Looking back over the last few months
it seems like every minute was jam packed with action and adventure.
Here are some of the things our family has been involved in.
Smash-bucking. It's a new phrase I've
created to remember my time in South Santo by. Over the last couple
of months I (Jeremy) have been going with one of the area pastors to
conduct a survey in the southern part of the island. The road is not
terribly long, about 30 miles from the edge of town to the end of the
road, but is insanely rough! Torrential rain and frequent use take a
heavy toll on this unpaved road. So, to make the journey to
Tasiriki—which sits at the end of this road— from the missions
house takes almost 3 hours! The information compiled in the report
will be used in the future to determine the best location for medical
clinics and church plants. I especially enjoyed the last day of
interviewing chiefs of small villages since Ethan was able to come
with me.
In July, the entire family packed their
bags and headed for Thailand. This was the location for an area wide
missions conference. Over 200 missionaries from Asia and islands in
the Pacific attended this incredible time of fellowship, corporate
worship (in English! Yeah!), and encouragement. “Spend Yourself”
was the theme of the conference and is the new motto for the Asia
Pacific region. This theme comes out of Isaiah 58:10. Much of the
time centered around the vision of what it means to spend our lives
on the behalf of others in service to Jesus Christ. Our entire
family was encouraged and rejuvenated by our time there. In addition
to the activities directly tied to the conference we rode elephants,
ate some really great food, and explored the city of Chiang Mai.
We are still highly involved with the
day to day operations at Jubilee school. Merissa helps teach
kindergarten students a couple of days a week. When Mer's family
visited in August we took them out to the school. Merissa's mom,
sister, and brother taught the kids a few rhythms using sticks which
the students will use during upcoming missions trips to neighboring
islands. The kids caught on super quick. We all had a good time
laughing and goofing around—something these students don't seem to
have the freedom to do often.
In the month of June, eleven students
and two of their mothers proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ
though water baptism. Since we have established relationships with
these students, it was such a privilege to be able to share in this
moment. The original plan was for the baptism to take place in a
river near the school. Due to heavy rains in the days proceeding the
ceremony, the river was much too dangerous and nearby stock tank/
pond was used instead.
I recently traveled to the island of
Malo for an area-wide Assemblies of God conference. While this
island is not terribly far away, getting there is a bit of a
nail-biter. The stretch of water from our home island to Malo has
strange currents and unpredictable waves. During the crossing all 11
people in the boat became silent as the boat's captain dropped the
engine to idle. He allowed the boat to creep forward while studying
the surrounding sea. We inched forward until whatever the danger was
passed then the atmosphere on the boat became jovial once again.
The conference was really good. I saw
a level of joy in the people there that I had not yet experienced.
Most of the time at churches here in Vanuatu, people will be singing
about joy in the Lord, dancing, raising hands in praise all while
staring at the floor with a look of utter despair. Worship on Malo
was different. People sang with a fervor and freedom I have not seen
before—or since. It is a subject I have brought up to area leaders
since the conference concluded.
I was the guest speaker one morning
and had a great time sharing what the Lord had put on my heart
regarding the enormity of his grace.
In July, we celebrated our one-year
anniversary of being overseas. It has been a year filled with new
experiences, adjusting to a new land and culture, and God's
fulfillment of incredible promises.
In the coming months we ask that you
would pray with us in the following things:
- The local church is at a major crossroads right now. Please pray the leadership will seek the Lord's wisdom as they move forward.
- We have seen, firsthand, the devastating effects of domestic abuse. Please pray that we will know how best to share God's love to cultivate a culture of change in Vanuatu.
- For wisdom and discernment as we seek what the future holds for our family
Thank you, all, for your continued
support for us in prayer and finances. We are excited to dive
headlong into our next year serving the ni-Vanuatu.
