Combined Service

The Assemblies of God churches in each province meet several times a year for a combined Sunday afternoon worship service. The first one this year for Shefa province was held today at the Assembly of God church in Mele village. The church was packed and many people were sitting on the lawn outside the building. There is no problem hearing as island churches are very open and the Mele church building is still under construction and there are no windows or doors yet. The window sills were also used to seat people. Pastor Johnny Lava came from Tanna to preach and many choirs from around Efate island sang. This is always a good time to give literature and church materials to pastors working in remote areas. One pastor filled his briefcase with the new Pentecostal Evangel in Bislama for his church members – to get home he will have a 40 minute bus ride and then a 3 hour walk.

Pastor Waris of Mele Inside Mele church Overflow crowd outsideSitting in the windows and outside

Family Worship Center – Pango

Gary had the privilege of preaching this morning at Family Worship Center at Pango village. His text was Ephesians 4:7-16 as he challenged the church to understand that Christ gave a diversity of gifts to the Body of Christ to bring about the unity of the faith.

At the closing of the service all the new ministry leaders came forward to the altar to be prayed for.

After service everyone went outside for the baptism of two young ladies. Several JBI students, Jimmy, Manson, Keith and Cedric are involved in ministry at this church. Please continue to pray for Pastor Berry and the growth of the church in Pango.

Praying for ministry leaders Gary

Baptism at Pango Natalie

Back-to-School Picnic

The weather was perfect today for a picnic! The JBI students and faculty spent the day at Honeymoon Beach for a fun day of getting acquainted and welcoming the new freshmen class! A great day was was definitely had by all!

Lunch is served!Great food! 

Happy Birthday Robyn! Barbecue crew

The cook is cooling off! Having fun!

Nap time Volleyball

Fun Study time?

Spiritual Emphasis

The new school term at Joy Bible Institute started February 9th. It was so good to see upperclassmen return and the new Edgell, Steve, Garyfreshmen students arrive on campus. Students have shared many wonderful testimonies of ministry opportunities back home during their “summer” break – yes, it is summer, very hot and humid on this side of the Pacific Ocean! We rejoice with them as they are excited about being able to share Christ in their villages and islands.

This second week of school is our Spiritual Emphasis week and we were so happy to welcome Missionary Steve Slater from Fiji as our special speaker. It was a wonderful way to start off the school year!

Please pray for some of our students who have financial needs and several married students have left families back on home islands.