Through the two weeks we were able to renovate the toilet block, pour concrete connecting pathways between the buildings, complete the new classroom, including a new computer class room, build all new furnishings for the 72 students in the new building and complete more drainage and fresh water supply for the school.  Extra to this, we began further extension to our staff accommodation, which is currently being completed by Jon and his team.
 
Despite the very late arrival of our shipping container loaded with building materials, the team never missed a beat. It was truly remarkable that everything was completed, given that our materials arrived weeks behind schedule, five days after the team arrived!

The New Vine team provided financial support for our group of local workers to join the team. What a joy to see them learning to use power tools, assist with making all the desks and stools, painting, roofing, fitting wall panels. They enjoyed working side by side with the team. People in Vanuatu are always astonished at the incredible pace of our constructions. These are major constructions and everyone works very hard to get it done. The Christian fellowship is also a joy. On this trip we had team members from five different churches. They worked and fellowshipped as one.
 

 
During this time of intense work, we were dealing with Pastor Am Tuprik’s condition. Our dear brother (our daughter in law, Abi’s Dad) suffered a major stroke in Tanna, leaving him in a very serious condition, with multiple complications and with very inadequate medical care. We praise God that he was able to be medi-vac transported to Port Vila, where he was able to get specialist care.
 
People gave very generously to help with the large costs of this whole process. We are so thankful. We were able to put Pastor Am in a private room at Port Vila Hospital for 2 weeks, until he was safely through the most serious period of his recovery.
 
Medical services are very minimal, even in Port Vila, but we had on our building team a great brother who works with stroke victims in Newcastle. What a provision! He was able to train Pastor Am’s sons, Toaba, Jon and Daniel on correct massage and care for their Dad. Pastor Am is very happy, very thankful for all that has been done. Although he has a long way to go, we are confident of a good recovery. He and Helen (his wife) are staying in the new house at the Vila school. We have relocated the whole family to Port Vila.
 
Vanuatu is a place where stories of victory run parallel with stories of great challenge and need. Our school in Vila is thriving. Some others of our six schools are struggling, especially with community strife which impacts our efforts to provide spiritual discipleship and education to the children. Especially on Tanna Island, land disputes between families and villages frequently interrupt our staff and divide the communities. These disputes get very serious and have spilled over into violent actions. In a recent dispute at North Tanna, 25 youths attacked at our school, in revenge against one of our staff members whose brothers had burned some houses in a dispute. Situations like that are very difficult and are unfortunately escalating. We are aware that the total darkness and bondage that these people live under, is the very reason that we are there! But it is not easy. Please pray for our staff. Please pray for us, that God will give us wisdom. Helen and I spent 2 days at Tanna last week and have a clear understanding of the complex issues.
 
We look back at the past month with great joy at what God has done and in deep gratitude for the people who have given and the people who have gone to Vanuatu to work with us. We try to always comprehend the depth and height and breadth and length of our Father’s love, and not stress about the size of the task! We have never been more supported, honoured and trusted. The reward has your name on it in eternity. (Phil 4:17)
 
To see the joy of our students is like a farmer looking over a ready harvest. Seeing the new buildings fill with happy children and listening to the singing at the daily devotions fills us with that joy of knowing “we shall reap, if we faint not.” It is one of my most treasured blessings, to witness God at work in the lives of these lovely young people.
 
I want to acknowledge the fact that families sent out husbands and fathers to work with us. Dear brother Jim Beckwith, who begins the task of getting teams together many months ahead, leads the team with such a beautiful servant’s heart. Words are not enough, Jim! Our son Jon and our daughter-in law Abi are so deeply dedicated to the ministry in Vanuatu and work tirelessly with the teams. We praise God for them. Some members of the latest team have been to Vanuatu multiple times. Ian Edwards has been five times. Others have been several times. The dear family from Newcastle who came to support the needs of the team throughout the whole project, well done dear friends! We acknowledge and honour all who came and offered themselves to the Lord for His service.  As we also thank the families that sent them!
 
And those amazing donors! Our last shipment included over $20,000 of classroom supplies and computers from one donor. We sent new uniforms and supplies donated from friends in Orange, NSW. We sent new library shelves and will soon finally be able to set up an outstanding library at the Vila school. Once again the provision of building and electrical materials was exceptional. In all, well over $50,000 of materials and supplies were sent, plus the finances for all the Vanuatu costs of materials, concreting, plumbing, paints, desks, water systems, septic systems etc. Everything has been paid for. Over $100,000 of projects, have been completed in Port Vila in the past 3 months. What a shining light! What a testimony to the blessing of God and His wonderful people!
 
Much love to you all.
 
Steve.