, school and even a little public could use your phone in the middle of the South library. It is also has a claim to fame as being Pacific when you can’t even get a signal in half home to one of the first solar powered cash the villages in Suffolk! machines! Of course with mobiles comes a whole economy. Around the island are the blue, calm, warm Local shop keepers are now selling ‘top-up’, waters of the little bays and river inlets. However villagers are being employed constructing bases a three hour ride in a ‘canoe’ across the open for masts, engineers are being trained up to sea will get you to Nukapu - the island where service the phone companies’ Bishop Patteson was brutally killed. equipment and the ex-pat telecom workers are spending some of their cash locally. From Malaita I flew over to Temotu Diocese for five days. It was good to meet with Bishop George and with the diocesan staff. Here, like most of the other dioceses, strategic planning was top of their agenda. It was great that we had begun our work on our forthcoming strategy before I left the UK as this has given us a real chance to share ideas and develop the work in the UK much more in line Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 13 Reflections from Solomon Islands Luckily for me such a boat trip had been edge of the outlying coral reef around Nukapu. It included on my itinerary. Not being the world’s was strange to think that 139 years earlier the best traveller in small boats I have to admit I Southern Cross had anchored on the same spot. wasn’t looking forward to the journey itself, but Then the Bishop had rowed ashore never to be the chance to visit the island was one certainly seen alive again. I asked Bishop George if he not to be missed. An early start saw a calm sea. was worried it might happen again... The waves were small and the swell was light. Despite the increase in mobile technology, It was fantastic to watch the flying fish skim phones have not yet reached these tiny islands across the surface, flying for fifty or sixty yards in the Reefs. Here the ‘two-way’ radio is the at a time. There seemed no apparent reason only way to communicate. But even that is why they do this but my guess is that they do it unreliable. We had tried to radio through the because it’s really good fun! day before to let the islanders know we were After about an hour of crashing over some coming, but no reply. It turned out that their larger waves Bishop George checked to see how radio was broken and so they literally had no I was doing. Not feeling seasick at all, I told him connection to the outside world. For me this had I was great and was really looking forward to a real benefit. To turn up completely unexpected the visit. Half an hour later he asked me again - meant that as we came ashore we walked into still ok. It was soon after that I realised that he life on the island as it really was. There had wasn’t feeling too good and he had been hoping been no preparation for our visit, no songs and that if I wasn’t well we could turn back! garlands on arrival - it was just a normal day for I never quite worked out how the driver of the fifty eight people who live there. There was the boat knew where to go! The only thing to something very special about experiencing that. navigate by was a small volcano (Tinakula) It was clear that the unannounced arrival of poking its cone up through the blue waters. a white man was not a common occurrence. The village chief was introduced and we sat and each of us visitors gave our speeches. It would be wrong to say that nothing happens on Nukapu - people fish, cultivate their crops and look after their leaf houses - but apart from that there isn’t actually very much to do there! So having the diversion of some visitors was a welcome distraction. We were shown the memorial cross on the site of Patteson’s murder and the little chapel that sits behind the cross. The village priest explained how the coastline of the island had changed and that the place where Patteson had Steam was coming from the top and a been resting was right on the beach at the time. sort of permanent cloud hung above it. It was Now it is about fifty yards inland. the sort of volcano a child would paint and you From the cross we took the short walk (nothing would think that they never actually looked is very far on Nukapu!) to the open grave that like that in real life - but they do! had been prepared for Patteson’s body. It is Anyway we kept the volcano on the beautifully looked after with grass and small left and eventually arrived at the trees growing around it. After Patteson had been 14 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Reflections from Solomon Islands killed, the women wrapped his body in a mat work being done at Garanga Rural Training and put him in a canoe to take him to the place Centre (RTC) and to assess progress on the of the grave. women’s literacy programme. Garanga RTC and farm is very well organised and developing all the time. From small beginnings have grown a working farm that should start to return a profit to the diocese within the next twelve months. Some of the start up costs for this project have been raised by churches in the UK and it was good to see a positive outcome of this ‘pump priming’. The RTC has a broad range of subject areas though sadly like the other RTCs I visited the learning is nearly all theory as the tools, equipment and resources are so limited. Here there were tools for agriculture and sewing machines that were working well. Keeping hand When those on board the Southern Cross tools secure is obviously an issue and saw two canoes coming out from the island they sadly well equipped workshops of days gone by went to meet them. At that point the women let are now empty. Local production of tools may free the canoe with Patteson’s body in, fearing be a way forward and this may encourage each they would be attacked. Fighting did break out student to ‘own’ his or her tool kit and help stop and Joseph Atkin and Stephen Taroaniara were things from being stolen. also fatally wounded. Patteson’s body never I was able to sit in on the review meeting of the made it to the grave that had been dug for him, literacy programme in Jejevo. It was great to but was buried at sea. hear the stories from the volunteer teachers and It was strange to think how from events on this the women students about their experiences. little tiny island have had so much impact on the Each had different reasons for taking part - life of the church in Melanesia and around the some had never been to school whilst others whole Anglican Communion. had dropped out from education at a young age. Some had decided to take part in the From Temotu I journeyed on to the Diocese of programme so they could start their own small Ysabel. On the flight out I was joined by some businesses whilst others wanted to be able to ACoM staff who were going out to review the help their own children with their school work.

Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 15 Reflections from Solomon Islands Later on my visit, when back in Honiara, I was able to see some of the teaching materials that have been prepared locally for the programme. The students learn to read and write both Pijin and their local language. As well as teaching literacy, the course work teaches real-life subjects such as child or women’s health as part of the learning. The remainder of my visit was spent mainly on Guadalcanal visiting schools, Bishop Patteson Theological College, Matthew Jones and family, the religious orders, Bishop and the ACoM archives, and spending time with the Mothers’ Union. It was an honour to be a guest at the Blessing of Sr Phyllis as the new Sister Provincial for the Students in the computer room at Bishop Patteson CSC Sisters. Theological College Another ‘unannounced’ visit was to Hautabu, the headquarters of the Franciscans. I arrived during slipway and workshops are used for commercial their rest time soon after lunch and found them work whilst the Southern Cross is not being at the most beautiful spot overlooking the sea. serviced, again helping to cover the running They were quietly singing along to their guitar costs of the church ship. The church school so it seemed only right to join in and share a and the little hospital in the village were both few choruses. The guitar was passed around and working hard with dedicated staff. we took it in turns to lead the singing. Throughout the trip there was never a dull moment! When there was a small gap in the programme another meeting would be slotted in. It was good to worship at the Cathedral in Honiara and have a good chat with the Dean after the service. The subject of the ordination of women kept popping into the conversations around the Province so it will be interesting to hear of the discussions during the next round of synods in 2011.

One early morning canoe trip was from Honiara across to Taroaniara, the home of the ACoM Assistant Head shipyard and the Southern Cross. The Brother Alfred shipyard is being very well run and enjoying the feast at the newly opened life raft service the Blessing of Sister centre continues to prosper. The Phyllis at TNK 16 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Reflections from Solomon Islands

I’d like to thanks all those who enabled the visit to be a great success especially Mary Vunagi who took me under her wing and looked after me like one of her own. Thanks also to Fr Patteson Worek (Mission Secretary) and Fr Mark Gara who sorted the programme, Elsie Elo for booking my internal flights and of course Archbishop David and the Trustees of the Mission for making it all possible. Dave Friswell

The ‘Solomon Express’ on the slipway at Taroaniara

Looking out from Hautabu

Sr Doreen and helpers at TNK

Bishop George contemplates his diocese!

