• Solomon Islands
    1992 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • “Two-Fella Week No More”

      “Two-fella week no more!” Soon the word spread around the city of Honiara. The reaction was one of curiosity, surprise, and skepticism. How could a large structure to seat 1,200 people be erected in two weeks? Just how could this happen on an island so far removed from the technological facilities of the developed world?

      Modern technology and individual skill were not the key to the success of this project. Nevertheless, a cyclone-proof, yet comfortable, Assembly Hall with stage and audio facilities was desperately needed in this country where transport and civil engineering are planned in terms of months and years, not days and weeks.

      As the foundation took shape, local interest grew. Yet, many looked on with increasing skepticism as they began to comprehend the size of the future building by looking at the footings. They asked: “How now you-fella savvy workim this-fella big-fella building inside long two-fella week no more?”

      Soon containerloads of large steel sections arrived and were unloaded from ships. Honiara government officials were most helpful and reasonable, going out of their way to explain import procedures. The Solomon Islands authorities also gave permission for a team of about 60 volunteers, all Witnesses from Australia, to come to Honiara and work with the local Witnesses for the actual two-week construction period. How the brothers appreciated the kind concern and assistance of the officials!

      On June 7, 1991, the construction team was greeted at Honiara Airport by brothers with shiny white teeth set like jewels in smiling dark faces, along with garlands of frangipani and the love that makes this international brotherhood unique. Any initial shyness soon vanished when all workers started the very next day to build the big house for the worship of Jehovah. Each tradesman cheerfully passed on his skills to those assigned to work with him. One local supplier looked up at the steel structure and said in amazement: “I once had a project to erect 25 tons of steel that took three months. Here you have your 30 tons up in just two and a half days!”

      Just 15 days after work on the quickly built Assembly Hall began, the first meeting was held. All too soon the visiting brothers and sisters had to depart. The scene at the airport was in many ways similar to the one at their arrival​—the garlands of frangipani and everyone weary with handshaking and hugs, only this time there were few dry eyes.