eNews

 Greetings again from Solomon Islands

Amidst all the things that we have experienced, most things are starting to get back to normal and we are happy to share with you some of the good things that God continues to do in and through us here.

• The Police have been extremely hardworking on the cases, and about 50 people have been arrested for the spate of crimes of which ours was one. There were about 12 or so similar crimes over a space of about 4 weeks. Regrettably, very little of our property has been recovered, but we are thankful for the quick supply of 2 new computers.
• Frank and Janet (who served with us here before) were sent by our Mission board, and they spent a week or so, working through various issues with us here, including evaluating security measures. Their coming was timely and appreciated.
• The SWIM Team from Samasodu arrived back and duly returned to Australia (minus a lot of passports), but with a great task well accomplished. The Clinic is 95% complete, and some great health and ministry programs were run.  Thanks to the Team, and to the Lord.
• The SWIM Team from Brisbane also returned back a little earlier, with a wonderful literacy program completed in Guadalcanal bush.
• Another SWIM Team arrived from Victoria, and are currently here, assisting with the building of the hospital school. They are from Lillydale Baptist, and they also organised a whole container load of charitable goods for us to distribute.
• Jaap Den Otter (Qld) and Siete & Leny Woldhuis (NSW) are with us too, assisting Jack with upgrading and building some projects on the base. These additional helps are a great blessing to us.
• We have been able to provide a lot of materials to the Hospital and to other needy people, especially things like crutches, wheelchairs and other medical equipment.
• Emmaus Christian School (Honiara) recently benefited from 120 school desks and Chuchulu Primary school (Western Province) received about 60 desks.
• Next week, Machi will be off for another Sunday School Training workshop in Isabel province. Please pray for her as she travels there with a friend.
• Politically, there are still many concerns being expressed here, and things are still in a fragile state. Please continue to pray for the nation and its leaders.

We are thankful that God continues to bless us, even in times of hardship and uncertainty. We are assured by the fact that He is still in control, and that all our lives are secure in his hands. We have been and continue to be blessed by the many expressions of support and prayers that people have shared with us, even from almost unknown quarters. We are so well reminded by these that God’s family is a truly remarkable family to be part of. God bless you all.  

The Rietvelds & the Vissers