News from Vanuatu

Halo Evriwan!

Greetings from Port Vila, Vanuatu. The team here is absolutely amazing. Everyone is healthy, safe, and having a great time exploring God's creation on this side of the world. We must admit - it's gorgeous here!

We (all 15 of us!), plus the Potter Family (David, Sylvia, Jeffrey, and Wesley) are in one house - eating, cooking, cleaning, and sleeping. It's been great to see all the students step up and help in any and every way. It's tight quarters, but we are so thankful to the Potters for their incredible hospitality. Our backyard is filled with other houses of families. They are always happy to see us outside - bringing fruit for the team. Wow! In addition to these families, there are more kids running around then we can count! Always willing to play games, sing songs, or just fall asleep in the arms of these loving students. Tears well at times when you look into the eyes of these children and immediately see the face of Christ.

Our first few days here have been filled. After a long plane flight into Fiji, and another short one into Vila, we came to the house to get settled. That first night, we were greeted by some church members during their weekly Bible Quizzing time. Songs, leis, and a traditional dusting of baby powder were all in order. It was humbling for us all.

The next day, we sent the students on a Scavenger Hunt through Vila. They took the local buses into town (a 15 minute ride if you get a good bus driver). As they located each place on their list, they took a digital picture to share with the group later. Each group ate lunch in the colorful, bustling, open-air market. What an experience! They have all been such troopers.

On Thursday, we planned much of what we would be doing in ministry for the rest of the week. Then, this morning (Friday), we rose early (6am!) for the highlight of our trip thus far. We traveled to a small town called Teoma. There, we passed out invitations to the community for a Pikinini (Children's) Club and Jesus Film showing that we are hosting there on Saturday. As we walked through the village, an entourage of children followed us from house to house. We spoke with families about the Club and the Jesus Film that we would be showing that evening. This was an eye-opening experience for the students as they witnessed the living conditions of the "Middle Class" in their 3-walled shacks and fly-infested yards. They experienced a whole new way of life. It's amazing to see their excitement in returning there tomorrow.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We wouldn't be here without you. Please continue to pray for the team as it is hot and humid here and we tire easily. Pray that we are energetic in our ministry, that we stay healthy, and that we are continually reminded of God's grace in every day. His hand is so evident here - from the gorgeous view, to the smiles of the people, to the way we have been welcomed into the lives of this community. Praise Him.

(As we sit here right now, we can faintly here Praise songs being sung by the team and a group of local girls in a Bible Study. An absolute blessing.)

Blessings,

Team Vanuatu
(Anna, Glen, Eric, Andrew, Megan S., Jennifer, Erin, Meghan P., Lisa., Katie, Liz, Connie, Mandie, Andrea, Alisa)

What's a Vanuatu you may ask?







Ya, I feel real bad for them.