Learning in Our New Classroom

Our first SPNTC class of 2020 was taught by Rev. Gideon in the new classroom! Three newly enrolled students and four continuing students met for three hours each evening during the first two weeks of March to learn about Johannine Literature - the Gospel of John, the letters of John and the Revelation. We are very thankful for this dedicated space for our pastoral training courses to take place. We are looking forward to setting up the library, computers, and teacher resources to increase learning opportunities for both the teachers and the students.

The SPNTC Board of Trustees Meeting Comes to Vanuatu!

(L to R): Rev. Pau'u, Principal of Fiji Campus; Rev. Leilani, Chancellor; Joani, Field Financial Coordinator; Inise, Fiji lay delegate; Selina, Pau'u's lovely wife; and Rev. Ulisese, Principal of Samoa Campus

You may wonder who would ever get excited about a board of trustees meeting!! WE DO!! We really enjoy getting to be with the other leaders that make up this four-nation Bible college. It only happens annually, unless we happen to have a regional conference, then we might see some of them twice in a year! We have been attending these annual meetings for many years and have come to love and admire the people who make up this board. 

Samoa and Fiji campuses have hosted all the meetings for the last 10+ years, but at the 2019 meeting, Vanuatu leaders agreed to see if we could work out all the details of accommodations, meals, transportation, hosting, and venue for the group of approximately 20 people to meet in Port Vila for the meeting of February 3-4, 2020. With the help of a small committee of our Vanuatu pastors, plans were set in place for all the details and preparations were made. And together, WE did it!

L to R: Rev. Gideon (Welcome and Farewell Coordinator); Rev. Meriam (Guest Reception Coordinator); and Pastor Seul (Transportation Coordinator). Not pictured: Pastor Raela (Venue Preparation Coordinator); Pastor Anthona and wife Emmie (Meal planner and cooks).

None of us had predicted that COVID-19 was going to take hold in many countries at the very time when we planned to gather. Our own airport in Port Vila began to institute strict health precautions the very day that our first delegate from Solomon Islands arrived. Each passenger was screened by medical personnel as they arrived at the airport. A few days later, the Fiji delegates were delayed for hours because they found out at their airport that they needed a health certificate in hand before they were allowed to board the plane. The principal from Samoa departed from his airport and was detained in Fiji because he was required to get a medical certificate after landing in Fiji, and arrived a day late to Vanuatu. By the first day of the meeting, all the board members finally arrived!

Those that arrived on Saturday, were taken to various Nazarene Churches in Port Vila on Sunday morning to share the message and be hosted for a meal with one of our congregations.

Rev. Leilani shared the sermon with the Bellevue Park Nazarene Church and Sylvia translated to Bislama.

We were pleased that our small SPNTC classroom was sufficiently completed and large enough to seat everyone around the tables. It turned out to be the hottest days we had experienced in months! With Rev. Kafoa Muaror, Field Strategy Coordinator and Chairman of the board, the agenda was completed in just 1 1/2 days.

We were glad that Rev. Bruce Allder, Asia Pacific Regional Educational Coordinator, was able to join us from Australia.

Alice, first on the left side of the table, was elected by the Vanuatu SPNTC board to be the lay delegate this year for Vanuatu. Alice is a student in SPNTC-VU and a faithful member of the Malapoa Nazarene Church.

Most of the Board of Trustees: Back row: Inise (Fiji), Rev. Pau'u and Selina (Fiji), Rev. Dolasi (Solomon Islands), David (Vanuatu), Rev. Ulisese (Samoa); Front row: Sylvia (Vanuatu), Rev. Leilani (Chancellor, Fiji), Alice (Vanuatu), Mary Esther (lay delegate, Solomon Islands). Missing from the picture: Rev. Kafoa Muaror (PNG), Rev. Bruce Allder (Australia), and Rev. Peter (Vanuatu D.S.).

After the meeting was finished, there were a few hours for the board members to visit Port Vila downtown and do a bit of shopping before the final meal together. That evening, we had an amazing farewell with the Vanuatu teachers and students serving the meal followed by a beautiful program of giving gifts and songs. 

 The success of the meetings was celebrated with ice cream - four different flavors, because that's how David Potter celebrates! Needless, to say, there was none left over.

 One of the things we loved about this board of trustees meeting is the connections that were made and the friendships that were formed as the members of the board worked together for the best Bible college possible and as the members from the various nations got acquainted with the Nazarenes of Vanuatu!

Inise (FJ) and Mary Esther (SI) with their new friends, feeling like the time was altogether too short!

First SPNTC Class Taught on Aniwa Island

Left to right: Natu, Serah, Pastor Morsen, Pastor Sera, Ken, and Pastor Keithly

Eight students from three locations joined together on a southern island of Vanuatu called Aniwa. Pastor Gideon flew south from Port Vila to teach the first SPNTC class at Rena Memorial Nazarene Church located in Ikaokao village. Four of the students were from Aniwa, three were from Tanna Island, and one student (Pastor Keithly Rena) flew from Port Vila. Pastor Keithly had missed the class earlier in the year, and needed the class in order to graduate this coming October. So, he made his way to his home village on his home island to take Evangelism and Church Growth.

