First Adventist Church on Futuna Island

An historical event for Tafea District and the whole Vanuatu Mission.
On August 17th 2015 the first adventist church was dedicated on the island of Futuna. Over 100 years since the arrival of Adventism in Vanuatu in 1912. Futuna was hard, the people and community leaders didn't want other denominations apart from Presbyterian to enter the island.
Pr Jonathan Moses, Tafea District Leader during the church dedication said "out of all the 5 islands in the district of Tafea, Futuna is the only island which there was not adventist presence. Despite the many attempts Adventist made."
God's timing is right! On August 17 people from Port Vila and Tanna travelled to Futuna to witnessed the first church dedicated on the island.
The Mission would like to acknowledge the work of Elder Rakau from Epauto Seventh day Adventist Church in Port Vila who invited and sponsored Minister Solomoni Taipo from Fiji.
Solomoni is a brave young man of God! Since June 2013 Solomoni who knew no one, didn't know Bislama took the challenge- went to live with the people on the island and help in anywhere he can in the communities.
A local from the island, late Kopaji Maioho gave Solomoni a piece of land to build a church. Kopaji and his wife Esther Tou and his family supported him to build the church.
The church was completed this year and was dedicated by Pr Jonathan Moses, Tafea District Leader. The church is named Imaraga Missionaries Seventh day Adventist Church. Imaraga means multiply. Futuna Paramount chief Johnny Naweiakasi opened the church. People, community and church leaders from all over the island of Futuna came for the church opening.
Today Imaraga Missionaries Church has over 30 members. The church will begin layman training soon to resource and equip people to be missionaries for Jesus.
After Kopaji died, his wife Esther and their children had no one to look after them. Solomoni went to live with the family in their tiny home and help in anywhere he can.