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

April Children's Sunday School Camp

Children's Sunday School Camp 2014

Some of you may have read our blog Milestone of Discipleship that told the story about a young girl named Susie.  She was the first girl to attend the Sunday School that we started when we first arrived in Vanuatu in 2003.  It is a great thrill to see the children growing up in the church and beginning to participate in ministry as they mature in their relationship with Christ!

Susie and Rona are two of those “children” who took part in a children’s day camp in April.  This was the first time that the Sunday School teachers planned and conducted a camp for the children of the Nazarene churches in Port Vila.  Sylvia helped to guide the teachers as they chose the theme, materials, and activities for the camp.  She also helped them to develop a budget and plan for the financing.  The “bottom line” figure seemed impossible, but working together they found ways to meet the need. 

Behind the screen with Rona and Susie and Abu Man and Rachel

Over 85 children plus 18 adults gathered at the Scripture Union campsite on Pango Point from the five Nazarene Sunday Schools in Port Vila for a fun day of worship, learning, and games.  The children learned about King David when he was a boy and how God used him to save the nation of Israel.  Three of the Sunday School teachers taught the lessons.  We had some fun games and even made a simple craft.  Susie and Rona’s part in the program was to present a puppet skit.  The children listened and watched with amazement as the two puppets, Abu Man and Rachel, sang and talked and taught the children about God’s plan of salvation.  

Watching the puppet show

We praise the Lord for kids like Susie and Rona who are becoming Christlike disciples who make disciples!

We sang and worshiped the Lord!

Anna was able to participate in the camp too!  It made her smile!

The children had a chance to go to the beach to collect 5 small stones.

Trusting God for Kaium's healing

The bandage on her left calf looked as if the doctor had wrapped a baseball on her leg.  Pastor Gideon had called us last night asking if we could arrange a visit to a "private doctor" for this little two-year-old.  We arrived at the pediatric ward in our government hospital during the mid-day visiting hours to see how we might be of help to the family of this little toddler who had just recently arrived from the village of Inapoas on the island of Tanna.  We had never met them before today, but they are related in various ways to some of the Nazarenes here in Port Vila, including Pastor Gideon.  We began last night praying for God's healing touch upon this precious little life, and asking for wisdom to know how to help.

Even though it has been more than ten years since I was practicing as a registered nurse, my heart still feels drawn to these opportunities whenever they come available.  David and I spent some time visiting with the family for a while to hear their thoughts and gather what we could of what was going on.  The doctor was recommending amputation of the leg and the family was wondering why he couldn't just remove the baseball-sized mass that had begun growing last July.  Before coming to Port Vila, they had already tried "kastom medicine" but the mass only seemed to grow faster.  The mysterious thing to them is that the little girl is not in any pain, has no other signs of feeling sick, and is eating and drinking well.

The nurse on the ward was helpful in arranging for the doctor to meet with the father and his brother while we could go along with them.  The doctor clearly and compassionately talked with us about the tumour (sarcoma) that was growing in Kaium's leg.  Chemotherapy and radiation are not available at our government hospital which excludes the possibility of saving the leg.  His main focus is to save her life.  As we walked back toward the ward, the uncle asked if we had medicine that could help.  My mind instantly thought of Kudjip Nazarene Hospital and the patients who were receiving chemotherapy for various cancer diagnoses because of the generous donations from loving people around the world...and I wished we could be there.

We returned to the ward and discussed with the family a little more, making clear the available options.  I was so blessed by Helen's contribution to the discussion when she shared beautifully in Bislama that God can heal through surgery too.  (Helen attends the Prima Nazarene Church and is also related to Kaium.)  We agreed with her and talked about God's power to heal and that we can trust him.  Then we gathered around as I gently laid my hand on Kaium's head and asked our all-powerful God to restore her health and prayed for her family to have God's wisdom to know what to do.  Would you please join us in praying for Kaium and her family?  They will be making the decision regarding the amputation of her leg in the next day or so.  Pray for them also that they will come to faith in God through the loving witness of Pastor Gideon, Aleck, and Helen.

Kaium's uncle, Aleck, walked with us to the parking lot.  We had met him four years ago when we took a Youth in Mission team to Tanna.  We visited his village of Inapoas and stayed in his home.  He and his wife had come to Port Vila with the hopes that he would be able to travel as a migrant worker to Australia or New Zealand, but it hasn't worked out.  He shared with us as we walked that he will be returning to Inapoas soon to build a shelter where people can gather to hear about Jesus.  He and his wife will be the leaders.  Today, we are thankful for his faith in God and that he is here in Vila to help his family through this difficult time, but will return to Inapoas where he can continue to be a support and encouragement.

