Day: February 22, 2009

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.

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.