Meet Pastor Meriam!

Pastor Meriam

During the recent Pastor Retreat held at the beach on Eratap Point, Pastor Meriam stood and said, “I never thought I would be a pastor.”  She went on to share how the Lord has faithfully led in her life and now she sees that God has a plan for her.

Meriam has been part of the Church of the Nazarene family almost from the very beginning.  Perhaps the first time we became acquainted was at a ladies' Christmas party that was held at our house in December 2003.  We had been holding worship services on the front veranda of our house at Malapoa for a few months.  Many of the women who came to the party were related to Meriam - her mother, sisters, sister-in-law - and all were her friends.

Ladies Christmas Party 2003 with Natalie Ward
Meriam is in the second row wearing glasses

Malapoa had been her home since 1980, the year Vanuatu gained its independence from England and France.  Here is what she shared with us in an interview about her early years:
“I grew up on the east side of Efate Island in a small village called Forari.  When I was old enough my parents sent me to a French school. My family attended a church in the village but there was no change in the way they lived.  My daddy was an alcoholic.  Sometimes when he was drunk, my mother and I had to leave our home to be safe.

       “My daddy went to Port Vila to find work.  In 1980 when Vanuatu became independent, my family all moved to Port Vila and made our home in an area called Malapoa.  In 1983, a group of evangelists talked to my daddy and he saw that his life was not right.  Then our home changed!  He began to train me in reading the Bible, and our family joined in worship together.  But, after some time, the [extended] family left us at Malapoa and went to their own homes because of disagreements.
“I wanted the good life to continue.  In 1990, I found a church called Trinity Church that was running a Bible study near my home and I joined it.  It was in that Bible study that I made my personal decision to follow Jesus and to do his work.  I stayed in this church and grew spiritually.  I had been praying for God to give me a husband, and at 20 years old, I married my husband David Naunga.  I enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher.  But, then the church leaders had a disagreement and the church split-up in 1996.  We did not join another church until 2003 when Nazarene missionaries moved to Malapoa and began holding services."

2004 Charter members L to R:
Joe Iamtang, Meriam Naunga, and Susan Wilson

Meriam quickly showed her interest in being a follower of Christ and got involved in the weekly activities of the church.  She was one of the three charter members who joined the Church of the Nazarene on December 19, 2004.  She lovingly cared for the young people in the church and was pleased to be asked to be the youth leader.

When we began the pastoral training program in January 2006, Meriam was one of the students in the first class.  She and her husband had been planting a church near their current home outside of Port Vila.  A team of college students from Point Loma Nazarene University had come to Port Vila in the summer of 2005.  Part of their ministry was to hold a kid's club near her home and then shared the Jesus Film in the evening.  Meriam continued to reach out after they left.

Some of the Vanuatu delegates to the
2006 Nazarene Holiness Conference in Fiji.
Leimawa is standing right of DS Gabriel Kaulo from PNG.

Meriam was working in her vegetable garden with a neighbor lady who had become her friend.  While she was working, Meriam shared the gospel with Leimawa who then prayed to receive Christ as her Savior.  Meriam continued to disciple Leimawa who was one of the first two Christians to be baptized in the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu.  In February 2006, Meriam and her husband and Leimawa attended a Nazarene Holiness Conference in Fiji where Leimawa shared her testimony.

Meriam received her district pastor's license in 2011 when she was assisting the District Superintendent, Rev. Peter Isaac, in pastoring the Eluklom Church of the Nazarene.  At our last district assembly, Meriam was asked to become the pastor of Vila North Nazarene Church where many of the people who still live at Malapoa are now attending even though it is a long way from their homes. The congregation meets in a rented classroom for worship each Sunday.  Pastor Meriam said, "We are still looking for land where we can build a church at Malapoa."  Rev. Isaac commented that "Meriam has already taken in seven new members this year and has started another membership class with seven more people who want to join the church.  She is a good leader." Meriam said, "I have a deep desire to do God’s work; it makes me glad and I feel satisfied serving him as pastor.”  When we asked Meriam if being a woman pastor is a challenge to her, she said, "Even though women are not respected as leaders in Vanuatu, I feel that I am respected as a pastor in my church."

