Sabbath, June 28, 2008

 “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Isaiah 11:11, 12.

Greetings to All in the Wonderful Name of Jesus!

The South Pacific Islands Mission Field does not have a long history, but the Lord Jesus has done an amazing work of grace in this region. The work began in New Zealand a number of years ago, and although it took considerable time to see signs of growth, members and friends have ever since been increasing in number. Likewise, the work in the South Pacific Islands is also growing, and today Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Samoa, American Samoa and Papua New Guinea are all members of the South Pacific Islands Mission Field. The Islands are very difficult to minister because there are in fact too many of them–approximately 30,000 islands–that make up this Field. Since we are short of laborers for the Lord and have financial difficulties, the vast majority of these islands will not be ministered for some time.

The South Pacific Islands missionary field is not self sufficient, but its spiritual needs are supplied by Christchurch, New Zealand where the headquarters of the Field is located. The income from the islands is not enough to sustain an increasing number of Bible workers, as well as other means that would help spread the Word further to other islands. It is a blessing to see how these dear souls minister for the Lord in very tiring and difficult situations. It is, however, pleasing to see new members and friends on a regular basis. The South Pacific Mission Field is unique in a number of ways. When the Sabbath is beginning in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, it is ending in Samoa and American Samoa. Besides, the South Pacific Mission Field in centered on three corners of the earth and it is a very special feeling to know that we, in the South Pacific Islands Mission Field, are called to preach “Jesus Christ our Righteous­ness” and that this message has now reached three areas of the globe. This is in itself is a sure sign that Jesus will return soon.

We need help to purchase property, build churches, hire more Bible workers and supply the spiritual needs of the people in this region. Many different languages are spoken in the various islands that must be cared for. To translate and then print the Sabbath School Lessons, the Sabbath Watchman, the Read­ings for the Week of Prayer, and other material is a major task and extremely expensive. Likewise, there are numerous other expenses, for example, salaries for Bible workers and travel costs for missionary trips. It should also be stated here that there is considerable poverty in the South Pacific Islands, and this is something that we must deal with by giving urgently needed help to these dear souls. Housing, clothing, food, medical and educational books and equipment, and other essentials are needed to provide a healthier way of life for all concerned.

It is our prayer that you will assist us to continue the “THE GREAT COMMISSION’ here in the South Pacific. We have only reached a small number of islands and it is our earnest desire to be able to preach the Gospel to all the islands in the South Pacific, thereby fulfilling Jesus’ command, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Mat­thew 28:19, 20.

Our prayers, love and blessings remain with you all as you consider our request for assistance to minister His name in fullness and truth to all the nations in the South Pacific Islands.

Anton Salavyov
Regional Representative