February 25, 2007
Good Morning,
Good Morning,
You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus
-Mark Twain
Sharron and I are completing a visit through Micronesia with the Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Lt. Colonels Don and Debi Bell. Prior to the trip, I told the Chief that each visit into this part of the world was an adventure and where life-long memories are built. This trip is certainly no exception.
On Sunday, February 18, we had the privilege of officially opening The Salvation Army in Saipan. When General William Booth passed away in 1912, The Salvation Army was in 56 countries; with the opening of Saipan that total is now 112. Over 80 people gathered in the home of Ministry Leaders Wayne and Annie Gillespie to celebrate the day. Six Junior Soldiers and 10 Adherents were enrolled and Colonel Bell presented the Army flag to the Gillespies. The next day we had lunch with the newly formed Advisory Council. Everyone is excited about the future for the Army. Wayne and Annie were so proud and thrilled to have their vision come true and bring the Army to their home.
The next stop was Chuuk. The Chuuk corps lost its corps building over a year ago. Since that time, the ministry has over doubled. I sometimes think that our buildings do more to limit our success that anything else. Captains Otis conduct meetings in their home and throughout the islands at sites they refer to as “prospective outpost;” we had the joy of visiting two of those sites.
We traveled by car into the hills on a very narrow road (I use the term loosely) to visit the one prospective outpost. At times, I was not sure we would make it; and that doubt increased when Captain Otis’ 4-wheel drive vehicle was stuck for a brief time (Sharron, Major Saunders and I were in a small rented car). However, by walking the last part of the way, we finally arrived in Witchap Nikitui Iotek, a small community of people with no running water or electricity. The people live very simple lives but are full of joy and contentment. In the center of the community is a small building that is used for a number of occasions; one of which is for the prospective outpost. We were welcomed with gifts, coconut water as we shared together in praise and song. It was a joyous time. Major Saunders commented to me, as we were leaving, about how we get caught up into so many things that do not really matter, and seeing these people’s simple faith had just taught him a number of lessons.
We traveled about 45 minutes by boat to our next stop, Fonoton. After about 15 minutes on the boat, we gave up on the idea of trying to keep dry. So, soaked to the bone we walked about 10 minutes from the boat dock to the village. It was moving beyond words to be greeted with singing of the children. The children’s voices were tremendous and they sang with all their hearts. Again, we were presented gifts and coconut water. It is an understatement to say God blessed us. Time to leave came all too soon.
On Saturday, following a day of travel to the Marshall Islands, we were once again on a boat for a two hour trip to the Island of Arno. About 50 people from Majuro, Ebeye and Jaluit accompanied us. The ocean did not fully cooperate, and many people arrived a little sick but still excited about the day’s events. I think everyone on the island was at the opening of the outpost. There were more people outside the building than could fit inside. Others did the best they could by looking in through the windows or listening from under nearby trees. The building, made entirely from local materials was beautiful. What a joy it was to meet Overton Clarence’s brother, who welcomed the Army to their island. For those of you who may not know, it was at Overton’s persistent writings that brought the Army to the Marshall Islands 21 years ago. And now, the Army is on the Island of his birth.
Sunday brought wonderful times of worship at the Rita and Laura Corps. Fifteen Senior Soldiers were enrolled and three babies dedicated (including Overton, the great-grandson of Overton Clarence) in Rita on Sunday morning.
The time for us to travel home to Honolulu has come all too quickly. So many treasured memories have been added to our lives, a few of which I have shared with you. People in Micronesia are always so gracious in their welcome; however, Sharron and I are the ones truly blessed. The people teach us things by the simplicity of their lives and their capacity to enjoy every moment of life; I should be so wise.
So, I return to Honolulu a little wiser and a lot more blessed.
Blessings,
d