Pastor Gideon is gifted as an evangelist and loves teaching this course! One of the activities he had planned was for the students to share the gospel with another person outside of the class. When they were ready to do this activity, the students told him they were afraid. So, he prayed for them and then sent them all out. 

Ken and Pastor Keithly share the gospel with Tony.

Ikaokao village has been the home of a prominent cargo cult for many years - the John Frum cult. Pastor Keithly's father was part of this cult, but before he died, he came to know Rev. Peter Isaac who introduced him to Jesus, the hope of eternal life. Then his father invited the Nazarene Church to come to his village. (For a previous blog telling more of the story, click here.)

When Pastor Gideon sent the students out to find someone to share the Gospel with, he headed to some of his relatives who are followers of John Frum. He shared the message of real hope with this family.

Pastor Gideon's relatives who heard the Good News about Jesus

Besides learning how to share the Gospel, the students learned how to share their personal testimonies of how they came to faith in Christ,  the characteristics of a healthy church, and how to make a difference for Christ in their own communities. Pastor Gideon and his students prepared to hold an outreach event on Saturday and Sunday evenings in Ikaokao village. Students took part by sharing their testimonies, leading the worship and music, and preaching.  The event went well with over 100 in attendance each night and 33 people seeking the Lord at the altar.  

Tony became a believer and follower of Jesus!

God is making a difference in the lives of people in a remote village on a tiny island in the South Pacific, but also in the lives of our pastors and leaders who are eager for the Bible College training that is being offered this year on Tanna and Aniwa islands. Please pray for the hope of the gospel to reach more and more people, bringing transformation to their lives and also to their communities. 

A special fund made this teaching opportunity possible. You can partner with us in making a difference in the lives of our pastors and the communities where they serve by contributing to the travel expenses involved in taking SPNTC classes to the islands by clicking here.

2009 trip to Aniwa with Dr. Becky Morsch, Rev. Peter Isaac, 2 Nazarene Fijian pastors, and Pastor Keithly (far left).

These last few months...

"How do you eat an elephant?...

"One small bite at a time!" answered Linda on that first day of class and then added, "And, that's how we're going to learn English! One bite at a time." 

Jim and Linda Dortch from Texas came to Vanuatu near the end of January to teach English. They have done this in other parts of the world, and also conduct English as a Second Language programs in their home church. They are experts at what they do, and we are so honored that they committed to come help our pastors and church leaders. 

They taught two 3-week sessions of English composition as well as two one-week free sessions for anyone who wanted to improve their English speaking skills all in the space of 8 weeks!  They made class fun for their students!

The pastors and church leaders that attended their class came from a variety of educational backgrounds. Some had attended primary school in English and some in French school. One had completed a university degree, while others had completed only the 6th grade. 

By the end of the second course, the students were able to write an academic essay in English using the grammar skills that they had learned. But more significant than that, beautiful, eternal relationships were established between these two brave, loving, energetic Texans and their new friends in Vanuatu!

Jim and Linda with their class signing "I love you!"

Pastor John Nato

After Jim and Linda left, we continued the training we began last year of helping our SPNTC graduates to teach the Bible college courses.  Two of our graduates from SPNTC* are doing an outstanding job of teaching the pastoral course of study! It’s always more work to help someone else do something than to just do it yourself. But, we are finding it a great joy to spend time with Pastor Gideon and Pastor John preparing for the courses. We learn so much from each other! 

Pastor Gideon Sam

The first week of May, Pastor Gideon traveled to Tanna Island, where there is one organized Nazarene Church and several preaching points, to teach the first extension course for SPNTC. He planned for 10 students but 14 showed up and 2 were from the island to the east, Aniwa! He is preparing to teach another course in August this time on Aniwa. Please pray for good weather and quiet seas so the students from Tanna can travel over to Aniwa.

From Pioneer Area to Phase One District

LOOKING BACK!

With great excitement, Nazarenes from five congregations in Port Vila gathered at a rented municipal hall in November 2007 to celebrate what we thought was our first District Assembly.  We were joined by Rev. Jesse Middendorf, the General Superintendent in jurisdiction over the Asia Pacific region at that time, Rev. Verne Ward, the Asia Pacific regional director, Rev. James Johnson, the Field Strategy Coordinator for South Pacific Field, and their three wives.  The Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu had 17 members at the time and two organized churches and three preaching points.  It was a grand celebration with special music presented by the various congregations, a big meal together, and our hearts were encouraged to continue moving forward.  We weren't really a district yet.  We were a Pioneer Area.  We had some growing to do!

L to R: Rev. Verne Ward, Jr., Rev. James Johnson, Rev. David Potter, Rev. Dr. Jesse Middendorf.

Mary Tasso and Pastor Meriam Naunga prepared the food for our meal together.

Rev. Peter Isaac joined the Tebakor and Fres Wota congregations in a special song.

