Toongabbie Anglican Church Blog

Current Mission Activities You’ve got V-mail

You’ve got V-mail

Tuesday 4 July, 2006 · Posted by Ben Atwood

Despite being in the relatively-inaccessible wilds of Vanuatu, Jungle Joel Atwood and the eight other members of the Credo short-term mission team have sent back their first electronic communication via ‘V-mail’.

Some highlights:

“Already we’ve had lots of opportunities to talk to the Ni-Vanuatu, and we have been encouraged by their positive response. So far, we have put on dramas and songs in the markets, and we did a performance for the kids in a local primary school. The school show was a great success, with four hundred kids captivated by a combination of music, puppets, magic tricks, prayer, and a Bible talk.”

“We are learning to appreciate a new culture. A culture that includes lots of silence, men holding hands, men and women being separated, women sitting on the floor while men sit on chairs, ‘island time,’ driving on the wrong side of the road in the back of a ute, fresh coconut juice and being able to buy a whole bag of passionfruit for a dollar. And yes, we are eating bananas!”

“We’ve had a few obstacles and disappointments as well. Our first planned activity, a Sunday School workshop, was very poorly-attended…in fact, no-one came. However, it was a great time to spend together and to prepare for our other ministries this week. We’re enjoying our island experience which is quite different to life as a tourist. We are being refreshed by cold showers!”

Praise God that Joel and the team arrived safely in Vanuatu, and for His provision for the team members as they are challenged and stretched through their experiences of ministry in a different culture. Please keep praying for them as they minister to the Ni-Vanuatu over the next three weeks - for not just their health and safety, but also for God to be working through them during their time overseas.

Anyone who wishes to receive copies of the V-mails as they come through are welcome to send an e-mail to Ben Atwood; otherwise, watch this space for updates!