Brother Fanidua remembers: “When we arrived in Munda on the government mail boat, we began wondering where and with whom we would stay and what kind of reception the truth would get in this new area. We walked along the road edging the lagoon and shortly arrived in front of the house of Taude Kenaz, a Malaitan. I knew Taude would make us welcome, as he was a fellow Kwara’ae, but whether we would be able to stay at his home while in Munda depended a great deal on the reception we would get from the landowner, his widowed mother-in-law, Miriam.”

Miriam was a well-known and respected member of the Roviana tribe of New Georgia Island. Miriam not only wielded power as landowner but was very influential in the United Church. Her late husband had been instrumental in introducing that religion into their area. Because Miriam dreamed earlier that she would receive some unusual visitors, she could not believe her eyes when she saw the two pioneers with briefcases and Bibles in hand, standing at her door. She immediately invited them to stay at her house, much to the surprise of the pioneers. Her hospitality proved to be a blessing for her whole family. The pioneers concentrated on studying every evening with all those who showed such kindness. Miriam and her daughter Esther and Taude, Esther’s husband, were three such people.

Though Brother Taude died some years ago, the small congregation in Munda continues to thrive and regularly praises Jehovah’s name in song and in the preaching work.