The Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu reached a significant milestone when Gideon Iawaki was appointed the first native Vanuatu district superintendent.

The church began in 2003 with pioneer missionaries from the United States of America, David and Sylvia Potter. In 2006, Peter and Jenny Isaac from Papua New Guinea heard the call for missions to come to Vanuatu. The Potters and the Issacs worked together with the people of Vanuatu to help grow the church. In 2007, the first district assembly was held with General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf appointing Peter Isaac as missionary district superintendent. Peter served as DS until 9 November 2023.

During the district assembly this past year, Peter joyfully passed the mantle of leadership to his local counterpart, Gideon Iawaki. Iawaki shared his journey and how God had been at work in his life:

[The name] Iawaki is given to the paramount chiefs in my village, and I was named after the paramount chief. My principal responsibility was to prepare Kava (a ceremonial drink drank during every ceremony) for the elders in the Nakamel (a place for men to gather).

The chief I was named after said, “My namesake, you will not go to school and continue. You will only go to school to learn to write your name; when you know that, that is enough for you.”

I went to school and reached class three, and after that, my chief told me that was enough. So I finished my education, and for the rest of my life, I stayed at home.

However, I realized that life needs education and work when I grew up. I looked for a job in town, but most employers asked for a resumé and my education level. I was feeling hopeless and useless. I thought I was not suitable for any job. But I thank God because he has a plan for me. One time, my dad gave me a Bible and a notebook. He wanted me to read the Bible and, at the same time, take note of anything I read that applies to my life. My father gave me a Bible verse, Jeremiah 1:5. “God told Jeremiah, I knew you before you were formed in the womb. Before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Reading that passage, I knew God had a plan for me. I heard the call of God to do God’s work in 2005, but my life was not strong.

In 2007, my father was invited to attend the Black Sand Church of the Nazarene in Port Vila. My father also invited all my siblings and me to attend. Soon, we were taken as members of the church. In early 2008, I was enrolled in South Pacific Nazarene Theological College (SPNTC). I was also appointed Nazarene Missions International president of the local church. In 2009, I received my local preaching license.

I just want to thank my spiritual mentors. I regard them as my spiritual mom and dad, and they are the missionaries the Potters and Isaacs. They have done well in mentoring and nurturing me with the Word of God so that I can become more mature in my relationship with God. Thank you, my global Church of the Nazarene family, for your prayers and support for the people or church in Vanuatu. I have faced many challenges, but I thank God for everything he has done because you have been praying for me and my people.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region