Fr Nelson Bako’s Visit to the UK

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Melanesian Mission UK (MMUK) for making it possible for me to visit the UK in November and December 2024. It was a profound learning experience, deepening my understanding of the historical connections between the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) and the Church of England, as well as the people of the United Kingdom.

On the 12th of November, Brother Augustine Fisher Paekeni and I arrived in London and were warmly received by Rev. Richard Carter. On the 14th of November, we had the privilege of joining Ella Sibley of USPG to attend the “Being Made Whole” conference at Swanwick. It was enlightening to learn about the mission of Amen. After the conference, I travelled to Chester.

It was wonderful to be back in Chester and the Wirral, a place that feels like home. Being in Heswall brought back memories from about 20 years ago during my university days at Chester University. In Chester, I had the opportunity to meet the Dean of the Cathedral and the staff responsible for mission partners in the diocese. It was heartwarming to return to a diocese that has significantly contributed to my journey and career.

On the 21st of November, I travelled to London for the MMUK trustees meeting with Rt. Rev. Sam Corley. After the meeting, I travelled to Devon with Mr. Colin Butler. In the Exeter diocese, we visited schools connected with the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Sharing worship and answering questions provided insight into how God has connected us as Christians, despite our differences in culture, context, and race. God’s greatness is evident in how we embrace each other as brothers and sisters within our diverse communities.

In the Exeter diocese, we spent time at various churches, including those of Rev. Cathy Scoffield and Rev. Steve Matin. While the churches differ from the Anglican Church of Melanesia, the liturgy and worship are similar. I learned a great deal about the history and traditions of these parishes. The hospitality we received was overwhelming and truly a blessing.

After Exeter, we travelled back to London and spent five days with Rev. Sam Rylands and his family. During our time there, we visited St. Margaret’s Girls’ School and participated in a homeless project organised by his church. This project provided me with a profound insight into the act of loving one’s neighbour. Providing for the needy is a true response to God’s call to love our neighbours. We are grateful to Rev. Sam for this opportunity and his hospitality.

We also visited Selwyn College in Cambridge, a place rich with the history of Melanesia. We learned about the Church of Melanesia’s history through the archives kept at Selwyn College. I would like to thank Rev. Arabella Milbank Robinson for giving me the opportunity to preach at evensong and for organising the programs during our stay. It was wonderful to see Fr. Brian McDonald Milne and hear his captivating stories of Melanesia during his time as a missionary.

My final stay was at St. Martin-in-the-Fields with Rev. Richard Carter. With Richard, I was admitted as a member of the Nazareth Community. Living at St. Martin-in-the-Fields felt like being a brother again and part of the Melanesian Brotherhood community. We said the daily offices together and spent time in the church for morning prayers. One of the highlights was participating in the nativity play at Trafalgar Square, reminiscent of the nativity play performed by the brothers during Christmas missions.

Overall, my visit was truly a blessing. It was fruitful, providing the opportunity to learn and share with ACoM’s partner MMUK and to meet people who support the mission of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Meeting different people brought joy, as our shared faith binds us together despite our diversity.

Key Learnings and Appreciations:

• I realized that there are people who need us to reach out to them, as seen in the homeless project and the international group at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. In today’s modern world, we need to be hospitable and provide for those in need.
• To be a witness of Christ, one only needs to be present.
• Evangelism involves understanding the needs of our neighbours.

Finally, I would like to thank MMUK Executive Director Katie Drew for organizing my visit and Rev. Richard Carter for his support in making our visit possible. Thank you for the hospitality, care, and kindness. Our prayers are with you all.

Fr Nelson Bako

Mission Secretary, the Anglican Church of Melanesia