Meriam's family is also involved in ministry.  Her husband David is the district treasurer.  Her oldest child, Rona, is now in her final year of secondary school and is applying for scholarships to continue her education in accounting and computers in New Zealand.  Rona recently assisted in the Children's Camp as a puppeteer with her cousin Susie.  Meriam said, "I'm glad that my daughter is following the road that I've walked."

Pastors and Wives Retreat 2007
Front row: Revs. Peter and Jenny Isaac, Meriam Naunga, and Esther Taso
Back Row: Pastor David Taso, David and Sylvia Potter, and Joy and James Johnson.

Pastor Meriam was one of two pastors who attended our first pastor retreat in Vanuatu in 2007.  Today there are four other district licensed pastors and four local licensed pastors who are serving the Lord in the Church of the Nazarene.  When we first arrived in Vanuatu in 2003, we began to "ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth workers into his harvest field", and God has faithfully been answering that prayer!  We thank the Lord for Pastor Meriam and her great contribution to the building of God's Kingdom in Vanuatu.

Pastors and Wives Retreat 2014

'Land'-mark News for the Church in Vanuatu

Entering the Land

The two David's (landowner on left) complete the
final step of the purchase of the Erakor land

A source of great frustration and joy has been the purchase of a half acre of land for a District Center for the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu. This land is located beside a main road and is an ideal location for the church in many ways, including its price.  However, the process has been long, convoluted, and difficult.

We are thrilled to announce, that finally, this beautiful piece of land is in the possession of the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu!  Not too long after the deal was complete, Nazarenes from around Port Vila joined together in a common effort to clear the land of “bush” or excess vegetation in order to make the land available for construction.  It was wonderful to work alongside people who have remained faithful to the Lord and the Church from our earliest days in Vanuatu, more than ten years ago.

Anna and Edward from Malapoa have been part of the
Nazarene Church since we arrived 10 years ago

Making progress

The tremendous fellowship and work was suddenly interrupted, by a very large, tall man claiming that a different tribe really owned the land.  A group of young men stood nearby showing off their 'bush knives' (machetes) in order to intimidate and to stop any development of the land.  DS Peter Isaac was gentle, but undaunted, knowing the recent completion of legal searches regarding ownership that had just been accomplished. He made it clear to this man that our church had legal ownership.

David, Peter and Bennett (the Isaac's oldest son)
measuring the land and locating the borders

After the man left, DS Peter shared the story of Nehemiah’s trials and triumphs through his trust in God with the stunned Nazarenes who were now sitting quietly on the ground.  He helped them recognize WHY opposition comes when you are involved in the Lord’s work, and inspired them to return to their work of clearing the land.  Soon, everyone was on their feet again, with new vim and vigor, putting their hearts into their work.

Mostly all cleared except the larger trees and some fruit trees
that were left to continue to bear fruit.

This was a key day in the development of the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu; a day the Church chose to enter the land that the Lord provided.  Now the churches are beginning to dream together about the needed buildings, building plans, Work and Witness teams, and finances.  We praise God that one of our ministry partners has already given $8000 toward the project, and we are trusting the Lord for the rest of what is needed. Please continue to pray for this project, the ongoing relationships, needed Work and Witness teams, and for the people and leaders involved!

Enjoying some rest under the tropical canopy

The work crew listens as Ps. Peter shares some words of gratitude and inspiration.

The Church Moves Forward

Kookaburra

Our vacation spot overlooking the Pacific

Two weeks before the scheduled District Assembly, we were on vacation in Australia.  It was unfortunate that David was sick during the first half of this time, but great to be able to rest and recover in such a beautiful place.  Our rest included a break from e-mail and the internet, so upon our return to Vanuatu a one-week-old e-mail gave David quite a surprise as he read that he would preside over the 2013 Vanuatu ‘District’ Assembly.

Refreshed and renewed!

Fortunately, preparations for the District Assembly had preceded our vacation, so with DS Peter Isaac’s assistance David officially opened the 2013 Vanuatu District Assembly in the Eluklom Church of the Nazarene on November 9th, 2013.  There was great joy and enthusiasm as we met together in this first permanent church building for the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu, the official church opening being held just days before the Assembly.

