SWIM Mission in Solomon IslandsKevin and Machi

  1. SWIM is an acronym for “Short Workshops In Mission”, which is a mission arm of the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia (CRCA). The Australian based Board for SWIM is located in Tasmania.

  2. The Mission began with fulltime staff in Solomon Islands in 1998, when Rev. Kevin Rietveld and his wife Machi were appointed by the CRCA to commence work with local churches.

  3. SWIM Solomon Islands is Registered in the Solomon Islands as a Registered Charitable Trust, and is an Associate Member of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA).

  4. The focus of its ministry is threefold and seeks to present a holistic approach to mission

    1. Firstly there is theological training and education for church leaders, pastors, catechists, Sunday School teachers etc. This is usually done by running workshops or training programs either in Honiara, or in the provinces.

    2. Secondly there is development assistance, helping people in villages develop building and other skills while building or upgrading a clinic or classroom etc. This is often done in conjunction with visiting overseas teams (SWIM Teams) helping out in local church or community based projects.

    3. Thirdly there is relief assistance, usually provided by donations of medical goods, clothing, educational supplies etc. from overseas. Some emergency financial assistance is given under exceptional circumstances, and when resources allow.

  5. Other Areas of SWIM Ministry
    1. Sponsorship. Over the years SWIM team members have developed relationships with many village children and as a result we now sponsor 40 students in school and 4 families through daily living assistance.hospital school

    2. Hospital School.  A school is provided for the young patients in Honiara Hospital.  Children of adult patients who are also in the hospital also attend.These projects are all funded through the kind donations of Churches and individual Christians in Australia and other places.

    3. Prison Ministry. Up to eighty students are enrolled in this outreach to inmates.  They follow Bible correspondence courses from the Crossroad Bible Institute (CBI).  Michael Rietveld visits the Rove Central prison and  the Tetere prison farm on a weekly basis where the exchange of lessons takes place.  He also encourages the students and prays with them as required.

      4. CBI courses are a tremendous help in understanding Scripture and a firm foundation is built as the student advances with the different levels.