Solomon Islands Mission

Faith and Friendship: Our Solomon Islands Mission

At the end of Term 2, six students accompanied by Mrs Flippence, Mr Jolliffe, Dan Mutton and a team from MCS journeyed to the Solomon Islands on a mission trip centred on sharing Jesus’ love and connecting with the community.

After a couple of days in Honiara, we travelled an hour out of the city, on the backs of trucks, to the village of Namoroni. Here we were immersed in a culture defined by hospitality. Locals rented out their homes to the team. These were very different to homes in Australia, with no electricity, no kitchen and typically with no indoor plumbing. The food was basic, but delicious, and the views of the surrounding forest and river were a reminder of God’s goodness and power. The people of Namoroni were excited to have visitors and were so very generous with all they had. 

Each morning, we walked through the river and local crops to the Beitvatu Christian Community School. There we ran vibrant community programs, engaging with local children from multiple villages through games, songs, Bible skits, and crafts. Afternoons included refreshing swims in the river with new friends, or walks to other villages to connect with locals and play more games. These shared activities helped bridge cultural gaps, fostering genuine relationships that left a lasting impact on both our students and the islanders.

Each evening we ran different programs for the people of Namoroni. We enjoyed games, a movie, dancing and singing, and special ‘Ladies’ and ‘Mens’ programs. 

At the programs and at church on Sunday, team members had the opportunity to share testimonies about the faithfulness of God in their lives, a bible message and to encourage and challenge the community to display God’s love to one another through an attitude of kindness. Members of the church expressed thanks to the team for sharing a message that their community needed to hear. 

The time spent in service of God and the people of the Solomon Islands has made it clear that God blesses those who do His work. We have returned having learned more about God and ourselves. We have grown in empathy and compassion towards those living in a very different circumstance, and were humbled as we observed the people of the Solomon Islands be joyous and generous. 

Some of the team's reflections…

How would you describe your experience in the Solomon Islands?

It was SO GOOD. I really liked ministry in the schools, going to church, understanding their culture, and just playing with the kids. I love seeing how they are so happy with so much less than us. It was amazing to see, but also confronting. I loved riding in the back of trucks, talking and making friends, and the layout of the days, how we were slowly taken into ministry and not just dropped in the deep end. 

It was Really Awesome! It is difficult to describe my experience in the Solomon Islands because there was so much packed into the trip. It was an incredibly positive and eye-opening experience. One of the best parts was connecting with the local people through sports, arts and crafts, and the youth nights. These activities made it easy to build friendships despite our different backgrounds. 

It was such a great experience. It helped me grow in my relationship with God more and showed me/ humbled me in different areas. It also helped me to step out of my comfort zone and not care what others think of me. 

My experience in the Solomon islands was perfect. They made us feel welcomed, made sure we had a place to stay, gave us company through the little kids, fed us really well and lots more. 

What have you learned through the trip? 

I have been reminded and I got to experience what it's like for people living in a 3rd world country, and that we are very blessed in Australia with what God has provided us with. I have learned that I shouldn't take things for granted and that I should not care what people think of me but to show kindness and to love anyone and everyone. I have grown in my faith more by reminding myself that I can't do anything on my own. I need God. I was also reminded that God  will look after us in the ups and down, He will always be with us even when we are overseas in another country. I felt like I have grown in my prayer life a lot especially while over there. I learnt that the Solomon Islands is a very nice place, even though it is very poor compared to Australia. I loved that we got to make new friends and grow in the ones we already have. 

We should be more welcoming and generous to others.

I learned we have way too much in Australia. I've already started throwing some stuff out, because there's no reason for me to have it, and I've been thinking a lot more about if I actually need stuff before I buy it. I think if given the opportunity others should at least consider going, because it added a lot to my life. I feel like it mainly set in once I got home though, like I've been serving a little more in my own house, tried to be nicer to people, and am focusing a lot more on relationships, especially with God, rather than material valuables. 

I have learnt that we should always be happy about the small things. I noticed that when we went swimming the little girls didn't care as much about what they were wearing when they went swimming. I learnt that Solomon island culture is very welcoming and they love to help you and put your needs above theirs. Serving God in this trip has made me realise He created this beautiful world with different people and cultures to go and share His Word with. 

Seeing how people live in a place with much fewer resources than I'm used to gave me a completely new perspective. It helped me appreciate what I have while also showing me the joy, generosity and strong sense of community that the Solomon Islanders have. The trip challenged me, taught me a lot, and left me with memories and experiences that I will always value. 

Would you recommend this to others? Why? 

Yes, because of the closer relationships made with peers and Solomon islanders. 

Yes, because it is such an eye-opening experience. Seeing a country where many people live in poverty made me much more grateful for everything I have and helped me realise how fortunate I am. I would also recommend it because of the people. The Solomon Islanders are incredibly generous, welcoming and kind, and it was inspiring to see. Despite having far less than we do, they have so much joy and are always willing to share what they have with others. 

I would recommend this trip as it really helps you grow in your faith and shows how much you rely on and need God in different situations. It also helped me realise how much we have compared to other people in poorer places. I would definitely go back! 

I would definitely recommend this trip to someone who is willing to be covered in sweat 24/7, is really good with kids, and is happy to be sleeping in the poor sleeping conditions. I definitely would go again!!