70th Anniversary of the founding of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu

Sunday 1st July marks the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the PCV in Vanuatu.  A big celebration was organised.  The leaders of the PCV were in Vila. President Obed Moses and the Deputy Prime Minister attended the celebrations. The celebrations started with everyone assembling at Saralana Park to walk down to Independence Park (about 2 kms)

The banner that Morris and Bawi prepared in 4 days, all hand painted.  Morris on the left of the photo and Bawi on the right holding the banner. Well done it looked very professional.

The Scouts were at the front of the parade

There was a team of 44 from St Kentigern School Auckland in Port Vila for a weeks long outreach  and they joined in the parade.  Well done to you for attending the parade.  They will be building two children's playgrounds at two schools at Etas and Macses, plus painting the two containers at the PCV that are the cafe and lunch containers

The New Zealand flag was part of the parade. Here Bronwyn Croxford and Annette hold the flag. Bron is in Vanuatu for a week to establish an ongoing mission relationship between a community on Erromango Island and her church in Auckland

The President and his wife arrive to lead the parade

The parade arrived at Independence Park where a service was held. We were privileged to sit on the stage as guests.  Looking out to some of the crowd at the service.

The St Kentigern team also sat on the stage. Some of the students were a bit tired after 2 hours, not surprisingly.

 The President giving his speech

 After the service we had a meal with the leaders of the PCV and the President. Left to right Annette, Bron and yours truly.

Phil King, Coordinator Global Mission, congratulated the PCV on the 70th anniversary.