Pioneering Experiences in the Solomon Islands by G. F. Jones

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1916

Pioneering Experiences in the Solomon Islands

By G. F. Jones

G. F. JONES

As we who are proclaiming the message in these heathen places see so many evidences that the end is near, we cannot help wondering why those at home are holding back the money which is so much needed to erect mission houses, build mission boats, etc. Without these we cannot move fast enough to respond to the calls, to fill the openings. The end will come, when “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world.” Then the Lord will send his angels to gather his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth, from the most heathen, the most savage, and the most unknown places. Where can you find conditions worse than here in the Solomon Islands, and in New Britain, in New Ireland, and in German and Dutch New Guinea?

A small beginning has been made, but the isles are still waiting for God’s law, and God’s people are to carry it to them. To plant a mission in one group of islands, and then rest satisfied that we have done well, will never finish the work. There are in the Solomon Islands alone, among a small population of about one hundred thousand, more than one hundred languages and dialects. Many of these differ as greatly one from another as English differs from Russian. Within twenty miles of our Marovo Mission there are no less than six languages. In some instances only about seventy or one hundred persons speak the same language. We are in great perplexity to know how to manage the work among them with only one white missionary, who may possibly be a very poor linguist. We are doing our best to train the young people, and to inspire them with a missionary zeal, which in time will much relieve the situation.

The climate of these lands is hot and steamy, and very unhealthful. The natives are dying off. They know not how to help themselves. It is also difficult for the white missionaries to keep alive. One or another is down with the fever, until very little vitality is left. The sick worker may have to be rushed away to the steamer for Australia for a change, and perhaps be recommended by the doctors not to return. One of our workers

has only just recovered after two months of severe fever, but he returns to his work with courage and new hope.

The natives become much attached to the missionary, and although once very savage, they become equally gentle and thoughtful. Some of these old warriors manifest a nobility that is to be admired. The sons of one of these chiefs attend our Marovo school. They returned home and called together the household for worship morning and evening. The old chief was quite proud to tell us that he now bows with them in worshiping the God of the Buka Hope (Holy Book). Never does any one overstep his place in regard to his relation to the chiefs. They are all respected and honored, and nothing is done without deliberate counseling; and by no means does any one announce the decisions of such counseling except the chief. In our anxiety to know some things we have endeavored to get the others to tell, but we have always failed. They are very faithful to their ideals of proper order and discipline.

Before the arrival of the missionary and the present government, their laws were very severe. The doing of anything contrary to their idea of law and order meant death in most cases. The transgressor was brought before the chief and others, and if found guilty, although he should be the chief’s son, his head came off at once, especially if the crime was adultery. A man was permitted to have only one wife at a time, and no young man could obtain one until he had proved his manliness by bringing a head which he had hunted. This is not merely one of their ancient practices, but it still goes on where the missionary has not entered, or where the government has not interfered.

There is something very Jewish about these people. In this part of the Solomons the features of many are markedly Jewish. Many of their laws are quite Levitical. The old chiefs tell us that once, a long time ago, their fathers followed the Bible. These people of the Marovo Lagoon tribes have all along resisted and refused to have other missionaries. Why are they so ready to have us?—Because we have brought them the law of God. They love the Rave Hope (holy day, Sabbath), but they never had any regard for Sunday, although they knew it was kept by other missionaries and by the white man.

A pleasant incident has always remained fresh and beautiful in my mind. During my first experiences in landing among these people, I rowed my dinghy alone to a spot on the shore which was swampy, with sharp, cutting corals and dirty black mud. The people looked exceedingly ugly and sullen. I took off my shoes and socks in order to wade ashore, as the boat could not reach it for rocks; but the sharp corals cut my tender feet, and I was almost falling every step I took. A dear timid little boy, of about ten years, immediately came to my rescue. He gave me his hand, and presented his shoulder for a prop, like a perfect little gentleman and Christian His face was quite black, but it was beautiful. Since then I have seen several other boys with the same features and the same lovely, gentle disposition.

I feel drawn to these dear people, and believe the Lord wants us to hasten to seek these lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Marovo Lagoon.