85-YEAR-OLD Ismael Kaipulu from south Malaita has received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his longtime service in Church ministries around the Solomon Islands.
Ismael Kaipulu is of the Anglican denomination, whose interest in working with young people, children and communities influenced him to work with people, directing them to participate more in religious activities and programmes.
Mr Kaipulu began working for the Church 65 years ago at the young age of 22, in 1951, in the Melanesian Brotherhood mission.
He was passionate about teaching religion beliefs and, through his ministries, has converted some heathen believers in his community into Christianity.
From 1960 to 1963, Mr Kaipulu was deployed to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for three years as a catechist in one of the heathen territories in the highlands regions.
During his years there, he won many heathen souls over to the Christian faith through his evangelistic campaigns.
“I love my Job although faced by many challenges,” he said, with a smile on his face.
For the tremendous work done by Mr Kaipulu, he was honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for service to the Church and community development.
He shares that the award and the occasion is and will be marked as one of most memorable days.
Joining him in celebration were his daughters and grandchildren, who were all full of pride and love for the BEM recipient.
Mr Kaipulu received his award from the Acting Governor General and Speaker of Parliament, Hon Ajilon Jasper Nasiu, on behalf of the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui.
After receiving his award, the much elated Mr Kaipulu shares that it was quite an euphoric feeling to be in the presence of national leaders and a huge crowd to receive an award of such high status.
In appreciation, he shares humbly, “Although I’m old, 85 years, it’s too much for me but I receive this award, it makes me remember my young days and at the day the memories has refresh me.”
His compassion and character has set him as a role model for many in communities that he has helped, both in the country and outside.Looking back, he recalls that it was not an easy road to follow, one which he said required a lot of hard work and sacrifice, patience and commitment.
Jokingly he holds up his medal and exclaims, “Little does everybody know that the road to achieving this honourable medal began nearly seventy years ago when I was a plantation boy in the Russel Island with a dream to join the Melanesian Brotherhood.”
In 1977, he was also a police constable in Malaita province for a short period of time.
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