Back to Buala —where mission meets memory

June 9

by David Filo, President, Solomon Islands Mission

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Buala in the Central Isabel District, and it was truly a blessed and unforgettable experience.

But Buala is not just another place of ministry to me; it is a place deeply connected to my life and family story. As a young person growing up, Buala became familiar territory because my father and mother served there as nurses at the Buala Hospital while I was attending secondary school. The community knows our family well, and returning there always brings back memories, both joyful and emotional.

More significantly, the little Seventh-day Adventist church at Buala holds a very special place in my heart. It was there, during a visitors’ day Sabbath program, that my late father collapsed while leading worship at the front of the church and peacefully passed away. That moment remains deeply etched in my memory. So, every time I return to Buala, I do not simply see a mission field; I see a place marked by sacrifice, faith, service and personal history. Perhaps that is why this recent visit carried such deep meaning for me, especially returning this time as the president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Solomon Islands.

My journey to Buala began immediately after arriving in Honiara from the Schools for Christ program at Kukudu Adventist High School, where I witnessed firsthand the mighty power of God moving in the lives of young people. During that program, 96 students surrendered their lives to Jesus through baptism. Seeing so many youths commit themselves to Christ was a powerful reminder that God is still working in extraordinary ways across the Solomon Islands.

The purpose of my visit to Buala was to conduct a cottage meeting with church members, Bible study interests, local believers and the community in preparation for the upcoming Solomon Islands for Christ evangelistic campaign in July. Upon arriving at the Buala station, I was deeply humbled by the warm and unexpected welcome that awaited me. Accompanied by officers from the Isabel Police Force and leaders from the Central District churches, we made our way to the Seventh-day Adventist church site where the opening ceremony was held.

My heart overflowed with joy as I saw representatives from across the community gathered for the occasion. Present at the welcoming ceremony were the vicar general of the Anglican Diocese in Isabel, village chief, community leaders, police officers, church members, Bible study interests from surrounding areas and people from nearby communities. To me, this was more than just a formal welcome. It was a powerful sign that the people of Buala were opening their hearts to the preaching of God’s Word. It was a beautiful beginning for the Solomon Islands for Christ mission in this area. Bibles were handed out to our guests at the end of the formal welcoming ceremony.

Throughout the week, we were blessed with morning and evening worship services centred on the preaching of God’s truth under the powerful them “Truth Revealed”. Night after night, there were positive responses to the appeals made at the close of each message. I believe God’s power was at work in the lives of people who were present at the meetings. They say it was rainy in Buala, but we thank God that He held back the clouds each time we gathered for the outdoor meetings!

I was also privileged to have my wife join me midway through the week. As a practising midwife and nurse, she conducted public health talks and community health screenings. The turnout for the health screenings and counselling sessions was very encouraging and demonstrated the community’s appreciation for holistic ministry that ministers to both physical and spiritual needs.

Although the meetings were intended as preparation for the larger campaign in July, God had even greater plans. One elderly woman, who was not an Adventist, responded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and requested baptism immediately. She shared that she did not want to delay her decision any longer. She desired to become part of the church family so she could engage in ministry and help lead others to Christ. It was a deeply moving moment for everyone present at her baptism.

In addition, 25 new interests from surrounding catchment areas and within the Buala community enrolled for Bible studies. This is especially encouraging in a region where sharing biblical truth can often be very challenging. Yet this experience reminds us that when God’s people step forward in faith, grounded in His Word and committed to His mission, He opens doors that no-one can shut.

As the meetings concluded, we were also blessed to officiate the signing of marriage certificates for two couples—another meaningful moment that added joy to an already Spirit-filled week. Indeed, it was a powerful and blessed experience from beginning to end. We now continue to pray for Pastor Glenn Townend and his team, who will serve as guest speakers for the Solomon Islands for Christ campaign in Buala this coming July.

May God continue to prepare hearts across Isabel and throughout our nation as we move forward together in mission and as we prepare for Solomon Islands for Christ in July. Let us continue to be grounded in the Bible and focused on God’s mission!