Latter-day Saints in Honiara, Solomon Islands, celebrated the organization of the nation's first District (equivalent to a small diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this month. The historic event was paralleled by recent humanitarian efforts of the Saints in behalf of their communities.
Using humanitarian funds provided by the Church, members teamed up with a local Anglican congregation to renovate and repair a 40-year old health clinic. Sixty people worked tirelessly for two weeks on the project. Freeman Misitana, Chairman of the Public Affairs Committee for the Church in Solomon Islands, supervised the work.
The funds and goodwill spilled over to the preparing of dental hygiene kits for students in three local primary schools near Honiara.
The health clinic project took place on the island of Malaita, located nearly 100K from the main island of Guadalcanal, where the nation's capital city of Honiara is located. Guadalcanal was the sight of some of the most intense battles fought in World War II.
The unselfish service of the members, however, is not the only factor warranting the creation of the new Honiara District. That is also the result of growth in numbers.
The celebration and meetings surrounding the district organization were attended by three hundred members of the Church. Presiding was Elder James J. Hamula, President of the Pacific Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"The creation of a district is an important milestone in the history of the Church here," said Elder Hamula. "We look forward to the day that the Church is firmly established throughout the Solomon Islands."
The first Sacrament Meeting of the Church was held in Honiara in 1995. The Honiara Branch of the Church was formally organized in 1996, with two more branches being formed since then.
Elder Hamula promised a bright future for Church growth, and the Saints have shown they have the faith to make good things happen.
Note: Materials provided by the Church for the clinic included, lumber, fibro, doors, screening, heavy wire mesh, light fixtures, louver glass, shelves, desks, chairs, benches, paint and iron roofing.
Humanitarian projects of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints help those in need regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation. They are funded by donations from Church members, and one-hundred percent of the donations go directly to relief efforts.
Help is given for emergency response, clean water, neonatal resuscitation training, vision care, wheelchairs, food production, immunizations and many other critical humanitarian needs throughout the world.