PDF Pirini Ponders - April 2019
Greetings family and friends from the not so Hapi Isles.
You will recall from our last newsletter elections were very much the topic of conversation, particularly the announcement of the new Prime Minister and the repercussions that would follow dependant on outcome of the appointment. Last Wednesday 24th April we experienced rioting and unrest. Thankfully the RSIPF were prepared and able to prevent any major disturbance from impacting on the streets of Honiara. 2 nights of curfew and a liquor ban enforced saw minimal damage was caused. The SWIM base is located on the outskirts of town, so we felt safe and stayed put for a few days. At this time all is back to normal, however this could all change after May 2nd High Court decisions disputing the legality of the election process.
During all the excitement we were fortunate to host 2 returning teams working on various projects on outer Islands. Bethlehem College from our hometown Tauranga continue to do great work out a Su’u school in Malaita. They completed a girl’s shower block enabling the students to shower in private, and a fully functioning toilet block something they have not had in 15years! This is something I’m sure you, like us, cannot comprehend. The teachers reported, tears from the students when they saw water coming from the enclosed shower block.
At the same time a team of 33 CRCA church volunteers from Sydney, Tasmania and Perth were continuing to serve the community of Katova. They are building a High School for the Katova District located in Isabel Province. This project consists of building 50 buildings including classrooms, dormitories, kitchens, administration facilities and staff housing. It’s a massive project but over 400 kids will get the chance to go to high school. They were also able to minister to children and families through a children’s programme. They made great progress and we look forward to possibly seeing some of them again later in the year.
We are very proud of the way our SWIM staff and family have continued to work diligently over the last few weeks during the election process and riots. They didn’t hesitate to take on an extra workload when the base was at full capacity hosting 3 teams at short notice due to a logistical hiccup with Katova team having an unplanned sleep over.
We have continued to serve our neighbouring community in building projects at the local church and school and look forward to starting on repairs and maintenance at the Honiara Hospital School once our container of supplies from Australia arrives. This will involve a new toilet and ramp for the children in hospital and visiting family. Funds raised to complete this project have been raised by the CRCA Cadets and GEMS. Our thanks and appreciation to these children for their generosity in helping the children in the Solomon Islands.
We are also working with the Community Based Rehabilitation programme building and installing disability toilets in communities where disabled have no access to toilet facilities. More on this in the next newsletter.
We mentioned last newsletter Ron had been and visited a village to look at potential projects we can get involved with. This is looking to happen in October this year. We have interest from a small team based in Nelson NZ. Any other small church groups that are considering a mission trip this year and sounds of interest please let me know and I can send you more details. Ideally a building or trade background would be great, but God loves a willing heart to serve and can use you I’m sure in whatever capacity that maybe.
We look forward to a break to catch up with the family and friends in NZ during the first few weeks in June. It is a very hectic time trying to catch up with everyone, especially working around your work commitments, so we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. If we miss you, know we are only an email or messenger away and feel free to contact us anytime.
All our love and Gods blessings to you all
Ron and Tanya
Prayer support
1. For SWIM base and staff as we face uncertainties and possible continued unrest through the election time
2. For our families at home, for good health and safety in their daily activities
3. For the CRCA church, the board and the committees that meet to determine the future direction of the SWIM base and mission in general based on a recent review
4. For safety and protection over our travels as we return to NZ for a refreshing break
