A team from the Provincial Mothers Union of the Anglican Church of Melanesia brought a message of love, forgiveness, and hope to inmates at the Tetere Correctional Centre this morning. The team comprises of all Mothers Union Presidents and leaders in the seven dioceses in Solomon Islands and officers from the Provincial Mothers Union office in Honiara.
The visit was led by the President of the Provincial Mothers Union, Sandra Rollands and Reverend Lonsdale Rubaha, Chaplain to the Mothers Union and Rector of All Saints Parish in the Diocese of Central Melanesia.
In his sermon this morning, Rev. Lonsdale reminded the inmates that God’s love reaches everyone—no matter where they are or what they have done.
Reflecting on readings from Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, and John 13:31-35, Rev. Rubaha said, “God’s love is for all people. He invites everyone into His family. Even in a place like this, there is hope for new life and transformation.”
He encouraged the inmates to love one another, forgive each other, and hold on to the promise of a better future in God.
“Mistakes don’t define us forever,” he added. “Jesus calls us to a life of love, even in the most difficult places.”
Mrs. Selina Longamei, President of the Mothers Union in the Diocese of Isabel, reminded the inmates of God’s love from before birth.
“We are chosen before we are born,” she said, referencing the book of Jeremiah. “Despite our wrongdoings, God is still on our side.”
President of the Mothers Union in the Diocese of Central Solomons, encouraged the inmates to surrender their lives to Christ. “Only in Him can we find true peace, forgiveness, and love,” she said, citing a passage from the Gospel of Matthew.
Several inmates also shared emotional testimonies, acknowledging the mistakes that led to their imprisonment. They expressed gratitude for the visit, saying the fellowship had given them renewed hope and a sense of being cared for.
Correctional officers at Tetere also joined the program and thanked the Mothers Union for remembering and supporting the inmates.
The days fellowship reminds everyone that God’s love has no boundaries—and that change is always possible.