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Released 30 October 2008
The Chief of the Staff Leads Family Camp Celebrations on the Marshall Islands
EXCITEMENT was felt in the airport terminal on Majuro Atoll – north of the equator in the middle of the Pacific Ocean – as the plane carrying the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster, to the Republic of the Marshall Islands landed on a piece of land only as wide as the runway itself. Salvation Army and Marshall Islands flags were unfurled as Commissioner Dunster was welcomed by around 40 uniformed soldiers and officers, each lined shoulder to shoulder to form a path through the airport. Accompanying the Chief of the Staff were Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers, USA Western territorial leaders, together with Hawaii and Pacific Island divisional leaders Majors Edward and Shelley Hill.
After a traditional crown of flowers had been placed on the Chief’s head, every Marshallese hand was shaken and warm greetings given. The smiles needed no translation – all were happy to welcome the Chief of the Staff.
Approximately 300 delegates from three Corps on Kwajalein Atoll and Jaluit Atoll joined the family camp. They had travelled for two days by boat, across the ocean and through the rains. Five hundred delegates from the two Majuro Atoll corps joined them. The weekend officially began on Friday evening with a welcome meeting. The Rita Corps chapel was filled to overflowing, with more than 800 people in attendance. Commissioner Dunster, Commissioners Swyers and Majors Hill were officially welcomed to Marshall Islands Family Camp by the congregation with crowns of flowers and leis.
During the Chief’s greeting and message, she likened the Marshall Islands to a string of pearls. The Marshall Island atolls are, at places, only as wide as a two-lane road and no wider than half a mile, with no major land mass or mountains. Many Marshallese people have not travelled outside their country so the 'string of pearls' comment helped some to understand just how beautiful their country and their atolls are.
The Saturday evening praise service included examples of the Marshallese custom of singing songs reminding them of their island history. This history of singing was heard through the natural harmonies of the congregation as songs of praise to God were shared. The Chief gave reason to praise through her 'Window to the World' presentation. Through this 'window' the congregation learned how The Salvation Army is growing around the world. It helped the Marshallese Salvationists realise how large an Army they are part of – and that they are not alone in the battle.
The holiness meeting was yet another time of praise to God. Commissioner Philip Swyers enrolled 15 junior soldiers and 40 senior soldiers during the meeting. Every new soldier was dressed in uniform, representing each atoll and corps. Following a testimony and solo from Major Shelley Hill, Commissioner Dunster gave the Bible message. Twenty-five lives were changed as a result.
In the evening celebration, men from Laura Corps performed a traditional Marshallese stick dance in which 12 men in native attire dance a story from history with giant sticks. Each member of the stick dance tribe presented a special neck ornament to the special guests – signifying their respect of the leadership. This was followed by a traditional Salvation Army timbrel routine by Rita Corps which continued to enliven the congregation.
The Chief of the Staff's Bible message was a challenge and encouragement to each person present.
All too soon the end of the weekend had arrived but the fun was just about to begin as each corps pronounced its 'farewell' through song and dance. Again, lively, harmonious songs were shared and in praise to God. After two hours of song and dance, Commissioner Dunster was offered a traditional Marshallese 'farewell of gifts'. Every delegate lined up in single file to shake hands and give gifts – Marshallese shells, hand-woven flowers, purses and fans. These gifts were given as a thank you and farewell so each recipient would remember their time in the Marshall Islands.
On Monday, before leaving on the short flight to Hawaii, the leaders travelled the 30 miles to the other end of the atoll, where Laura Corps – the rural cousin to the 'city corps', Rita – is situated. The drive took around 90 minutes over the paved yet sometimes bumpy road. Again, each guest was greeted with a crown of flowers, cool drinks and a short performance of song, with the ocean as a beautiful backdrop. This was just a quick visit with no formal meeting but lives were touched.
Back at the airport, each corps officer of the Marshall Islands bade farewell to the Chief of the Staff. Her visit would not be forgotten. Indeed, the people of the Marshall Islands hope Commissioner Dunster will not forget her 'string of pearls' in the Pacific.
Report by Captain Rhonda Harmon
Republic of the Marshall Islands