Youth choir at Bio Parish, Malaita Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 17 One hundred years - and still going strong Pamua has sailed a long way on its one hundred year journey. It is good to see that it has survived the ravages of time and remains an important educational institution within the Anglican Church of Melanesia to this day. Archbishop David Vunagi addressed the school during its centenary celebration and graduation Day in October 2010. He said that many schools like Pamua have now turned into something else but this school continues to offer this important service to Solomon Islands despite the challenges it has been through. Pamua has a unique and an interesting history. It was a school of many ‘faces’. The first face of Pamua began in 1911 as a boys’ school and was started by Charles Fox, then a young priest serving in San Cristobal (now normally called Makira). The building of the new school began a year before in 1910 hence the celebrating of Pamua’s Centenary in 2010 and not 2011, the year the school actually opened. Archbishop David said centenaries are very rare occasions, they don’t happen too often and so it’s indeed an honour to be part of the celebrations. The current face of Pamua was a brainchild of Bishop James Mason, first bishop of Hanuato’o. Fresh, energetic and as a former school teacher himself who was well acquainted with the need for secondary education, Bishop James turned Pamua’s ageing facilities into a comprehensive institution within three years of taking up his episcopate. The school has three strands: primary, secondary and rural training centre, and was rededicated to St Stephen, in honour of Stephen Taroaniara, one of Makira’s own missionary sons killed with Bishop Patteson in 1871. Pamua has been offering Form Six education since 2002 and the church is supporting the school’s plan to offer Form Seven arts in 2012. This would be another milestone in the development of the school. The new John Coleridge Patteson University, when completed and fully operational, will provide tertiary education opportunities closer at home for more school leavers and adults. The new university will need a strong senior secondary school system from which it will draw its students. Pamua’s proposed form seven therefore could not have come at the better time. Archbishop David also thanked the landowners of Pamua, and chiefs and people of the surrounding communities who have demonstrated trust, good will and uttermost tolerance to the students and teachers and their families. 18 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 One hundred years - and still going strong The Anglican Church of Melanesia was grateful teachers is faith in God, and in every church for the exceptional friendship that has been school there is a chapel where daily services shared over the past century and it is hoped are held in the morning and evening.” that this will continue in the years to come. “Let me also warn you that the world out Archbishop David told the staff and students there in which those of you leaving school that “Anglican Church Schools are established are entering, is not always easy or friendly. It not merely to fill the brains of our students with depends on how each individual person makes intellectual knowledge. If this were the case, his or her choices in life. You can choose to be the church would have happily left education to poor, sad and miserable, or you can choose to government schools. Church schools exist for a face the challenges in life and be successful nobler cause than just intellectual knowledge; in whatever you do for yourself and your they must promote a holistic approach to community,” he said. education where the three aspects of the person are developed: spiritual, intellectual and “With the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired, physical. The first thing a church school must go out with courage and determination and develop and strengthen in its students and make a successful future.”

ACoM Education Secretary, Mr John Kela said “The theme for the school’s anniversary, reflected in the school motto ‘For God’s Glory’, describes something which is the best of its kind. Indeed, Pamua School is on its way to be one of the best schools – with 100 years of consistent excellence and exceptionality. The school should be proud of the fact that it has embraced the diversity and uniqueness of each individual, and is committed to bring out the best in each student. Many outstanding individuals who have left a mark in society carry the brand name of Pamua. One of our great mothers, Mrs Mary Vunagi attended Pamua so did Noelyn Masura, Nester Marahora and Gwen Wasuka and there are others who are celebrating with us today. The school has produced leaders in society, senior civil servants, police officers, academics, sportsmen, creative talent, corporate leaders and parliamentarians. The school will create more opportunities and will be introducing Form Six Science and Form Seven Arts at its campus in 2012 to help students realise their passions and talents. The students must take full advantage of the many opportunities that may come.” Mr Kela told the graduates to be kind towards others, engage in community activities and live by example. “Do not be frightened to speak out on things you see that are not suitable for you, your community and your nation. Stand firm on your decision to bring about a change in the society. Be grateful to those who nurture you to what you are today. Cultivate a ‘discipline of gratitude’. Be grateful to your family, teachers, friends, neighbour and those who make your life better and make you a better person.” “We must also remember that Solomon Islands’ success in the future will ultimately depend on you. Past students of Pamua have shown the way and you must follow suit. Remember that great things can only be achieved through hard work.” “May you, in whatever role you play at Pamua, always excel and live up to the church education philosophy of true religion, sound learning and useful industry.” Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 19 Greetings from Solomon Islands! It is a long time since my last report and much Kame has been appointed Principal (he is from has happened since then. So here is an update Isabel and holds a Master’s degree), his Deputy on life at BPTC. This year has been very busy, will be Fr (from Vanuatu who also challenging and, at times, stressful. However, holds a Master’s degree). I have stepped down graduation day was a great success and it is nice as Deputy in order to concentrate on developing to see the students, who have been working hard the degree programme. This year I have held for so long, with smiling faces at the end of it all. three posts - Deputy Principal, Head of Degree The college has a page on Facebook complete Studies and Head of the Theology Department as with graduation photos including one of me in my well as teaching in both the degree and diploma funny hat! programme, which means I have been overloaded We been busy with not only the usual with work! Next year I will continue as Head of teaching but also because we were visited Degree Studies and will have time to give my full by an accreditation team from South Pacific attention to the academic programme and not Association of Theological Schools. They came have to worry about generators, trucks and other to accredit both the degree and diploma college administration. Fr Keith Joseph has also programmes and although we are still waiting left and returned to Australia. I am missing him for their official report, it was a positive visit. already as I no longer have anyone to argue with This required a lot of preparation but it was well over the cricket (looking at England’s current worth it. We anticipate that both courses will be display, this is probably a good thing)! He is now accredited. This whole process means that we working in the Diocese of Newcastle NSW and I can fully assess our respective strengths and look forward to visiting him soon. His contribution weaknesses, and work to improve the academic to the college has been significant and the church programme of the college. will miss his academic expertise. Fr Ben Wate There have also been some major infrastructure has now taken over Keith’s role as coordinator of changes this year. In my last report, I wrote Theological Education. The college community has about having no reliable phone or internet. warmly welcomed the new appointments and we However, things have improved considerably are confident that the college will further develop over the past few months. Solomon Telekom has next year and that academic standards can be upgraded their phone system enabling us to have both maintained and future enhanced. (relatively) reliable phones. In addition, we now Therefore, it has been a busy year and it is a have a satellite system installed, which provides relief to come to the end of it, recharge the internet access to staff and students. This is a batteries and look forward to next year. Anna major step forward for the academic life of the too has been busy with college programmes and college. We now have access to online academic various craft projects. David and Edward are journals and research, which will enhance the also busy growing up and thriving in the college quality of academic work produced at BPTC. This environment. We are staying at the college over is particularly important at degree level where the Christmas holidays and are looking forward both staff and students need access to up to to Anna’s relatives coming to visit. Christmas date scholarship and developments. This makes shopping in Honiara will be next on the agenda, communication much easier and, as a result, I hopefully before the road starts to flood. The have introduced my parents to Skype! It is indeed rainy season has started already (earlier than a luxury to be able to email from the college and previous years) so we hope and pray it will not be not have to go to Honiara braving the sun, dust too bad this year. and, at this time of the year, floods, just to send Finally, may I thank all of you for your prayers and one message! support to us and the work of the college and on Another major change is new leadership for behalf of the college community may I wish you 2011. The current Principal, Fr Ben Seka, all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. is now Bishop Elect for the Diocese God Bless of Central Solomon. Fr Anthony Dr Matthew Jones 20 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 Lukim yu behaen! After more than six years in the Solomon Islands, the time has come for me to return home, and take up ministry in the Diocese of Newcastle, New South Wales. I am very grateful for the friendship and support of many people involved with MMUK or with the Companions in the United Kingdom, during my time in Melanesia. In particular I must thank you for your support following the disastrous flooding of north-west Guadalcanal in early 2009, for your hosting of myself and other people from Melanesia on visits to the UK, for your visits to Melanesia, and most of all for your prayers, thoughts and friendship. Over six years there are many highlights. Obviously it has been a great joy working with the Melanesian Brothers and the other religious orders, and I hope to remain a faithful Companion and Associate. The picture shows me with Br Simon Peter (Elder Brother, Tabalia) in Tasimboko on the day I was installed as chief, the Sunday before I left the Solomons. My work at Bishop Patteson Theological