Faith of Members and Missionaries Opens Door for Church Growth in Solomon Islands

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On November 3, 2024, the Ulawa Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially established, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the Church in Solomon Islands.

Church leader, Corey Lindley,  presided at the meeting during which this new branch in the Honiara Solomon Islands District was organised.

Upon arrival, Church leaders were warmly greeted by local youth, dressed as warriors, who ceremoniously questioned the purpose of their visit.

Peter Awao, a member of the Church who had been baptized in Honiara and relocated to Ulawa in 2022, spoke on behalf of the group in local pidgin, explaining, “Mifala no come here to fait, but we only bring the good words to Ulawa Island. Mifala no come waitem any mata knife, axe or alawolo to fait weitem you fala but come and ask compassion. Mifala just came here to witness Jesus Christ is the Saviour for the world today. So please open the way for us to come in. Poro Kana Ute.”

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Following the warm welcome, the Church leaders participated in a reception at the local meeting hut, where the members had been gathering. President Kwanafia, a registered ministerial celebrant, officiated the marriage of six couples, ensuring that their traditional marriages were legally solemnized according to Solomon Islands law.

Many in the group then traveled about 10 kms to the Eastern side of the island to the village of Aroaha where nine new convert baptisms were performed in a beautiful lagoon of the Pacific Ocean.

On Sunday morning, 81 members gathered early for the official sustaining of the new branch and the calling of its first branch presidency. The sacrament meeting began ten minutes early as members eagerly waited, singing hymns and spiritually preparing for the proceedings. The formation of the Ulawa Branch was unanimously sustained.

During the meeting, the newly baptized members were recognized, and the sacrament was administered by the four full-time missionaries serving in the branch.

In the coming months, the Ulawa Branch will complete the construction of a new chapel that will accommodate 100 members. The chapel, built with local materials and labor, is expected to be finished by the end of 2024. As the Church continues to grow on Ulawa Island, the faith and determination of its members are a testament to the Lord’s work in this part of the Pacific.

Ulawa Island, part of the Makira province in the Solomon Islands, is home to over 6,000 residents. It has limited commerce and electricity, but the island is a close-knit, family-oriented community. The faith of the members and missionaries on the island to establish a congregation is a testament to the people, the community, and the truth of the Saviour’s gospel.