Viru Mission, Solomon Islands
By G. F. JONES
THIS is our first mission station in the Solomon Islands. It is on the mainland of New Georgia, about midway between the Marovo and Roviana lagoons, on a beautiful, peaceful harbor, into which three fairly large rivers run. It was after many prayers, and with much caution, that we were led to decide on starting at Viru; and we believe we have evidences that the move was for the best. This is the mission where Brother and Sister Hellestrand are now located. They will remain to carry on the mission work and learn the Ulusagi language, the language of Viru and other parts of the lagoon. From fifteen miles around, the people come to our school and meetings. The average attendance at the school for the last few days has been about forty, while over fifty names are enrolled on the school record. These are nearly all bright, earnest, promising young people, who have already learned to sing in English, and to repeat four hymns, and one or two stanzas of eight others. They have also learned the alphabet,—one of our own making,—and can write all the letters, both small and capitals. Several of the young men can now write a good sound hand, and spell correctly any words in their own language. The alphabet is, of course, phonetic, and so it is easy for them. They can also answer questions on the creation work of each day of the week, and tell why the seventh day is the Sabbath. They can tell about the fall of13our first parents, the birth and work of the Saviour, and his soon coming to restore all things. The Sabbath meeting and the Sabbath school have reached an attendance of about seventy, which promises to be regular, and all seem very attentive, reverent, and in earnest. Even the aged people who have been bush savages, and some who are spiritualistic mediums and witch doctors, now come every Sabbath dressed in anything they can get hold of, in honor of the day; whereas on all other days they wear no clothes at all in their homes. The people who live at a distance are planning to come and live on the mission land, build their huts, and make the mission station their home, just as our people in America build their homes around the school campus. Some of the ground has been planted with native foods, and we expect soon to fill it all with tropical fruits as well. I fully believe that the Lord has sent us to neglected Viru, and it is not difficult for us to see our first native missionaries among these dear people. May the Lord help us to be faithful to him and to them in fitting them for godliness and work here, and heaven hereafter.