College has also been a source of achievement and pride, especially in leading the Degree Programme from the year it started in 2006, through to the end of 2009. Some of our graduates have already gone on to deep thanks and gratitude to all. Tangyu tumas leadership roles in ACoM, and our first BTh Dux, evriwan! I will keep you all in my prayers until we Fr Aram Oroi, is expected to commence his PhD next meet. in New Zealand next year. Dr Matthew Jones At this stage, I do not say goodbye to Melanesia took over as coordinator of degree studies at – fortunately Newcastle is only a one-hour flight the beginning of 2010, so the programme is in south from Brisbane, and therefore it will be sure hands. I will be in continuing contact with easy for me to return to the Solomon Islands on Matthew to assist as required, and also to keep a frequent basis, and follow up various projects alive a friendly rivalry related to the Ashes! with which I am still involved. I also suspect that But far more than any administrative many of my Solomon Island friends will find their achievement, what I have valued is the love way to Newcastle – so part of my ministry will, and deep friendship of many of my brothers God willing, still involve Melanesia. Hopefully and sisters in Christ. In six years in Melanesia I at some stage in the future I will also be able have learnt far more than I have taught, and my to visit my friends in the United Kingdom. So brothers and sisters have also been my teachers. to everyone, my thanks for your help and There are many people who stand out, so rather support over the last six years, and lukim than name one or two person here and miss the yufala behaen. names of others, I will just record my Fr Keith Joseph Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 21 News in brief... THE Solomon Islands Christian Association solve their problems rather than taking their (SICA) has called on churches to take strong own lives,” he said. stand against suicide in the communities. The Solomon Islands Christian Association is This came after a man in Western Province an ecumenical Christian non-governmental died after he burnt himself alive with petrol last organisation in the country. month. The association comprises the five largest Another man in the same province was saved Christian churches in the country, the Anglican from death at Gizo hospital after he drank Church of Melanesia, the Roman Catholic petrol. Also two female high school students Church, the South Sea Evangelical Church, the of Pawa Community High School in Makira Seventh Day Adventists and the United Church. Province were badly hurt after jumping off a 20 metre high Banyan tree in the school A one-day retreat led by All Saints Mothers’ grounds on separate incidents. Union, Honiara, has given hope and courage to SICA General Secretary, James Funa said that women at TNK, east Guadalcanal. The retreat’s churches need to give out a strong message to objective was to share and pray with women in congregations. Although suicide is a personal that area who are encountering daily problems decision, people need to be reminded about the in their family lives. value of life which God gave to human kind. All Saints MU reflected on God’s love for family “People should not just take their lives when and gave advice to women on practical issues. they come to a point where they can’t make The retreat concluded with women praying decisions. They should discuss their problems together and sharing personal testimony about with other people or see counsellors to help what was missing in their lives. The church of today and tomorrow About 400 young people of the Anglican recognised in the Youth Policy launched by the Church of Melanesia participated in the church in August 2009. The main goal of the provincial youth convention at Tenaru School, policy is to provide a brighter and more hopeful east of Honiara. Archbishop David Vunagi future for young people in leading a life that opened the convention under the theme ‘Youth fully acknowledges God in word and action. participation - our challenge, our destiny’. The Archbishop added that more than 80% Archbishop David said the Anglican Church of of young people in the Solomon Islands and Melanesia now recognises the importance of Vanuatu are living in the rural areas, and more its ministry to youth. The church places the are leaving formal education every year. The ministry to youth as one of its major priorities. increasing the number of youths in the villages He said with the decline in Christian principles and urban centres means that many do not and cultural values, youth identity crisis and participate in useful activities. a feeling of isolation has taken its toll on the Archbishop David challenged the church and lives of young people, both in rural and urban youth leaders saying their task is to instruct, communities. “Young people’s voices have teach, mould, shape and to build the full fallen on deaf ears and their cry for recognition humanity of young people. has been ignored. Many factors have greatly Provincial youth coordinator Chris Talo said contributed to the negative status of young the youth convention would empower youths in people in the church and society, and this has participation and resourceful ministry. resulted in youths turning to violence and The youth coordinator said various groups and anti-social behaviour”. non-government organisation had been invited The chronic problems that affected to conduct awareness sessions and address the youths of today are now issues affecting the lives of young people. 22 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011

