Shawnda’s Journal (April 15th – May 10th)

Saturday, April 15th – We all met at the church ground this morning and spent about 2 hours clearing the ground. We got there and noticed that half of the land was already cleared. We found out that Edward, Mabel, Rema and a few others from the farm had been out all day Friday clearing the ground. That was such a nice surprise. It looks so nice. The rest of us working together today cleared a good bit and almost finished it. We’ll really have to keep on top of it until the church purchases a lawn mower or decides to pay someone to clear it every so often (or someone takes it on as their “ministry.”) It was hard work, but it was good.

This afternoon we were going to go to Fiona’s for the ladies fellowship, but decided to wait until Monday instead and make it an “all-church” fellowship instead of just the ladies. Monday is a public holiday, so everyone will be available to come. It should be great fun.

When we got home, I rested and cleaned up and had planned to work on Bible class stuff. But, I started feeling really sick. I had a temperature, felt nauseous and had a headache. I laid down and tried to sleep. I think my body is telling me to rest for a little while. I don’t know if it’s a small virus, or if a sore I had got infected and is just now affecting me. Either way, it wasn’t a fun afternoon/evening.

Sunday, April 16th – Sunday, April 23rd – Gospel Meeting in Epau Village

We have had a good group of people (both Christians and non-Christians) come with us each night from Vila and Etas. There have been numerous visitors from the village of Epau, many of whom are really interested in learning more. This has been a great opportunity for the Christians in Epau to reach out to their friends and family in Epau who aren’t Christians. It has opened many doors. I keep encouraging the ladies to take advantage of it. These people have come, which shows that they are interested. That’s the first hurdle. Now they need to teach them and encourage them as they are seeking the truth. It’s been a wonderful week and I have been privileged to be able to attend each night.

During the day this week I had several non-routine things happen:

Sunday Patrick, Leisava, Patrick (from Tanna), Samson (who we haven’t seen in months), Mabel, Woi, and Edward came with us to Epau. I was especially glad that Patrick and Leisava came b/c they are both so interested in learning and obeying the word. We have been so encouraged by our studies with them – this extra study, fellowship and time of question and answer was so good for them. Patrick actually asked two questions (really good questions) during the question and answer time.

Monday we went to Flexon and Fiona’s to swim and roast. Stephen’s family, Gomon’s family, and Patrick’s family were there (along with Flexon, Fiona, and the missionaries). We had a great time! It was a great time of fellowship.

Wednesday Lekavei came over for our study. We studied OT/NT and it went really well. She seems to be enjoying the studies. It’s great that her husband. Patrick, is already a Christian. He encourages her in her studies.

On Thursday Edna did no show up again. I think she is not interested anymore. She was interested in studying, but not so interested in obeying right now. So, we will continue to encourage her as we have the opportunity and pray for her to get to the point where the seed of the gospel will take root in her heart and she’ll be willing to obey. On the other hand, Woi and Mabel did come. We went over Mabel’s lesson for Sunday, asked if she had any questions, and then studied with Woi. We studied the church. She had already heard Flexon preach, “Who is a Christian” on Sunday morning and Eric answer several questions in regard to salvation on Sunday and Monday nights at Epau. So, she was ready. She said she wanted to be baptized into Christ today. We went over “count the cost” and she said she was ready to obey. So, we went down to the lagoon and Eric baptized her. She was so happy when she came out of the water knowing that her sins were washed away and she was ready to start a new life. It was a neat and exciting afternoon. Woi is a precious young lady. Also, I can’t even express how proud I am of Mabel. She is always talking to people about the word of God and bringing people with her to worship. She studied with Woi for a while out at the farm and then told her that she thought we should all study together (we started last week). It was neat to see that Mabel had such a huge role in Woi’s conversion to Christ. Mabel is such a special young lady.

Monday, April 24th – The team went on a little day excursion in celebration of our one year anniversary of living in Vanuatu. We went on a “Sailaway Cruise” – we rode on the sailboat (but didn’t put the sails up b/c there was no wind) and went snorkeling at several different locations. We had a great, relaxing day. It was a good way to celebrate our one year anniversary.

Tuesday, April 25th – I studied for the Bible studies I have this week and got some things together for Flexon (for teaching the boys in May/June). It’ll take a while to get that all together, but I got a start on it today.

