Whilst installing solar lighting and radio communications for a remote health centre, Mission Aviation Fellowship supplied Bibles and audio Bibles to the people of the Carteret Islands in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Story by Matt Painter
“The people of Carterets, they are lovely people,” said Ann Sari, sitting on the beach next to the lagoon.
Ann has been among the coconut palms on this atoll for two months. She’s come here to work as a nurse and advocate, specialising in the prevention of HIV, sexually transmitted infections and gender-based-violence.
Normally stationed at Buka General Hospital on the main island of Bougainville, Ann looks after the northern region, conducting awareness, counselling and treating patients. On the islands of the atoll, she sees needs that are not only physical.
“I think that love is needed here,” Ann said. “Years ago, we were affected by crisis. I think some people are still traumatised.”
Bougainville is emerging from an era of struggle and civil war.
In Ann’s experience, the treatment of patients and health promotion is a holistic affair and includes a spiritual element.
“When I was in Morobe, I was like a trainer for the village health aide,” she said. “We let the people take ownership of how they look after themselves. So, we train them to cook good food for the family, to pray together. A praying church grows.
“I mean, that's why I really appreciate what you have given here. The Bible, and the audio Bible.”
While MAF technicians installed much-needed solar lighting and radio systems, they also supplied 100 English/Tok Pisin New Testaments and 100 solar powered audio Bibles, which also contain worship songs.
“Last night I heard some children already using the audio Bibles and singing,” Ann said the day after they distributed the Bibles. “Thank you for these audio devices and the Bibles. I think people should be more sensitised on how to read the Bible, to go and read God's Word more. And yes, to pray together and help each other.”
Bernice Kumis is the sister-in-charge of the health centre, which is run by the Catholic Church’s health service. Having told the MAF team that there was only one Bible on the island, she was very pleased to receive the bilingual New Testaments.
“On behalf of the community, we really like this Bible because it’s in Tok Pisin, which is easy for the people to read,” Bernice said.
“Also, the audio Bible really means a lot to us because plenty of people don’t know how to read and write. So, it’s really useful to them. We really need these Bibles.”
Bernice explained that as soon as they distributed the Bibles and the audio Bibles, the people in the village began utilising them immediately.
“They already started listening to the Bible, sharing from the audio player,” she added. “And some of them used the Bibles today at midday worship.
“We are thankful to MAF. You’re still building the spiritual side on our people of this island. Thank you once again – and we need some more!”