French Polynesia’s nuclear test veterans Norfolk Island, organisation ‘Moruroa e tatou’ says it is the former concerned of possible contamination because British colony part of the test atoll is sinking. Its head, Roland and centre of Oldham, says a section of Moruroa, which was the Melanesian the main French weapons test site in the Pacific Mission during for thirty years, has subsided. its early days Mr Oldham says he fears that radioactive waste has been forced is seeping into the sea. to give up its “The problem today is because one part of the autonomy to Australia. The island has been self island is going down and is under water. The governing since 1979 but after being pushed to water is one of the worst enemies of storing all the brink of insolvency the territory has struck a these dangerous deal with Canberra agreeing to Australian rule in things.” return for financial aid. Ministers blame the fall in tourism numbers for the £3.1 million debt the island now has. The Moruroa Atoll was deal with Australia could mean the end of the used by France as a nuclear test site tax free arrangements which have in the past between 1966 attracted wealthy residents that would not and 1996 otherwise move there. The search goes on... In the previous edition of Melanesia News I the Southern Cross Logs previously printed by appealed for copies of the Southern Cross logs our offices in New Zealand and England. We between 1973 and 1976. I did receive a couple wish to place on record our sincere thanks to of calls from people saying that their collection all those who have done this work on our behalf of ‘Logs’ also stopped in 1972. Whilst on my over many years, and I am sure you will rejoice recent visit to Solomon Islands I was able to that the diocese is now able to take this new spend a little time with Bishop Terry Brown step of sending out our own news and photos who is working on the Church of Melanesia’s of our work in these islands.’ archives during his retirement. It is good to know that this vision of more than I was delighted when he gave me a spare copy thirty five years ago has been maintained and of a broadsheet newspaper entitled ‘Melanesia that the Melanesia Messenger is still produced Today’ and dated ‘1973 No. 1’. The opening and printed by the Church of Melanesia today. paragraph (written by Bishop John Chisolm) So now the challenge is on to find any spare reads:- copies of ‘Melanesia Today’ to plug the gap in ‘My dear friends of Melanesia, the Mission’s archives! If you have any copies We hope you will like this new broadsheet which that you are willing to send to me I would be is written and printed in Melanesia and replaces most grateful. Thanks. Dave Another mystery solved... Some of you who have been receiving the magazine for some time may remember my request for a copy of edition number 47 (October 1999) of Melanesia News before I had the copies bound for the archives. No copy was found so the binding went ahead. Thanks once again to Bishop Terry who realised that number 47 was never produced - but did discover that there were two different version of number 46 produced six months apart! The missing copy has now been united with the rest of the set and the mystery has been solved. Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011 23 Mission 2012 Plans are getting underway for a mission to the UK in 2012 by the Brothers and Sisters from Melanesia. The past missions that have taken place in 2000 and 2005 have been organised mainly by the dioceses of Chester and Exeter and amazingly supported by the Companions in these areas. The Trustees of the Mission have been exploring the possibility of another mission to the UK. It was felt that Melanesian Brothers and Sisters perform at Lambeth Palace 2005 a single diocese could not currently resource another mission to the UK so We hope that the mission can take place MMUK have decided to take the lead to ensure it can between Easter and the end of June take place. 2012. Unlike the two previous missions Obviously with just a few Trustees and one part time where the Brothers and Sisters were member of staff MMUK cannot do this alone! If you constantly ‘on the move’, it is hoped that would like to be more involved in the support, planning this mission will enable ‘communities’ and organising of this mission then read on... to be established for five days at a time in seven different places around the country. Here the daily office will be kept Staying in touch... and participants in the mission will be able to come and join the community Thanks to all who have sent such positive comments for the week. Along with times of about the colour magazine and the recent e-zines. worship and prayer, we hope there will If you don’t yet receive the e-zine but would like to in be opportunities for people to explore future, then just send an email to: [email protected] spirituality, focus on environmental and with ‘e-zine request’ in the subject box of the email. peace & justice issues, and to go out into If you have received this magazine by post it probably the local community in mission. These means we have your correct address - but please do plans are still at an early stage though we remember to let us know if you move house or change have had an enthusiastic response from your email. Thanks. Dave the Melanesian communities. There will be costs involved in such a Contact details below:- mission especially when flight costs Mr David Friswell, Executive Officer are taken into consideration. MMUK 15 Covell Close, Bury St Edmunds has established a special fund that we Suffolk, IP33 2HU, UK hope people will feel able to contribute towards to help with these costs. If this Tel: 01284 701 988 is something you feel you can help with Email: [email protected] either individually or as a parish (or Web: www.melanesia.anglican.org diocese) then please do get in touch. Registered Charity No 1104551 24 Melanesia News - Winter 2010 / Spring 2011