On 13 March last year our Church raised money by canoeing on the Hawkesbury River and then a carwash by WAVES 24 February this year. This money went to Anglican Aid’s appeal for providing water to people in 3rd world countries.
During my recent trip to Fiji I went to the third largest island in Fiji, Taveuni. Rev Joseph Swamy is the Indian Division Minster for the island. I have known Joseph for past 15 years (since he was 14yrs old) and encouraged him to grow as a Christian. He has been assisting with the Yr13 Missions to Fiji. He has been to our Church and stayed here with my family.
Joseph went to Taveuni after graduating from the Methodist Theological College in Suva. He arrived 2 weeks before Cyclone Winston. Anglican Aid has since been providing funds to Joseph to help in the recovery from the cyclone.
The southern part of the island was severely damaged. Rebuilding is very slowly happening due to a shortage of materials. Most houses in the south have partially repaired roofs but no guttering or water tanks. A drought since the cyclone has dried up the streams. The people were desperate for water to live. Anglican Aid gave money late last year for the purchase of water tanks. Joseph organized for these tanks to be placed at strategic houses so people would come and get water. The Government on the island agreed to keep filling with water tankers. Six water tanks were purchased and put in place.
During my recent trip I saw these water tanks and the tremendous appreciation of the people. These tanks are their only source of drinking and cooking water. For washing themselves or clothes they have to go to the ocean. Their day to day living is dependent on water from these tanks that money we raised has provided.
A recent outreach meeting was held at one of the houses with a water tank. About thirty families attended. Ten families committed themselves to Christ.
Ten more families were interested. A new church was established at this house with between 30 to 40 people attending each Sunday. Similar outreach is planned in the future with the other tank locations.
Joseph has requested another four tanks to help meet the needs of the people. This will cost about F$,5000.
Pray:
Give thanks to God for the resources he has given us. That our giving to this need continues to bring glory to God. That more tanks will be provided. Thanks God for the people who have responded and that they will grow in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus. Pray that more people will respond during the Yr13 Mission in June.
Your Pastor Wayne