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‘God is at work in the midst of chaos
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| Sunset, Honiara Harbour, Solomon Islands. Photo: UBS/Maurice Harvey (SOL96T-32) |
HONIARA, Solomon Islands — When staff at the Bible Society in the South Pacific (BSSP) began considering what they could do to help the 3,700 residents of Tikopia and Anuta after these remote islands were hit by Cyclone Zoë at the end of 2002, they could not have foreseen the challenges that lay ahead. Even with their local knowledge of how difficult it can be to reach some of the far-flung islands which make up the Solomon Islands chain, they never expected that it would take 18 months and a chance meeting in a restaurant before arrangements could finally be made for stocks of Bibles to be transported to the islands.
The people of these two tiny neighbouring islands – Tikopia measures only six miles square (16 square kms) and Anuta just 52 hectares (130 acres) – have long been accustomed to fending for themselves. Indeed, their isolation makes self-sufficiency a necessity. Nevertheless, the BSSP, drawing on the experience gained by the United Bible Societies (UBS) in dealing with similar natural disasters in the past, realised that, with many of the islands’ believers having lost their Bibles in one of the most severe cyclones ever to hit the Pacific, there was an urgent need to send replacement supplies.
It was the islands’ extreme remoteness that was to prove the main barrier to actually getting Scriptures to their residents. While an allocation of funds from UBS (see Latest News #230) ensured that stocks of Bibles, New Testaments and Portions could be made ready at the BSSP office in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, there was still a sea crossing of 620 miles (1000 kms) to be made to get these items to the islands. With the weather unpredictable and few ships making this journey, the Society’s efforts were repeatedly thwarted.
Neglected
The international media soon turned its attention to other natural disasters and the fate of Tikopia and Anuta was forgotten. The BSSP, however, remained determined that, although the islanders’ immediate practical needs had been met, their spiritual needs should not be neglected. The Society’s perseverance was rewarded, 18 months later, in a most unexpected way.
One evening, BSSP General Secretary Solomone Duru met a Fijian government official for dinner. The first restaurant where they tried to get a meal turned them away because it was full, something that was very unusual for Honiara on a weekday evening. The second restaurant was holding a private function, and the third, too, was full. Finally, the fourth restaurant they visited was able to offer them a meal.
Here, the government official came across an acquaintance: Peter Forau, the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. As the three men chatted, Mr Forau mentioned that he grew up on Tikopia. Seizing his opportunity, Mr Duru explained how the Bible Society had been valiantly attempting to ship Scriptures to this island. Pleased that the Society was seeking to help his compatriots in this way, Mr Forau promised to personally intervene to ensure that the supplies were sent as soon as possible. Indeed, they were on their way the very next morning!
Later, Mr Duru had an opportunity to reflect on how God had clearly been at work in bringing about this apparently chance meeting with the very person who could help.
“It took three missed restaurants to bring us to the person God had prepared to take his Word to his people,” he comments. “Only God can do that.
“In the midst of the chaos in the Solomon Islands, God is at
work, bringing hope, light and life. May his name be honoured throughout
the world.” (WR 389/32 - 12.04/01.05) 