A Milestone of Discipleship

Rachel and Abu Man in action in 2004

Rachel and Abu Man (Grandpa in Bislama) came to Vanuatu with our first Youth in Mission team the summer of 2004.  One of the students was great at writing puppet skits which Rachel and Abu Man helped to present to many children that summer, then the team passed the puppets and skits on to us to use again if we wanted.  I pulled out those skits recently and discovered that we had one about David and Goliath, the theme story for our first-ever children's camp scheduled for April 5th.  Just one problem, Rachel and Abu Man, the two puppets, had been lost for more than 5 years.

Nazarene Sunday School teachers preparing for children's camp

In a meeting earlier in the month we had split up the teaching responsibilities for the camp among the teachers. Taku shared with me then that she knew where Rachel and Abu Man were located and would bring them to the next meeting.  Taku has been helping in children's Sunday School for at least 9 years, and helped the Youth in Mission team that came in 2004.  She was willing to help organize her team to present the puppet skit.  

Susi (on the left) singing with the NYI at Vila North Nazarene

This last Saturday, we all met together again to make some final preparations for the camp.  It was so great to see our long lost puppets, Rachel and Abu Man, once again!  It began to dawn on me that the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu had reached an important milestone and her name is Susi!


Susi, one of our teens from the Vila North Nazarene Church, had come to join our camp preparations last Saturday and is planning to help with the puppet skit. Susi was the first girl to come to our Sunday School back in 2003 when we were beginning the first Nazarene Church in Vanuatu.  As a nine year old, she had been part of the activities with the Youth in Mission team.  Susi came to trust Jesus as her Savior through the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene and has grown and matured in her faith.  Now, ten years later, she is sharing Jesus and helping to make disciples. Praise God for his faithfulness!

Susi as a nine year old in 2004

Please pray for our Children's Camp scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, that many children will give their lives to Jesus Christ and become his disciples.  Pray for the teachers and helpers that they will not be anxious, but will trust in God for the wisdom and knowledge to present the lessons and activities clearly.  We are hoping for 50-75 children to take part in the event.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of god like a little child will never enter it."

Luke 18:16-17

'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.

SPNTC: 'Signing' of the Constitution and other important stories

Taku’s story – Light for the Word

Taku didn’t get home from class until close to 10PM, but she wanted to do some studying before she went to sleep.  She lit a candle and placed it close enough on the woven mat so it would shine on the Bible and her class notes making it possible for her to read.  When she woke the next morning, she realized she had fallen asleep and as the candle burned, it had fallen over very near some clothes on the floor which should have burst into flames.  She shook as she realized God had protected her and her family from being burned to death in their home!

We praise the Lord for his protection of Taku, her husband Austin, and their little boy Samuel!  Many of our students do not have electricity in their homes, and use candles or kerosene lanterns instead.  Candles are the cause of many house fires and burn injuries.  You may remember the story of Anna, the baby that was burned when her mosquito net was blown into the flame of the candle that was burning on the floor of her house.

Taku reading her Bible using her new solar light

Solar lights are becoming a popular way for people to have light in their homes in Vanuatu.  The only problem is the good ones can be pretty expensive for people on meager incomes.  Just about the time that Taku shared her story with us, we found that one of the stores in town was getting a shipment of affordable solar lights in stock.  We had tried them out at Black Sand Church and discovered they worked well, had a pretty good battery life, and were easy to carry and hang in the house.  With a contribution given to our ministry we were able to purchase a solar light for each of our SPNTC students.  We no longer have to fear them studying at night since they now have a safe, reliable light source!

SPNTC students each holding their new solar light

Landmark Meetings for SPNTC

Rev. Peter Isaac and Antona, two members of the Vanuatu
SPNTC team

It took the entire day, but our South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC) leadership team arrived in Nadi, Fiji, just 500 miles to the east of Vanuatu, to meet with the other SPNTC campus teams that were gathering from Solomon Islands, Samoa, and Fiji.  The chancellor and his family, Rev. Dave and Dr. Rosie Kerr and their two daughters, met us at the airport with eager anticipation of what the week would hold. 

Three representatives from the Church of the Nazarene International Board of Education, Rev. Dr. Dan Copp (IBOE Commissioner), Dr. Melvin Rigsby (AP Regional Education Coordinator), and Dr. Mike Vail (IBOE Team Chairperson), would be arriving in a few days to conduct an evaluation of our institution and give recommendations to help us as the school develops.   Much hard work and countless hours of self-evaluation by each campus had been accomplished in the months leading up to this week of meetings, as well as, all joining together in prayer for God's direction and help to establish SPNTC with a good foundation and proper vision and mission.

SPNTC Board of Trustees at work

Many aspects of our multi-nation training institution were discussed and hammered out during the week. One of the big accomplishments of these meetings was that the constitution for SPNTC was finally and unanimously approved.  This opened the door for many other decisions.  