This evening we went and studied with Leisava and Patrick. They were ready to be baptized. Actually they have been ready for a while (especially after attending the gospel meeting at Epau for several evenings last week). They waited until tonight because they wanted to ask some specific questions that they didn’t want to ask in public (at the gospel meeting). So, we studied for a while and when they found the answers to their questions in the Bible, they said they were ready to be baptized now. We went down to the water by Flexon and Fiona’s and baptized them. It was a neat night.

They are a wonderful couple. We expect great things from them. They are really excited and eager to learn more. They have already been faithful in attendance since we started studying and have gotten to know several of the Christians in Vila, Eton, Etas, and Epau.

I was sick all evening (even while we were studying) and when we got home I had a miserable evening, but went to bed early hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 26th – I was still not feeling well this morning, so Eric told me that he didn’t think I should go to Preaching in the Park and stand in the sun all afternoon. So, I decided to stay home and work on Bible class stuff. I did end up getting a lot done and started feeling better by later in the afternoon. I still wasn’t 100%, but I did feel better.

At 1:00 I went and studied with Leikavei. We studied “Who is Jesus?” (and what do we “do” with Him?). It went really well.

This evening we went out to Mele Maat. I studied with Selena about what our lives should be like as Christians. Eric studied with Kim and Rehab – it’s their second study and is going pretty well.

Thursday, April 27th – I spent the morning working on Bible class stuff. Aaron and Cindy left this morning and Kaela is “our child” until Saturday morning. We are excited to have her for a while. She’s such a sweet little girl – precious as can be. She took her nap well in the “pack and play” this morning, so hopefully we won’t have any big traumatic experiences when it’s bedtime.

This afternoon Mabel came over. Woi needed to stay home to take care of her cousins, so she couldn’t come study today.

Mabel stayed until it was time to go to Steven’s for the mid-week fellowship. We had a great fellowship with everyone. Patrick, Leisava came and seemed to really enjoy themselves. They are a really neat couple.

When we got home, Kaela went straight to bed with no problems.

Friday, April 28th – This morning Kaela and I just hung out, played, and worked around the house (she “helped” me sweep the living room). When she went down for a nap, I went to the hospital to visit Winnie (from the farm) – she stayed there for a few days b/c of chest pains. She was released while I was there this morning, so she walked up to the house with me and stayed and visited until early afternoon when her husband came and picked her up. I enjoyed visiting with her. She is a neat friend.

While Kaela napped this afternoon I worked on Bible class stuff. I got everything done for Sunday’s lesson and finished up some review games for Flexon to be able to play with them during the next two months.

This evening Melinda (from Eton) came and stayed the night with us. She got a ride into town from school (there’s a two week break starting next week) but couldn’t get a transport out to the village until tomorrow, so she’s staying here. We ate dinner, watched a movie, and then headed to bed.

Saturday, April 29th - I woke up this morning “running” – I made some brownies before I got Kaela up, so that helped. Aaron and Cindy got home at about 9:00 and then the ladies came at 10:00 for fellowship. We had a great fellowship. Our two new sisters in Christ, Leisava and Selena, came and enjoyed the fellowship with the other ladies. We spent some time praying for each other’s prayer needs, singing, and eating. We also made a schedule for next month’s Saturday fellowships.

Sunday, April 30th – Today was another good Lord’s day. Everyone was really late coming to class, but I went ahead and started my class with Seselo and Noel since they were there and ready to start. There did end up being a good group for adult Bible class once everyone arrived.

It was a good time of worship and then fellowship afterwards. Patrick Jacob (Leisava’s husband) led the closing prayer and did a great job. It’s neat to see this new Christian getting involved from the “get-go.” After worship, we watched the video of the book of Matthew.

This afternoon we went and studied with Patrick Jacob and Leisava. They are such a wonderful young couple. We are really enjoying spending time with them and getting to know them better. I love the fact that they both are getting involved and are eager to learn more from God’s word. The Christians have welcomed them with open arms and I can tell that Patrick and Leisava know that they are a part. We had a good study this afternoon – they are so encouraging to Eric and me. What a wonderful blessing to the Lord’s kingdom. We expect great things from them in the future.

Monday, May 1st – I cleaned house yesterday afternoon and finished up today. Robert Martin is coming tomorrow to stay with us and I want the house to be clean for guests. We are really looking forward to spending a few days with Robert and visiting with him.

