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Vanuatu
Welcome back to Vanuatu! The borders have opened, and the country is shaking off the COVID life that had shut down Vanuatu for two and a half years. 1 July was the opening day for Vanuatu and I was very thankful to be onboard, returning after such a long time. It has been a blessing to be able to catch up with brothers and sisters once again and to spend some valuable time with them and those in isolation on different Islands.
The previous years have been difficult for our brothers and sisters, as border closures (international and inter-island) have impacted the livelihoods of our families. Many had jobs in the tourist industry and the business this brings. However since July 2022, the much needed business and jobs are returning quite quickly and providing an income for our young families.
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However, despite all the issues COVID has caused, the Truth is spreading in Vanuatu. In January 2022, we were blessed and delighted at the end of year camp to witness (via Zoom) 8 baptisms: 4 young people who had attended Sunday School, and 4 interested friends.
2022 has seen the start of a formal Vanuatu Youth Group; a great encouragement for the young people across the islands of Vanuatu. Monthly Zoom Youth Group classes are held. They are looking at the subject of Friendship and Bible examples that can help them develop Godly relationships. A small excerpt from one of the young people, Bro Justin Lamar, and why he was baptised: ‘The reason why I baptise because I want to be save in Gods Kingdom and want to follow Christ footsteps wherever I go. And I know that the only way to be in the kingdom is to baptism. Thanks again to all the brothers and sisters from aussi (Australia), Fiji and Vanuatu for giving me study and encouragement thoughts to stay strong in my Christian life. God bless you all. Thankyou.’ A wonderful expression of faith from such a young man.
At present everyone is busily preparing for their End of Year Bible Camp. This is a highlight of the year when they catch up with each other from around the Islands and come together and spend time around God’s Word. Due to the high cost of inter-island travel, many brothers and sisters are unable to see each other often, so it’s an exciting time for them all.
Those in Vanuatu are continuing to stay strong and would always welcome fieldworkers to come and spend some time with them, which encourages them, as it does for us as well. So the work continues to grow each year as we all patiently await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bro Jordan Mitsos [email protected]
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