One of the big problems that we have noticed since we first came to Vanuatu is inadequate housing for the many people who come from the outer islands in search of work in Port Vila. Generally, they have very little if any money to pay rent for an apartment. Oftentimes they have family members living here who are obligated culturally to open their small accommodations to these relatives. There is not enough work in Vila for all the people who come in search of it. So, these folks tend to overstay their welcome simply because they don't have any other options.
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| Pastor Gideon |
A couple years ago, Pastor Gideon started a church in the village of his wife's family. They are from the island of Tanna and do not have any land of their own here in Port Vila. At first they were staying at an abandoned pig farm. The owner of the land gave them permission to remain and build their temporary homes on the land. Gideon's father-in-law is the chief of the village and he gave Gideon a piece of land to put up a church shelter. The Prima church has grown slowly but steadily.
Within the last 6 months, a village from several kilometers away, was kicked-off the land where they were living and asked if they could move into Prima. So, there has been a huge influx of people into Prima village. Now the village is very over-crowded. There are young men who are causing trouble because of their drinking and drug abuse. Threats are being made against the church and the pastor.
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| Aline and John |
"Jesus said, "I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life."
John 7:12, NIV
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