Celebrating Faith Through Music: The Adventist Music Festival, Sounds of Hope
The Adventist Music Festival, titled "Sounds of Hope," recently concluded after five days of soulful music and uplifting messages. This unique event took place from the 8th to the 12th of June, 2023, at the SDA Multi-Purpose Hall in Epauto, Port Vila, Efate – Vanuatu. The theme for this year's festival was "I will go to my Neighbour."
Brother Rodney Philemon, chairperson of the Sounds of Hope committee, was the driving force behind the successful festival, which has become a staple of the Adventist Church's annual events calendar. In partnership with the Mission, the festival brought together more than 300 participants from different churches across Efate.
Various government officials and respected figures graced the occasion. Among them were the Minister of Justice and Community Services, Honorable John Still Tari Qetu, who delivered the official opening address, and representatives from the Department of Correctional Services, Women’s Affairs, Natural Water Resources, Geology and Mines, Youth and Sports, and SDA Mission Health Department.
The festival was conceived to celebrate the rich history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 1912 in Vanuatu. Simultaneously, it sought to provide a platform for talented singers, writers, and composers to develop and showcase their talents, spreading their love for music and aiding the continued growth of the church.
One of the highlights of the festival was the presentation of original songs composed by local talents such as Josiah Tari, Eza Toara, Mrs. Judy Williau, and Mrs. Rinneth Timothy. Historical accounts of several churches were also shared, notably by Elder Richard Edwin. This year marked the 111th anniversary of the arrival of the SDA church in Vanuatu, a moment of pride and reflection for all attendees.
In his closing remarks, Pastor David George, Director of the Ministerial Department of the Vanuatu Mission, stated, "Since 1912 – 2023, the SDA Church is a growing church and continues to grow." He continued, "Each of us, church members, we are on a journey towards heaven and this is the end-time church, looking forward to the soon return of our Lord Jesus-Christ.” He also mentioned the challenges faced by the church, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he affirmed, "we praise God for His blessings on His church, His people.”
George echoed the sentiments of Brother Rodney Philemon, underlining that "Sounds of Hope" is an opportunity to commemorate the SDA Church's history and allow talented individuals to flourish and contribute to the church's growth through their love for music.
by Cecile Thrief