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Wherever theThe early accounts from our missionaries to the Solomon Islands inthe 19th century included tales of a savage, headhunting people. Their war canoeswere much feared, 60-feet-long and carrying up to 100 warriors paddling to therhythm of blasts on a conch-shell trumpet. But these early pioneers also broughtback stories of great transformations; locals experienced the superior power of the HolySpirit working through prayer and the power of the name of Jesus, which was used tobring victory over the evil spirits. The islanders grew to value the peace that came to theirsociety when Christian love was practised.One such pioneer was Griffith Francis Jones, a sea captain. He was a born missionary,engaging and friendly—soft-spoken, small in stature but with great courage and heart.He was called to the Solomon Islands, landing at Gizo, New Georgia on May 29, 1914,“sailing wherever the Lord leads”. Using a purpose-built boat called the Advent Herald, withan auxiliary 12 hp engine, he spread God’s message throughout the islands. The AdventHerald had a portable cabin that also doubled as a temporary safe haven among the morehostile tribes.Pastor Jones had his first real introduction as a Seventh-day Adventist missionarywith Chief Tatagu when he and a local trader, Mr Wheatley, paddled ashore in adinghy at Babata Beach in Marovo Lagoon. Carrying some gifts and curiosities inhand—a pocket watch and some canned food—he was nervously presented to ChiefTatagu. Pastor Jones was able to speak through a translator to the Chief concerninghis desire to establish a mission for teaching his people to read and write English.Pastor Jones had the particular aptitude for quickly absorbing a new language andwas peculiarly adapted for breaking new ground. Over the next six months, PastorJones continued his efforts as he drew the island people to him by his warm-hearted,friendly personality. His aspirations for the establishment of a mission school were notrealised straight away, as the local chiefs did not want to anger the spirit gods andancestors they worshipped. While discouraged, Pastor Jones did not dismiss hisintentions as he repeated his offerings with other village chiefs.