MANY people in the Kwaio region of Malaita are yet to hear the gospel, a large gathering of South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) followers heard in Auki yesterday.
Rev. Micah Raoiasi highlighted this when he made a presentation to thousands of church members who gathered at Ambu, near Auki, to celebrate the church’s 50th golden jubilee celebration.
“Last year, we in the southern region converted more than 100 non-believers from the Kwaio mountains who are now Christians,” Rev. Raoiasi said.
“But there is still much to be done. Many of the people in this particular region are still living their traditional way of life,” he added.
“Some may think that the entire population of Malaita have now heard of the gospel.
“That is not the case. There are people out there in the mountains of Kwaio who are yet to receive the gospel.
“The church has a responsibility to reach out to them.”
At the opening ceremony on Thursday, Aoke-Langalanga MP Mathew Wale warned the church against entertaining heresy and reminded followers to be wary of a cult movement in Malaita.
“The SSEC has come through some tests, in recent times. These heresies of Israelism and cargo-cultism of the kingdom movement are such tests,” Mr Wale said.
“These tests have distracted the church from keeping its focus on the crucified, resurrected and glorified Christ to make disciples of all nations.
“It turned the attention of the church inward on itself and robed the church of the energy to fulfil its mission to the world around it.
“These distractions must be left behind and discouraged,” Mr Wale said.
Today, a full history of the church will be presented as well as the cutting of the golden jubilee cake.
The theme of the Golden Jubilee celebration, which will end tomorrow, is “Celebrating God’s grace and faithfulness”.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
in Auki
