TANNA, Vanuatu — Anticipation for Saturday morning’s opening of the local Bahá’í House of Worship in Vanuatu is building. Over the past week, growing numbers of people from across the country have been arriving at the site of the temple on the island of Tanna in advance of the dedication ceremony, which begins at 9:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, 10:00 p.m. GMT on Friday.

“We are indescribably joyful! Everyone, young and old, has come to do what they can to assist with preparations for the opening ceremony,” says Simone, one of the attendees from Port Vila.

She continues: “The House of Worship has already inspired many people to be of service to their society, even though its doors have yet to open.”

Another attendee, Bertha from the island of Ifira, who arrived earlier this week describes the significance of Saturday’s dedication ceremony, recalling the efforts of earlier generations that have led to this moment.

“I have travelled here with my children, who see themselves as part of the same efforts initiated by their grandparents and great-grandparents to promote peace and unity, who were themselves among the first Bahá’ís in this land.”