SOUTH PACIFIC NATIONS CELEBRATE THE GREAT SOUTHLANDS DECLARATION
Preliminary Challenges and Battles
The logistics were a challenge, but nothing could stop this historic celebration. Visitors flew in from many countries, with the majority from the nations of the South Pacific and Europe, for the 400th Anniversary of the naming of the Island nations of the South Pacific as the Great Southlands of the Holy Spirit.
Even though planes were booked out for days either side of the event, getting to the Island of Santo was only half the battle. The beach where the explorer de Quiros made his historic declaration was a further two hour trek to one of the remotest beaches on the Island.
Celebrations went for 5 days with the final two days being led by the Churches of Santo working in conjunction with the Government of Vanuatu. Celebrations were held in Hog Harbour (a Christian village on Santo), Luganville the capital of Santo, and of course Big Bay where the declaration was made 400 years ago.
In the week leading up to the Anniversary itself, four Conferences were run by Australian prayer and mission leaders for the benefit of local Church members and these were attended by some 400 people including around 130 at the Children's conference run by the Australian Children's Prayer Network. One of the exciting outcomes that came from these Conferences was the pledge made by the Santo Church leadership, both male and female, to work together for unity within the church so that its mission might be accomplished.
Crowd Swells to Three Thousand At Hog Harbour
On Saturday 13th May the Churches of Santo held a special day of celebration at Hog Harbour. There Christians from across Vanuatu and the South Pacific gathered for an official welcome. Visitors were given a welcome of honour on arrival by having decorative garlands placed around their necks by young women of the Island. This event was attended by the President of Vanuatu and his wife, both deeply committed Christians, who spoke strongly on the theme that "the world is the Lord's and all within it" as he reminded us that it was God himself from the beginning of time, not an early explorer, who had declared the Islands of the South Pacific the "Great Southlands of His Holy Spirit".
Items were presented by local villagers, a team from YWAM, and individual presentations made to all who participated in any way throughout the day. The usual Island feast was enjoyed by all who attended. A plaque commemorating the day was unveiled by Pastor Ben Gray and a huge cake was distributed amongst those gathered to celebrate the historic occasion.
Celebrations Continue in Luganville
Upon returning to Luganville a colourful and joyous "March of the Nations" made up of local and overseas visitors was held down the main street of Luganville finishing with an evening rally in Unity Park addressed by Brian Pickering.
Sunday morning 14th May (the actual date of the 400th Anniversary) dawned overcast but fine, perfect weather for such an event. From early morning the roads were filled with people making their way to Big Bay. They came in cars, mini buses, on the back of trucks, some thumbed lifts from the side of the road whilst others simply emerged from the hidden villages in the dense bushlands bordering the beach. By the time all had arrived there were more than 3000 people who took part in the powerfully significant and deeply moving acts of repentance, prayer, communion and celebration that was organised jointly by the Government and the Churches. This was truly the coming together of Governmental and Spiritual leaders on a Kingdom agenda, the implications of which will extend far beyond what could be imagined from the actual events that took place in the natural.
The President and First Lady of Vanuatu again took part in the celebrations and were joined at Big Bay by the Prime Minister, other Members of Parliament, Ambassadors from Spain, France and the European Union and representatives of the Island nations of the South Pacific including of course the largest overseas contingent who represented Australia. The Army of Vanuatu was there in force to take part in the ceremonial firing of the 4 shot salute (one for each 100 years) and a French frigate lay at anchor just off the beach. Scores of colourful worship banners were provided by David Stanfield from Australia which added colour and meaning to the proceedings.
Repentance and Recommitment
The President of Vanuatu reminded his nation that the constitution of Vanuatu was based on three overriding principles. Firstly belief in God, secondly on time proven Melanesian Values and thirdly on Christian principles and values. He called the nation back to those values and rededicated the Nation of Vanuatu back to the Lord as a previous Prime Minister had also done some 5 years before.
A Sad History
As in so many initial European engagements with the natives of explored lands, there were gun shots and killings associated with the arrival of the Spanish contingent back in 1606. There was therefore a time of repentance between those representing Spain and the President representing the local people at the end of which the President poured oil, salt and water mixed together into two holes dug in the sand at the location, where he led in prayer for the healing of the land. Many present felt that these acts represented a vital spiritual breakthrough and the pulling down of strongholds that have stood for centuries.
Many in the Australian contingent were able to gather on the beach prior to returning to Luganville to pray and recommit ourselves to do all we could to ensure that our own nation remained known as part of the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. Many left Big Bay feeling that a new freedom had been established in the Heavenlies over the Great South Lands of the Holy Spirit. Our presence had been an act of obedience and the Lord had honoured that obedience by placing a seal on what had transpired in the Heavens.
Five Thousand Attend Final Meeting
Back in Luganville at night the celebrations continued with more than 5,000 attending the final evening service in Unity Park which was led by Pastor Ben Gray from Australia. The special guest speaker for the final rally was 80 year old Pastor Paul Grant from Australia who was a missionary to Vanuatu in the 1950/60's. This was not only a moving time for Paul but also a greatly challenging time for the Vanuatu people. During that service a new declaration was read by the leaders representing the various nations from the South Pacific recommitting themselves and their nations to the ongoing purposes of God for the next 400 years or until the Lord returns. A very strong challenge was given to the Christians of all nations represented, to go forth from these celebrations to the world with the love of God. The leaders of the nations and the Churches were anointed with oil, before they in turn anointed those gathered, to disperse back to the nations from which they came to spread the fire of the Holy Spirit.
In addition hundreds of Bibles were distributed free of charge by the Australian team to the many local children attending the celebrations. What a joy it was to see their excited reaction of receiving, many for the first time, their own copy of the Bible.
This was a unique celebration which will not be repeated in our lifetime, made all the more special by the President, Prime Minister, Ambassadors and Intercessors sharing the same Hotel and intermingling as time and circumstances permitted. The fellowship, warmth and friendliness of the Santo people will stay in our memories for ever.
A new banner was designed especially for the 400th Anniversary by David Stanfield and this may be viewed and/or purchased (along with all the other worship banners that David makes) at www.worshipbanners.org