IN a moving farewell ceremony accorded to the visiting Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union, Sheran Harper who was in Solomon Islands for a visit since May 29, the Guyanese encouraged Members of the Mothers’ Union in Solomon Islands to continue their good work in upholding the Christian Faith and tackling issues affecting family life.
President Harper and the Regional Development Coordinator at Mary Sumner House (MSH), Jeanette Lawrence were in the country to hold Retreat and Leadership workshops for the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s (ACOM’s) Mothers’ Union (MU) as part of a visit to the greater ACOM region. ACOM covers Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Whilst in Solomon Islands, President Harper and Mrs Lawrence also visited the ACOM’s Diocese of Central Melanesia (DOCM) and Diocese of Guadalcanal (DOG).
Speaking at the farewell ceremony convened at the Saint Barnabas Probets Hall in Central Honiara yesterday, President Harper said since she and her colleague Jeanette arrived in Solomon Islands, they enjoyed fellowship with the ACOM MU in a special way and also with the Archbishop, Bishops and other Members of the Clergy.
She said last Saturday, they were able to visit Bishop Benedict Loe of DOG and offered prayers for his healing and that yesterday, they were deeply honored to be at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral with Bishop Ross Bay and his delegation and Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele who is an Anglican.
President Harper said they offered a very timely sermon about humility in proclaiming Jesus and serving others to make the love of Jesus known, importance of reflecting on the values of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and reaching beyond borders, the rules of effecting change – a sermon that spoke of compassion and love.
The five objectives of the MU speak of care and compassion, the theme of gospel to promote Christian family life by encouraging parents to raise their children according to Christian principles, being united in prayer and worship, protecting children and helping those facing adversity in life.
President Harper and her colleague spent two days with the MU leadership of ACOM in a retreat and training program in leadership and they also visited the Diocese of Central Melanesia and Guadalcanal and they saw the evidence that MU ACOM is focused on upholding the aim and objectives of MU.
“For this, we give you highest praise and we applaud you because you shared your stories with us. We are affirmed that MU ACOM is on track tackling the issues affecting family life in a changing and challenging world.
“We heard stories of your positive parenting program in the parishes and in prison, your literacy program which is empowering provides so many to read and write about and so much more. We heard about the growth in your membership and I am assured that the future of the MU in ACOM is in good hands.
“On behalf of the Worldwide Board of Trustees and staff at MSH (Mary Sumner House), I wish you God’s blessings as you continue the good work that our risen Lord and Savior has called you to and as I leave the shores of this great country tomorrow (Monday), I will leave your shores taller and stronger because I have felt your love and the sacrifices you made.
“May God bless the Mothers Union as you continue to grow strong and as you encourage and inspire women and families. May God bless us all as we journey together in doing the work that God has called us to do to make a difference and bring about transformation.
“May God bless the Anglican Church of Melanesia as it continues its journey as streams of living water reaching far and wide to the four corners of this province and beyond,” President Harper said.
MSH is the headquarters of the Mothers’ Union, a global Anglican organization founded by Mary Sumner in 1876.
Sumner’s mother was a woman of personal piety who held mothers’ meetings in her home in Herefordshire, England. Her mother’s faith, women’s meetings and the loss of her infant son at six weeks may have all inspired her (Mary) decades later to begin the Mothers’ Union.
Story and photos by IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
