Touch a Heart, Tell the World

"One Heart at a Time "

South Pacific Division Solomon Islands Literacy Program

Eleven Moro women from Oreta on the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands read the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion from their Pidgin Bibles for the first time after four days of instruction in the pilot "Buk Save" Literacy Program. They were previously unable to read.

Another 30 read aloud from other books provided for them by the program which commenced on April 5, 2009. The "Buk Save" team was led by Janette Kingston, director of Women's Ministries for the Solomon Islands Mission (SIM), and was welcomed to the village by its chief.

Pastor Andrew Kingston, SIM president, says, "These women live in a relatively inaccessible part of the island and have made the decision to return to traditional ways, including spirit worship. But due to a program in which the skin disease Bakua was targeted by SIM Health Ministries director Dr. Silent Tovosia, the area has opened up to the Adventist Church."

Dr. Tovosia worked with the people suffering from Bakua and encouraged them to work to pay for the medicine required. The local people planted hundreds of banana palms for Kopiu Adventist High School to obtain the money.

Participants were taught the Pidgin alphabet, were given spelling tests, and took part in various drills to develop an understanding of sounds and shapes of letters.

"It was so exciting to see ladies of all ages holding the Word of God in their hands and reading. I think the audience didn't believe these women couldn't read only four days before."

On the final day of the program, the women were presented with Pidgin Bibles. Janette Kingston says, "It was so exciting to see ladies of all ages holding the Word of God in their hands and reading. I think the audience didn't believe these women couldn't read only four days before."

Guadalcanal regional director Pastor Martin Losi is planning to place a pastor in the area as soon as possible. He is confident that there could be a church of more than 200 members by the end of the year.

Source: South Pacific Division RECORD/ Andrew Kingston/Janette Kingston