Praying for Creation: Supporting the ACoM Environment Observatory in Marau

We are delighted to share news of a hopeful and inspiring development in Solomon Islands. The Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) has extended its Environment Observatory project to Marau Island, located on the eastern coast of Guadalcanal. This citizen-based science initiative empowers local communities—both Anglican and non-Anglican—to respond to the growing challenges of climate change through education, training, and environmental monitoring.

Marau Island, a place of natural beauty, is also one of the regions most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and unpredictable weather patterns are already impacting homes, crops, and livelihoods. In response, the Environment Observatory has now been established in three communities: Naohanua, Wahere, and Niumarere.

With the help of local volunteers known as “Green Apostles,” monitoring stations have been installed, and fourteen community representatives have been trained to observe and record daily weather patterns, rainfall, shoreline changes, and extreme events. These efforts are not only building local resilience but also deepening the Church’s mission to care for God’s creation.

The enthusiasm from the communities has been overwhelming. People are eager to learn, participate, and protect their environment. Many have expressed how this project has opened their eyes to the real and present dangers of climate change—and how it has given them tools to respond.

However, the project is not without its challenges. Equipment is vulnerable to damage and difficult to replace locally. Communities also hope for future support in the form of rainwater tanks, mangrove rehabilitation, and sea wall construction.

How You Can Help

We ask you to pray for this vital ministry:

• For the safety and success of the observatory sites
• For the Green Apostles and their communities
• For wisdom and strength as they face the realities of climate change

If you are able, we also invite you to donate to support the ongoing work and future expansion of the Environment Observatory. Your gift will help provide training, equipment, and hope to communities on the frontlines of climate change.

Donations can be made online at www.mmuk.net or sent by post to:

Melanesian Mission UK

5 Trumps Orchard

Cullompton

EX15 1TW

Together, let us walk in faith and stewardship, caring for creation and one another.

A Prayer for Creation and Community

Creator God,
You formed the heavens and the earth,
the seas and the islands,
and called them good.
We give thanks for the beauty of Marau Island
and for the communities who call it home.

Bless the work of the Anglican Church of Melanesia
as it extends its Environment Observatory
to places most vulnerable to climate change.
Strengthen the Green Apostles and all who serve,
that they may be faithful stewards of your creation.

Grant wisdom to those who observe and record,
courage to those who speak out,
and hope to those who face rising seas and shifting shores.
May their witness inspire us all
to care more deeply for the earth and for one another.

We pray for protection over the equipment,
for provision to meet community needs,
and for the Spirit’s guidance as this mission grows.

And Lord, if we are able,
move our hearts to give generously
in support of this vital work.

In the name of Jesus Christ,
who calmed the storm and walked upon the water,
Amen.