Pastors, ministers, lay people, and Bible workers from across Vanuatu gathered at the Epauto Adventist Multi-Purpose Centre Hall for the Vanuatu Mission (VM) Ministerial Conference, held on December 5–10, 2022.
Themed “Empowered to Go,” the event featured morning devotions and workshop sessions with a wide variety of topics and presentations.
Pastor Collin Kelep, Vanuatu Christian Council chairman and former Aore Adventist Academy student, spoke at the event opening. The Ministry of Internal Affairs Vanuatu was also represented by Clifton Lonsdale, advisor to the minister, who gave the official opening statement.
Aiming to ensure the protection and safety of children and vulnerable people within local churches and school communities, Adsafe representatives Meri Vuloaloa and Litiana Turner raised awareness with the presentation “You and Me, Stop Abuse.”
Volunteer missionaries were honored by Dr. Neil Watts, Volunteers in Action (VIA) field officer, who acknowledged their services to and continuous support of the growth and development of the church in Vanuatu.
Pastor Danny Philip, South Pacific Division Discipleship Strategy leader, was the main speaker for the week and challenged and affirmed attendees in their ministry.
“God calls and qualifies you to be His watchmen and women, and He has also empowered you by His Spirit to join His quest of pulling mankind from the darkness of this world into His marvelous light,” said Pastor Philip. He reminded all present that they are “participants of the vision, mission, purpose, values, and strategy in the business of ‘making-disciples’ for Christ.”
The SPD leader emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of the five ministerial caps and applying them on a regular basis. He said a pastor or minister is to be a servant, a shepherd, a watchperson, a teacher, a good spouse, and a faithful steward. He further encouraged the team to “thank God for what you have and trust God for what you need.”
Also speaking throughout the event were VM administration and departmental directors, as well as Trans Pacific Union Mission representatives Pastor Linray Tutuo, ministerial secretary, and Pastor Loleth Worwor, Family, Women’s and Children’s Ministry director.
The Adventist Book Center and VM Health Department were also present, setting up stalls to provide literature and health services to the participants. A full health screening was conducted on Wednesday morning with the assistance of Adventist nurses and doctors.
The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.