Other than cleaning, Cindy and I did a little grocery shopping (which will have to be continued tomorrow since today is a public holiday and many places are closed).

Tuesday, May 2nd – We have really enjoyed visiting with Robert today. It’s great to catch up with him about his family, the work that the Pacific Islands Bible College is doing, and other things as well. Robert has been a great source of strength and encouragement for us as a team. We know that without the work of him, Randy, Wayne, John Hall, Ed Crookshank, and others who have paved the way in Vanuatu, the Lord’s church would not be as strong as it is at this point. We sure are thankful for those who have gone before us and those, like Robert, Randy and Wayne, who continue to work with us in Vanuatu. What a blessing to have such wonderful co-workers in the kingdom.

This evening we had a fellowship to welcome Robert. We had a good group, and they all enjoyed getting to see Robert and welcome him to Vanuatu. It was good for Robert to see them all again too since he hasn’t been here in several years.

Wednesday, May 3rd – This afternoon I went to study with Leikavei, but she wasn’t there. Eric was hoping to study with Patrick too, but he wasn’t there either. So, we told their neighbor to pass the message that we’d been there and that we would see them on Sunday. I think she must have forgotten that today was the day for Bible study, or her boss had her stay late and she had no way to pass the message to me. It’s always disappointing when someone doesn’t show up for a Bible study, but hopefully we will continue next week.

This evening we went out to Mele Maat but didn’t study b/c Kim and Rehab weren’t there. So, we just visited with Selena for about half an hour and encouraged her in her new Christian walk. She is such a sweet lady. She is really trying hard and is on her own (no other Christians close), so we want to do everything we can to help strengthen her in her new Christian life. I have been studying with her, and will continue to do so as long as she wants to. I hope that by continuing one on one studies, she will learn and grow in the word.

Thursday, May 4th – Eric and I left this morning to go out to Epau. He spent about a week working on a sign for the new building in Epau that read, “Epau Vilej Jos blong Kraes i mit long ples ia.” So, we went to put that sign up and to tell the Christians “bye” before we head back to the States next week. About halfway there, it started pouring rain. We got there and couldn’t decide whether to go ahead and put the sign up in the rain, or wait. The Christians in Epau were excited about the new sign and said they would help to get the sign up today. As I looked at the men working together to get the sign up, it made my heart happy. I saw the old, the young, the new Christians and the “old” Christians working together to get this sign up. I took lots of pictures and was so proud of them working in the pouring rain to get their sign up. They actually didn’t even seem to notice the rain. It was neat to watch.

When we got home, Cindy and I went to town to get a few things. We enjoyed walking to and from town (we used to all the time – but for the last several months it has been so hot that we can’t stand the walk). It was a good afternoon.

This evening we had a lovely meal with the team and Robert and then sat around and visited until it was time to go get Ken (who is going to Ambae with Aaron and Robert).

Friday, May 5th – Aaron, Robert and Ken left this morning to go to Ambae. They will be gone for a couple of weeks. We pray that their trip goes well.

Cindy and I had some shopping to do in town (I had some gifts to buy to take to my family when we go back next week). So, we spent a lot of the day in town doing that.

Saturday, May 6th – We worked at the church ground with the ladies. For about two hours it was Ure, Fiona, Cindy and me working. We just cleared about a meter out from the foundation (b/c we knew we wouldn’t work long and wanted to get something accomplished). Then we rested for a while, sang some songs, and prayed. When we were just about finished, Rema and Mabel came. They talked with us for a while, sang a few more songs and then they started working and we went home.

While we were working there was an upsetting (and on my part, maddening) event that took place. We heard some people yelling a little ways away and looked up to see a man hitting a woman. Apparently this woman had come and “talked strong” to a woman in this man’s family and this was his way of solving the problem. I was so angry, my heart was about to beat out of my chest, and Kaela and Cindy were a ways away from us (on the other side of the gravel road with a wall between us). So, as soon as I saw that the group of people surrounding this man were leaving to head home, I grabbed my bush knife, walked with Fiona over to Cindy and Kaela (to protect them b/c they didn’t know what was happening). I just didn’t want this young man (boy) taking out his anger on an “easy target.” I was ready to fight him off with my bush knife. Not that he even approached any of us, but I sure was ready. I know I would have been scared to death if he would have approached us, but I was putting on a brave front so that he wouldn’t even think about it. It was a crazy experience. The worst part about it is that we couldn’t even do anything to intervene on this woman’s behalf. I felt so helpless – I wanted to help, but knew that I couldn’t do anything to stop this man. I sure wasn’t going to let it happen to Cindy, but we couldn’t do anything about what he did to that lady. It was awful.

