Calls in the Marovo Lagoon by G. F. Jones

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 23, 1916

Calls in the Marovo Lagoon

By G. F. Jones

Pioneering Experiences in the Solomon Islands — No. 10

Calls in the Marovo Lagoon

G. F. JONES

Now that our work has been started among some tribes in the Solomon Islands, other tribes are interested and anxious to know our attitude toward the natives. They watch to see whether we are coercive in our methods, or whether we bring the gospel in gentleness and love. This latter method in time wins and conquers the stoutest savage. In all the mission work done among these islanders, there is nothing else that appeals to them as do the principles of religious liberty as we present them. No people are more eager for the assurance of perfect liberty to worship as they please than are these poor heathen. When the native understands that we do not compel him to adhere to a certain course of living, he soon promises that in time he will give up everything that is bad. The light of conversion is entering his soul, and he begins to have confidence in our work and teaching. After this he listens attentively to the truth, and in time he turns toward the light. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” It is the Holy Spirit that has given us an entrance among the tribes of the Marovo Lagoon; and the news of our coming has been carried to the inhabitants of other islands hundreds of miles away.

These also say, “Come over and help us.” Can you wonder that we are anxious as to the kind of workers sent us?

Our mission on Gatukai, in the southern end of the Marovo Lagoon, has been opened, with Brother Gray, from the Avondale school, in charge. The mission house, made with neat leaf walls, is nearly finished, and the natives are delighted to have a white missionary of their own. They had a large feast in honor of this, as marking a definite boundary line in their lives — the passing over from the old to the new. This is the custom of these people, and until it is done, they cannot freely join us. Some are very particular in regard to this feast, for it is considered a heinous offense to the spirits of their ancestors not to hold it. During the feast they remove the bones of their ancestors from one place to another and offer a sacrifice. This used to be a human sacrifice, and it may be yet, but it is done in secret, and only by the older people. Great mystery is connected with the ceremony, so we cannot find out much about it, neither is it wise or prudent to delve into the matter. However, now a new era has begun in their lives, and as far as they know they have done what they can to “cut the bridge.” Happy is the missionary who gains their confidence and their affections, for they will always remain faithful to him. Should he not reach their ideals, but show a life of self-interest, which they are quick to discern, then they are left in a sorry plight indeed.

The preparation for these feasts sometimes takes several months. Four of the feasts are in the past, which means that we have now four missions in the Solomon Islands, numbering over five hundred followers, and fifteen hundred people in other parts of the islands are waiting for us to take up work among them. Then there are territories inhabited by fierce cannibals. These also await the coming of our missionaries.

Should not our young people “be the head” in this pioneer mission work? To read and admire the lives of daring, faithful pioneer missionaries of past days is not enough; neither will “the heathen in his blindness” be reached by an ambitious aim in life merely to deliver pleasing sermons from the rostrum; nor is it honorable and brave to wait until some one else has first tamed the wild man of the bush. Now is the time when recruits are needed; just now is our grand opportunity.