There were highlights and “low lights” as the pastors reported on their churches.  All of us were disappointed that in spite of increased attendance in the Vanuatu churches, church membership had not increased.  We were encouraged by Pastor Gideon Sam’s report of six new preaching points started by the Prima Church.  This young Vanuatu ‘District’ had only two district licensed pastors during this past year, but was able to increase to five district pastors during this assembly.  DS Peter Isaac challenged us all as he cast a vision for all the pastors, ‘District’ leaders, and missionaries for the new year.  We give God all the praise!

District licensed ministers with their spouses -
Front (L to R):  Ps. Meriam Naunga,  Rachely Kidhly, Aline Gideon, Simone Sandy, Letin Kalorus.
Back (L to R): David Potter, David Naunga, Ps. Kidhly, Ps. Gideon, Ps. Sandy, Ps. Seul Kalorus, and Peter Isaac

Eluklom Church OFFICIALLY Opens

Although the Eluklom Nazarene Church has been meeting in their new building for a year now, it was important to the congregation to have an official opening.  Many people from other churches in the community came to celebrate with them.

It began with a march to the church.

Front of the church.

Ribbon cutting in the midst of a downpour by Rev. Peter Isaac with Ps. Meriam assisting with the umbrella.
The name changed from Eluklom (the name of the village) to Faith Eratap Nazarene Church.

And then we were invited to look inside.  Notice the beautifully tiled floor with the inlaid cross.

Black Sand Nazarene Church Hosts Community Outreach Day

To begin the day, David installed a sign above the door of the church.

About 50 kids came to enjoy a variety of activities.

Ps. John (student pastor from the Black Sand Church) shared the Good News
with the kids using the colors of the Evange-Ball.

Ps. John and Noela getting the volley ball net ready for afternoon sports with the youth.

One of the activities that we shared with the kids was to make the colored bead bracelets
that reinforced what Ps. John taught.  Many of the kids prayed for Jesus to come into their hearts.

After we served a meal to as many in the community as would come, we showed the Jesus Film.
Many adults lifted their hands desiring to pray to receive Christ as Savior.
Picture above shows Ps. Gideon and David preparing the screen.

November 2012 Update

Click here to read our November newsletter

This is a cheater's way of getting caught up on our blog!  We are hoping to get some pictures posted soon of the newly completed Eluklom Church of the Nazarene where our District Assembly was held the first part of November.


We were blessed to share the first Sunday of Advent with two of our Nazarene congregations.  Then in the evening, we attended an international Christian gathering to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season.  We were reminded of the darkness of those days just before Christ was born on earth.  These verses from Colossians 1 captured our attention and led us to glorify the LORD for his wonderful gift to us:  “…the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.  To them (you and us) God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (26-27).”  What a marvelous message we have been given to carry to those in the darkness – a message filled with hope, light, and life!

May the Lord reveal the beauty and reality of his coming in fresh, new insights as we celebrate Jesus!

Have a blessed Christmas!

Eluklom Church Building Project

The cement foundation and floor were almost
completed by the end of February.

The Eluklom Nazarene Church out at Eratap is growing fast!  This congregation is only about 4 years old, but is very active in reaching out to the villages around it.  They were challenged at the District Assembly last November to host the assembly this year.




They knew the shelter that they had been meeting in wouldn't be big enough, so they plunged into building a new cement block church.

This is what the building looked like about a month ago.

The family that started the church has a business of making cement blocks, as well as timber and other things.  They have finished the walls and are now ready to put the roof on.  The estimate is that the roofing irons and trusses will come to about US$20,000.  Each sheet of corrugated tin will cost roughly $100 and they have calculated around 60 sheets.  They are praying and we are praying along with them for the Lord to provide for this need.

John Kalorus - the father of six sons who own
the cement block business, also SPNTC student

We are very proud of their efforts, as they have sacrificed to provide the materials and have done all the construction themselves.  Most of the guys working on the church are SPNTC students, so when they are attending a class they put the church building on hold in order to dedicate themselves to their studies.


Just last week, we received a donation of $5000 (USD) towards the completion of the church which will encourage these hard working folks to continue to pray and believe that God will provide!  If you would like to know more about how you can help in this project, please contact us.  You can e-mail us at dspotter@reachone.com or by clicking in the "Contact Us" box in the upper left part of this page.

Walles (orange shirt) and Seul (green shirt), both are John's sons
and Sandy (red shirt) with Pastor Peter (middle).
Getting ready to lay the final blocks on the ends of the building.
Notice the baptistry in the floor just to the left of John (blue shirt).