SDA GROWTH WENT THROUGH THREE PERIODS, SAYS FAFALE

The growth of the Seventh Day Adventist Church has evolved through three periods of clearly defined developments, says the President of the Solomon Islands Mission, Pastor George Fafale.

Pastor Fafale explains the first period is the pioneering period which started in May 1914, when pioneer Griffith Jones and his wife Marion brought the gospel to Solomon Islands.

He says this is the period where local early converts joined expatriates who established schools and medical services – the two main wedges that split the powers of heathenism, and opened up the work of the gospel in Solomon islands.

Mr Fafale adds, the second phase was the consolidating period.

This is the period after 1950 to about 1980 when the next lot of pioneer missionaries consolidated the biblical truths, values and standards.

These saw the establishment of training institutions like Betikama and Kukundu missionary schools.

Atoifi hospital in Malaita Province was also established during this period.

Pastor Fafale adds, the third phase was the reading period from 1980 to present, where thousands of Christians are baptised.

He adds, the gospel seed planted by missionary pioneers is producing tremendous results, where the church now has more than 47-thousand members.

SDA church celebrates 1-hundred years at Viru, Western Province this week.