THE people of Kakanole land in the mountains of North Malaita have welcomed the opening of their new Assemblies of God (AOG) church last Friday.
For 119 years since Peter Ambuofa of the South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) returned with gospel from Queensland, Australia, to Kakanole, the people have rejected Christianity and preferred to continue with their traditional practices.
However in 2004, things dramatically changed after AOG pastor of Nazareth, Paul Baekalia broke through with the gospel in the area and converted the tribal chief’s son David Fatai.
This led to his dad, David Angida, who is the tribal chief (Fata’abu) to offer a piece of land on the mountain to build a new church.
AOG superintendent in Solomon Islands, Rev John Subu was overjoyed to see the gospel reached the unreached on the mountain.
Rev Subu said he was excited to see the people come to know God and serve him after following their traditional practices for many years.
“I am happy because I think no church will stay there.
“However, it shows true Christianity is important for people who need Christ in their lives,” Rev Subu said.
The ceremony was attended by leaders of AOG churches as far as Kakara in West Kwara’ae to Baelelea.
The ceremony also attracted tribal and church leaders of other denominations like SSEC, Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, Jehovah Witness, Anglican and others.
About 300 people attended the ceremony.
The location of the church is four hours by foot from the seaside.
Kakanole became AOG’s 35th church on Malaita.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
In Auki, Malaita