We came home and rested for a while and then this afternoon Lissie and baby Wayne came over and visited for a while. We enjoyed them – that Lissie is a sweetie.

Sunday, May 7th – Eric and I went to Etas to worship with the Christians there. They are such a neat group of people. Eric led the songs and preached, but the other men did the other things. It was so neat to worship with this group of new Christians. They are all so eager to learn, it is such a blessing to be around them.

After worship, we all ate together and then the men headed off to “run a few errands.” I really enjoyed just staying with the ladies (Ruth, Leimawa, and Alice) and visiting. We talked and talked and talked. Since we’re going back to the States soon, they have all kinds of questions about the plane trip, what it’s like there, etc. We also talked about how they were doing, just told stories, and enjoyed each other’s company. When the men got back, Eric and I headed out.

When we got into town, we decided to swing by Stephen and RoseHanna’s to see if anyone was still there so we could tell them “bye.” We found out that the fellowship this week will be on Wednesday, so we’ll get to tell everyone “bye” then.

This afternoon we went to study with Patrick and Leisava, but they weren’t there. We don’t know if they forgot or what the deal was with that. I’ll be sad if we don’t see them before we go.

Tuesday, May 9th – Ure came over this afternoon to visit for a while. She is so neat. We spent most of the time trying to get a video of Kaela singing her songs. She sings and sings and sings – then you turn the camera on and she gets all clammed up! It’s crazy. So, we didn’t get the best footage, but the grandparents will still think she’s adorable (she is pretty cute, I have to admit). :o)

Aaron and Cindy sold their small car today. (Aaron had worked it all out before he went to Ambae, but it wasn’t officially sold until today.) Eric and Cindy went and put the money down on a truck for the Bakers, so that was exciting. Aaron left instructions for Eric to do what he thought best. So, Cindy is going to go ahead and get the truck (with a little guidance from Eric).

This evening we went and studied with Patrick and Leisava. Eric knew there would be extra kids there this week (since there’s a school break), and the study he had planned was pretty long and deep, so he gave them the choice of just singing (they asked to learn some songs) or studying. They said, “No, we want to study, we can sing later.” I was pretty impressed by that. Most people would just say, “Yeah, it would be a lot easier to just sing instead of study today – and I wouldn’t have blamed them one bit). But, Patrick and Leisava are hungry and eager to learn. They are such a neat couple. Eric and I already love them so much and pray that they will continue to grow. We know that God is going to use them to help grow the church in Vila. It’s exciting.

Wednesday, May 10th – Cindy and I went and got her hair cut this morning. Kaela and I sat outside by the water and she played in the sand/rocks/shells.

I had a Bible study with Leikavei this afternoon. Eric, Cindy and Kaela dropped my off at the Bible study and then headed into town to see what they could get accomplished about buying the Baker’s truck. When they came back to get me an hour later, they hadn’t been able to accomplish anything. (That’s pretty typical in Vanuatu – but we are trying to learn to live with it.) So, we went back to the bank and the car dealership, but still couldn’t get anything worked out. It’ll have to be taken care of tomorrow.

The Bible study with Leikavei did go well. We studied the church. She seemed to really understand it. I pray that she continues to go back over the studies we’ve done and that she’ll ask questions and continue coming to worship while we’re gone. She is a neat lady, and I pray that one day soon she will obey the gospel.

I spent much of the afternoon working on getting things organized in the suitcases. We go tomorrow and it doesn’t seem possible! We are so excited to see our family, friends and supporters. We are looking forward to a nice trip.

We went down to the park this evening for our mid-week fellowship. Shem, Rose, Ure, Moses, Seselo, me, Cindy, Selena, Patrick, and Leisava were there. Gomon came after work and Eric came after a study out in Mele Maat. It was a good group and we talked for a couple of hours. It was nice to visit with everyone. I know that I will miss everyone while we’re gone, but I’m still excited about going back to the States for a little while.