We received the follow email from Bruce Edwards, head of Church of Christ missions in Fiji, in early March.
"Hi again Jeff,
Here's the news, photos and prayer points.
A while ago now (I was waiting for photos), but a good news story. On Christmas Day, three groups (Sigatoka, Lomowai & Nabitu - where Munesh has been going to provide Hindi preaching for his Korean friend, Pastor Lim) joined together for a combined celebration service. They arranged transport and set up a temporary shelter erected in the grounds of the Blue Paradise Hotel at Korotogo and around 40 people gathered to celebrate the birth of Jesus together.
A few weeks ago, a 23 year old woman died during childbirth. She was the neighbour of one of the Sigatoka church members, and also a believer, though her husband was more nominal, holding on to aspects of his Hindu heritage, whilst also embracing some Christian beliefs. Through the neighbour, Muneshwar was asked to conduct the funeral and was able to share the love of God with the congregation in a special way at such a tragic time. Since then, he has had opportunity to spend time with the young widower, and also a neighbouring family, who expressed interest in knowing more about Christ. Last week they asked him to come and help them remove the idols from their home and destroy them, as they now want to follow Jesus. He is currently doing some Bible studies with them on baptism.
Please pray for Muneshwar as he continues to minister to these families, and others in the local area who are showing interest in Christian faith in the wake of these events. Pray also for the young man who is now raising 2 children, including a newborn, alone. Pray also for the mother of the young woman who died, who has rejected her new grand-daughter, blaming her for the death.
Also, some resources have been provided, through supporters of Pastor Lim, the Korean missionary, for a simple shelter to be erected at Lomowai for church services. The Lomowai church members are cutting bamboo for the frame, and the money, along with some they have saved themselves, will be used to purchase corrugated iron for the roof. One of the local families has made a section of land available.
The plan is that once the structure is up, it will become the primary meeting place for the church, with people from Sigatoka travelling out to Lomowai on Sunday mornings, which will resolve the long running question of where the church meets for worship; so that is a praise point.
Please pass on our ongoing appreciation to the Rivergum church for their partnership in our ministry here in Fiji.
Bruce"
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