LOCAL Adventist women ministers had a unique opportunity to gather to support and encourage one another other by sharing their experiences in their ministerial work at the recent pastors’ meeting held by the Solomon Islands Mission (SIM) in Honiara fortnight ago.
While women continue to face unique challenges in ministry, they continue to faithfully serve their churches and communities through leading congregations, preaching, Bible studies and visitation and their participation form a small but integral part of the ministerial team in the SIM.
Reflecting on women’s contributions to ministry, SIM President, Pastor David Filo shared, “I believe women are a very important part of ministry that we’ve neglected in the past. But I believe that engaging more women into ministry is the way forward.”
For the first time the Mission, with support from private donors, has committed to financially support a woman, Tracey Mulele, to study for the ministry at Fulton Adventist University College.
“This is something we must prioritise,” Pastor Filo said.
Similarly, SIM Ministerial Secretary, Pastor Vince David said, “The Mission is hoping to be more intentional in encouraging more women to take up ministry training.
“I’ve been thinking about this and while we’ve never really done this, I think we need to be going into high schools to encourage young women to consider ministry.
“We also need to help our members to understand that God calls both men and women into ministry,” Pastor David said.
In his conversations with the female ministers, South Pacific Division (SPD) Ministerial Secretary, Dr Darius Jankiewicz, has been impressed by their love for sharing Jesus.
Naomi Irobeni is among the small group of women ministers.
Mrs Irobeni said, “I prayed and asked God to use me in His service even though I have limited education.
“But I know God is the best Teacher and I know He called me. So, I’ve learned to share, I’ve learnt how to preach and help others know God and how to be saved into His kingdom. I love the ministry because I can share God’s love.”
Beverly Maega who has worked in the women’s ministries in 2019 but felt the call to serve in a broader ministry said, “The Mission encouraged her to study theology at Fulton Adventist University College.
“Today, I love meeting people who want to know Jesus,” she said. “Talking to them and being there when they accept Jesus and their lives are changed, this is what makes me happy.”
Venisa Pitrie who wanted to be a preacher since she was a child said, “I got married and did other things but was always very interested in telling others about Jesus.
“In 2017, I had the opportunity to go to Hoda [Adventist Theological School] and there I learnt to become a preacher. I thank God that He called me to ministry to tell others about Him. That’s my calling.”
