SAINT Thomas church at Gegema, in the Anglican Diocese of Malaita, commemorated its 25th silver jubilee, Sunday.
The church, located near Kilu’ufi, Auki, was built in 1989.
Hundreds of parishioners from Dukwasi Parish, where St. Thomas functions under, attended the gathering, which started with a mass and concluded with feasting and entertainment.
Retired Anglican bishop, Rt. Rev. Raymond Aumae officiated in the mass, during which he shared on the story of Thomas, one of the Disciples of Christ.
Bishop Aumae said today the faith of the church is being challenged.
“There are new churches forming up in America, along the coast of Australia and finding their breeding grounds inside the third world countries where people are ignorant and uneducated,” the bishop said.
“They try to tell a new gospel, converting the Jesus of Nazareth into chainsaws, out-board motor engines and cash, where you can stand in the faith in Jesus,” he told the parishioners.
He said that they are making the gospel very cheap, very easy and they make their own road to heaven.
“There is no short cut to heaven, no easy way out, for Jesus has made it clear ‘I am the way the truth and the life’.
“We need faith that is concrete and founded on truth today.
“Many people are flying out. They have wings and now flying from one place to another with a new gospel.
“So be careful to make sure what you believe in is founded on true evidence of God,” Bishop Raymond said.
After the formal programme inside the church, everyone went outside and took part in out-door activities.
There were feasting, speeches, followed by entertainment from youth groups.
Entertainers brought the spectators on to their feet with songs and custom dances.
It was a remarkable day for the parishioners.
By STEPHEN DI’ISANGO
in Auki
