Fresh links with the United Church of the Solomon Islands

Brian Bird is enrolled in a Master of Theology programme and completed the first year with distinction in 2024. He has been designated by the United Church of the Solomon Islands to lead the Seghe Theological Seminary (STS) in the Solomon Islands following his graduation.

His wife Dima is enrolled in a Certificate in Communities Ministry programme, and on her return to the Solomon Islands will be involved in the Women’s Development Programme at STS. 

Brian’s course is sponsored by The Council for World Mission, and Dima’s by the Methodist Church of Britain.

Their three children Requela Ravutu, Reirn Sibio and Braema Tavasere are supported by the Mission and Ecumenical Board.

In 2025 Raquela will be continuing her studies working towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and Sociology at the University of the South Pacific and is expecting to graduate at the end of the year. 

Reirn has completed Year 13 and has been accepted to pursue a Diploma in Information Technology at the Fiji National University in 2025.  He is considering the option of enrolling in a Diploma of Pasifika Leadership and Resilience at PTC, which would allow him to graduate in 2025. 

Braema will move into a Year 7 programme at Veiuto Primary School this year. 

The support of the Mission and Ecumenical Board has meant that the family has been able to be together in Fiji.  Brian says, “This has addressed our concerns about neglecting our children and has supported us in ensuring they thrive while we focus on advancing God’s mission in the Solomon Islands and the surrounding region.”

Donations received from a number of New Zealand Methodist parishes and individuals during 2023 and 2024 have seeded the opportunity of the Mission and Ecumenical Board to join with the Council for World Mission and the Methodist Church of Britain to build the capacity of the United Church of the Solomon Islands to address contemporary challenges.