Category: 2025 Blog

If your heart is open to respond to the Spirit’s call, there is a mission for you this year!

SOMA is going to the Solomon Islands in October 2025! The SOMA Solomon Islands mission team are excited to extend this opportunity to you as we prepare to serve in the beautiful islands of Melanesia.

A little about SOMA for the newbies
SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad) exists to bring renewal and life to the Anglican Church through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is rooted in deep spiritual transformation, and we operate with the guidance of God’s wisdom, providing both logistical and governance support for mission endeavors. If you are unfamiliar with SOMA’s story and ministry ethos, we would be happy to share resources that capture its vision and impact.

The Solomon Islands’ Mission being organised
This year, under SOMA’s leadership, we have been invited by Archbishop Leonard Dawea of the Diocese of Central Melanesia (ACOM – Anglican Church of Melanesia) to partner in ministry. In consultation with the Bishops of the Province, he has specifically requested that our team provide teaching in two key areas: Discipleship and Healing.

Beyond these core focuses, we also see a great opportunity to minister to children, youth, and the wives of clergy and church leaders in Honiara, the capital city. We believe this mission will lay a strong foundation for future outreach, both in Honiara and in surrounding dioceses and villages.

Mission Leadership
The team will be led by Rev. Brett Wattersall from All Saints Nelson Bay. Rev. Brett has many years experience both leading missions and in ministry of the Holy Spirit. Brett will be assisted by Melinda McMahon, SOMA’s National Director, and Rev. Graeme Liersch, interim Chair of SOMA, who will serve as active members of this mission.

Your Invitation to Serve
We encourage you to prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to join this mission for such a time as this. If you’d like more details, do not hesitate to contact Rev. Melinda and a letter of invitation will be forwarded to you. If you are not a member of SOMA, an application form will be included.

As we prepare, let us hold onto the words of Jesus,

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).

May this mission be a vessel of that abundant life for the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

We are delighted to announce the re-release of Michael Harper’s seminal work, Power for the Body of Christ. Originally published in 1964, this influential book has been a cornerstone in understanding the role of the Holy Spirit within the Church. Its renewed availability offers both new readers and longtime admirers the opportunity to delve into Harper’s profound insights.

Canon Michael Harper was a pivotal figure in the Charismatic Renewal movement from the 1960s through the 1980s. His ministry spanned the globe, notably through the Fountain Trust, an organization he founded in 1965 to promote spiritual renewal. In 1979, Harper established Sharing of Ministries Abroad (SOMA), which has gone on to expand internationally, fostering connections and strengthening ministries across continents.

Power for the Body of Christ serves as a concise yet comprehensive guide to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within the Church. Harper articulates the necessity of embracing spiritual gifts and renewal to invigorate the Church’s mission and community life. His writing emphasizes unity, empowerment, and the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit as essential components for a vibrant and effective Christian witness.

This re-release is a timely invitation to revisit Harper’s teachings, which continue to resonate in today’s context. As the Church navigates contemporary challenges, Harper’s call to embrace the Holy Spirit’s power remains as relevant and compelling as ever. We encourage all believers to engage with this work, allowing its insights to inspire and renew their faith communities.

This book forms part of SOMA’s new “Anglican Charismatic Heritage Series” which intends to republish former written works, so to share old wisdom with younger ears and hearts.

Michael Harper’s book may be purchased either in paperback or as an ebook from the SOMA Bookstore or from Amazon.