Reflections on Vanuatu

Blackbirding– ‘recruiting’ Pacific Islanders for labour in Australia.... by force & deception, from 1842 – 1904.

Bush Mission to 70 ‘Kustom’ Villages in South Santo. Training 20 local Ni-vans to serve the villages & share the Gospel in a respectful and relational way Through: water tanks, aid posts, kindys & schools, prayer meetings and churches – with the Chief’s permission. “Clever” convert. Talua

New Hebrides/Vanuatu is the first & oldest “foreign” mission of the NZ Presbyterian Church. Began with General Assembly discussions in 1860s. William Watt to Tanna in 1868 until From NZ missionaries grew from 11 to Presbyterian Church of New Hebrides established NZ General Assembly declared an end to the “Foreign Mission Era” and began era of partnership of inter- church aid, helping indigenous churches take responsibility for their own life and mission. 1950s, NZ Presbyterians established Tangoa Training Institute (TTI) for lay Presbyterians (Rev Graham Miller, Rev Paddy & Nancy Jansen) later merge with Ministers Training College to form Talua Ministry Training Centre Paddy Jansen & others established Navota Farm near TTI, to train Ni-Vans & provide income for PCV Vanuatu independence, involving PCV ministers.

The family of Rev J. W. MacKenzie on Erakor Island. His wife and 3 children died within 17 years ( ). One major cost of missionary service.