Melanesian Mission UK (MMUK) has today launched an emergency appeal following Cyclone Harold.
Cyclone Harold caused widespread destruction in early April. Over 30 people lost their lives in the Solomon Islands and buildings and growing areas have been damaged. In Vanuatu over 5,000 are homeless, without water, food and power.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia is working to rebuild these communities, whilst also taking precautions against coronavirus.
Writing today to supporters of MMUK, its Chair, Bishop Mark Rylands, says: "I write to you in this unprecedented time of COVID19 uncertainty, isolation and fear. A time when life as we know it has changed beyond belief. A time also when our brothers and sisters in Melanesia are doing all they can to stop the infection reaching their shores, whilst at the same time recovering from yet another tropical storm.
"Cyclone Harold caused widespread destruction in early April. Over 30 people lost their lives in the Solomon Islands and damage has been caused to buildings and growing areas. In Vanuatu over 5,000 are homeless, without water, food and power. The Rt Revd James Tama, Bishop of Vanuatu and New Caledonia, shared his despair at their current situation when he said: 'With our country facing the second Category 5 Cyclone within the space of 5 years, I come to you with both a heavy heart and open hands.’
"MMUK is launching an emergency appeal to raise funds so that the Anglican Church of Melanesia can help communities rebuild after this latest disaster and face the humanitarian and economic impacts of COVID19. You will find more details in the attached poster.
"Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Melanesia, and please give what you can to this appeal."
The Diocese of Chester has already donated £2000 to the Church of Melanesia for their relief efforts and a further £2000 to the Melanesian Brotherhood following their loss of income from Chester House in Honiara due to the lockdown there
For more than 20 years, the link between the Diocese of Chester and the Solomon Islands in Melanesia has grown from strength to strength, with regular visits and many lifelong relationships developed. Our link is and always has been based on partnership and mutual sharing of the Gospel.
You can find out more about the link here.