Rev. Francis, principal of SPNTC-Samoa,
with Rev. Dan Copp

Something that impressed us was the sense of unity and enthusiasm that was felt among this diverse group of people as they worked together for not just their own individual campus, but for the establishment of the whole SPNTC.  Equally impressive was the humility and helpfulness expressed by the IBOE team.  Who would have thought that God could make a Board of Trustees meeting and IBOE review such a rich opportunity for relationship building and growth!

SPNTC's international team

Teaching for Transformation - Looking Forward to Graduation

Our primary ministry responsibility is to equip and train leaders for the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu. We began teaching back in 2006 just a couple classes a year; today we schedule at least eight 45-hour courses each year with the goal of completing the 24-course certificate program every three years.  Some of the students have worked hard to continue in the program and are close enough to finishing that we are anticipating our first graduation! 

 

Pastor Jon Paschke, missionary in Vanuatu with Scripture Union,
guest lectured for one of our recent classes (with Gideon and Antona).

In the last few months, the two of us have taught 3 courses, Gospel and Culture, Biblical Hermeneutics, and Johannine Literature.  We are anticipating a full year of teaching in 2014 beginning at the end of January. After some conversations in Fiji, David is reconsidering our plan to begin extension courses on two other islands, thinking it may be best to wait for a year or so until we have graduates who can teach in the local languages.  

Please pray for our teaching staff (Peter, Jenny, David and Sylvia) for physical health and strength, knowledge of the course material, and wisdom to know how to teach it best.  Pray also for our students that they will be healthy and strong, for resources to pay for their school fees and transportation, and for spiritual transformation as they grow in knowledge and understanding.  Also, pray that God will continue to give us new students.

2014 Course Schedule

January - February - Pentateuch with Peter Isaac; Old Testament Survey with Sylvia

March - Theology 3 with David

April - Pastoral Care with Sylvia

May - June - Church History 2 with Rev. Dave Kerr

June - July - Spiritual Leadership with Jenny

August - Tribes to Kingdoms with Sylvia; New Testament Survey with David

Sept - Oct - History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene with Peter

Nov - Homiletics with David

Happy New Year and then, Merry Christmas!

A very blessed New Year to you all!  Christmas has come and gone and now it's New Year's Day!  The year 2013 was packed as full as we could make it, so full that posting blogs had to be put on the back burner once again.  But, we want you to know a little of what has been happening in these last months, so we're going to post a few stories to let you in on this full life that God has blessed us with!

We'll start with Christmas and work our way backwards. Here in Vanuatu, you know "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" when the beautiful Flamboyant trees begin to show their color.  In Bislama they are called "krismastri" (pronounced 'Christmas tree').  Their flowers are a vibrant red and the trees are located everywhere in Vanuatu.

A few days before Christmas, Black Sand Nazarene Church had its first baptism service with four women who were desiring to be baptized.  It was also Pastor Sylvia and Pastor John's first opportunity to baptize  anyone.  After the morning service at the church, we all walked the short distance to the beach where the baptism would take place.

Makfin had been baptized as a baby but asked to be baptized
as an adult to testify to her desire to follow Jesus.

The tide was out making the water a bit shallow, but not too shallow.  After Pastor Sylvia led the women in the confession of their salvation by faith in Christ Jesus, each of them overcame their shyness and fear and individually shared their testimonies.

Rini was baptized by pouring since her prosthetic leg cannot
be submerged.

That evening we went caroling in the area around the church.  Black Sand is a squatter's area with many "yards".  A yard is the central area around which family groups have built their homes.  We caroled in five different yards where our church members come from.  We had received some lighted balloons in a Christmas box from one of our LINKS churches and thought the balloons would be a fun way to include the children.  Each child was given a balloon to carry that became more beautiful as the evening became darker.  The kids knew that they would each have an opportunity to give their balloon away.  It was a sweet expression of God's precious gift to us when the children one by one eagerly gave their balloon to another child.

Wisemen following the star

Christmas Day found us again at Black Sand Nazarene Church.  It was a delight to watch student pastor John lead the children in performing a drama showing the birth of Jesus and then to preach the message of Christ the Light, our Hope.

Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and food following the service which included sharing gifts with a "secret friend" and games for the kids.

We had a special blessing this Christmas as missionary friends from Australia, Bible translators with SIL, invited us to their home for more food and fellowship in the evening.  They introduced us to their favorite Christmas food - curry puffs!

The celebration continued for us on the 26th (Family Day in Vanuatu and Boxing Day in some other south Pacific nations) when we joined Joel and Bekah, Dora and Sylvie in Anchorage, Alaska, via Skype to open gifts together.  We also got to visit with Jeffrey and Kristen for their first Christmas together and with Wesley who are all living in Michigan.  We are very grateful for God's greatest gift to us in Jesus and blessed to be able to share Him with so many of the people that we love!