NOVEMBER 2016

On Saturday, November 26, 2016, the Churches of the Nazarene in Vanuatu met together for their 10th annual assembly this time on the district land located at Erakor.  It would be our last time to gather as a "Pioneer Area."  A large canvas tent had been rented for the occassion and the local congregation had worked hard to construct a beautiful corrugated tin church for some of the activities.  For the weeks leading up to the assembly, work crews showed up almost daily to build a toilet facility and to lift up every valley, make every high place low, and the rough places smooth.

A two-stall toilet block being constructed at the district property.

Working together to level the land for the large tent.

The assembly began on Thursday night with all the churches meeting in the newly constructed Erakor Central Nazarene Church - the seventh Nazarene Church to organize in Vanuatu.  

Ladies like the two pictured below decorated the inside of the church with beautiful blue and white fabric and gorgeous flowers.  This is Pastor Meriam on the left with her daughter Ronah who had just returned from university studies in Fiji.

All five Port Vila Nazarene churches were represented along with members from the church on Aniwa Island and Tanna Island.  Yes!  The Nazarene Church in Vanuatu has grown!  This year there are 179 members attending seven organized Nazarene churches on three islands with four congregations who are not yet organized as well as four other locations where people are receiving the Word of God!  Praise the Lord!

Music has been an important part of our gatherings since the beginning!  After the preaching on Thursday night, each of the congregations were given time to share the special music or dramas that they had prepared.  In the picture below, the children and pastors of Black Sand Nazarene Church shared Bible verses that they had learned and what each verse meant.

The District Assembly began Saturday morning, November 26th.  The ladies helped to make the tent that was rented from the government disaster office look as beautiful as possible.  It was exciting to see not only adults arriving for the assembly, but lots of young people and children too!  

Our Field Strategy Coordinator, Rev. Harmon Schmelzenbach and his wife, Cindy, were able to be with us.

District Superintendent, Rev. Peter Isaac led the assembly with great enthusiasm!

Harmon shared lots of encouragement and Peter translated.

During the breaks, there were opportunities to fellowship together.  

Pastor Timothy and Pastors Gideon and Aline from the Prima Nazarene Church.

Pastor Letin from Black Sand Nazarene and Pastor Meriam from Malapoa Nazarene Church.

Bennett Isaac and Malapoa Nazarene Sunday School teacher, Christopher.

District assembly means LOTS of reports!  There are also new district leaders to be elected and district ministers' licenses to be given.

Pictured above, the nine pastors who received a district minister's license for this next year.  There are also nine locally licensed pastors.  The number of women who are feeling God's call to be pastors is growing.

Before the assembly closed at the end of the day, the pastors had prepared a special drama showing the Light of the gospel being shared first by the missionary and then by each new person that received the Light.

At a strategic point in the drama, Harmon stepped forward to declare that the Church of the Nazarene is officially a Phase One District!  This was met by enthusiastic cheers from the congregation!

The pastors who had performed the drama then shared a specially written song for the occasion expressing their joy in this important historical moment.

The next day, Sunday, all the churches gathered again at the tent to worship together and to celebrate the graduation of Pastor John Nato from South Pacific Nazarene Theological College.  

As principal of SPNTC, David had a few words to share.

Pastor Anthona led a student choir.

Pastor John shared his testimony.

For the first time in his life, Pastor John has completed an educational program - the Pastor's Course of Study - and earned a Certificate in Ministry.  When he was in grade school, the family had no more money to pay his school fees.  So he dropped out of school.  This was a very proud day for him and his entire family as he was recognized for this huge achievement.

One of the traditions in Vanuatu is to hang a flower ring or a long piece of cloth around the neck of someone you want to honor and to douse them in baby powder.  John stands nearly covered in "honor!"  His mother and father stand beside him, as well as his sisters and their children.  Pastors Seul and Letin (right) have co-pastored with John at Black Sand Nazarene Church for the last 2 years.

Following the graduation we all shared a special meal together.  The graduate was seated at a table with his father and missionary leaders.  Even though the day was very warm and humid, he refused to take off his graduation gown.  This was a special day like none he had ever experienced before, and it seemed he wanted it to go on for as long as possible!

One of the Erakor Nazarene Church members is a chef.  He is also a gifted food artist.  When he saw the preparations being made Sunday morning for the meal, he went to work carving some papayas to decorate the head table!  What a blessing!

These are exciting days for the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu, but we anticipate the coming days to be filled with even greater things!  The Vanuatu District wants to move to Phase Two in just one year!  What does that mean in specifics?  It means that there will need to be more than twice the members as this year, the number of organized churches should at least double, and we will need to be ready to ordain 10 pastors as elders!  That is a very ambitious goal, but the pastors and Christians were eager to work together to do their best to reach it.  Please partner with us in prayer to see these incredible goals realized.  Pray that as we grow in numbers, we will grow stronger in our faith, deeper in our relationship with Christ, and more like him in his love.

"I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

let your glory be over all the earth."

Psalm 57:9-11