A brief biography of Peter Abuofa

14th of July is celebrated by the members of the South Sea Evangelical Church as the birth of the denomination, and with it comes the remembrance of pioneer missionaries who played a crucial role in the early years of the missionaries. This is a brief biography of Peter Abuofa, one of those missionaries.

Peter Abuofa, also known as Peter Ambuofa, was a significant figure in the history of Christianity in the Solomon Islands. He was born on Malaita Island and later worked as a labourer in Queensland, Australia. During his time in Queensland, he converted to Christianity and was baptized in Bundaberg in 1892.

Upon his return to Malaita in 1894, Abuofa faced considerable challenges. Initially, his community shunned him, believing he had brought a strange spirit with him. Despite the hostility, he persevered, relying on his faith and the kindness of a few individuals. His steadfastness and miraculous experiences, such as flourishing his gardens during a drought and surviving assassination attempts, gradually earned him respect and followers.

Abuofa’s commitment to spreading Christianity led him to establish a Christian community at Malu’u. He modelled his settlement after the Queensland Kanaka Mission School, where he had been baptized. His efforts were bolstered by the support of other Christian Malaitans and European missionaries from the Queensland Kanaka Mission, eventually leading to the foundation of the South Seas Evangelical Mission (SSEM), which became a significant base in north Malaita.

In addition to his missionary work, Abuofa was also a leader who advocated for the rights of his people. He petitioned the British authorities for fair wages for Solomon Islanders and was made a District Headman in 1914-1915. However, his later years were marked by disillusionment with the SSEM due to conflicts with European missionaries and local leaders.

Peter Abuofa passed away in February 1937. Despite his estrangement from the SSEM at the end of his life, his contributions to the spread of Christianity and his role in the history of Malaita remain significant. His legacy is remembered and celebrated by many in the Solomon Islands.

You can refer to the Wikipedia article on Peter Ambuofa’s entry for more detailed information.