Forest Giants in the Solomon Islands
By G. F. Jones
The Viru district, where we are opening our mission in Solomon Islands, is perhaps the smallest in our territory, but there are cogent reasons why we have been led to Viru first. These people, though few in number, have shown the greatest desire to have us, and have been quite enthusiastic in clearing ground, and putting up our schoolhouse. As I watch them at work, I am reminded of the scripture, “Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power.” They are very happy in their work of providing a mission site for us. These savages with painted faces put many of us to shame by the willingness and good spirit they show. The ground is full of great hardwood trees, from three to five feet in diameter, which they tackle with jollity. Every now and again, one of these giant trees falls. Then there is the loudest and most weird screaming you ever heard, renewed every few minutes for the sake of encouraging one another as the cutting goes on. Then another and another monster falls, interlacing one another on the ground until I wonder where and how they are to be disposed of, for they are not so easily burned as most trees. It is by no means a small undertaking; but willing hands and stout hearts, with the help of the Lord, can accomplish it. We hope that some of these young people, trained as teachers and workers, will be able to reach others of the same tongue.