Category: Joy Bible Institute

Seven dedicated young men and women graduated from JBI on Sunday afternoon, November 1. We are told it was a beautiful day and a wonderful service with hundreds in attendance. We certainly wish we could have been there. We were so glad that Jerry Jacob, our Oceania Director, flew to Vanuatu to be the graduation speaker this year.

From left to right: Clovis, hidden behind him is Alick, Rinett, Ronett, Jill, Flora and Jack.

Please pray for each one as they return to their home islands to minister or go elsewhere. One young woman is already headed to a southern island for evangelism. We believe that this is the first time JBI has graduated four women in the same class.

In another month, four young women and three men will graduate from JBI.  I believe that this is the first time JBI has had four women in a graduating class! All the young ladies are single and have been involved in children’s and youth ministries while at school. They represent the islands of Efate, Ifira and Pentecost. The three men in the photo are from the islands of Epi, Malekula and Santo. Pastor Jack, pictured in the middle, already pastors a church on the northern island of Malekula. Please pray for each graduate as they finish their studies and go back into full-time service across the country of Vanuatu.

All term we have been trying to find a time when all the teachers were available and the weather would cooperate for our official school photo. It was high noon today but we found a shady spot in front of the chapel to pose. As we gathered in front of the Joy Memorial Chapel, I could not help but remember that 30 years ago we were mourning my mother’s passing and that today would have been her 71st birthday! I am so glad to be back in Vanuatu!

Joy Bible Institute runs on a very limited budget. Any cash income pays the important monthly bills of electricity, water and local salaried staff. The school cafeteria functions “by faith” and depends on offerings or produce given by local churches. There are times when the cupboards are bare and this school year has been one of them. Today we were so blessed to be visited by ladies from several Women’s Ministries (WM) groups who came to the school with garden produce, groceries and a cash offering. A short service was followed by refreshments with JBI students serving our guests.

Front row (left to right): J. Gary Ellison, Lori Ellison, Robert Laumai, Edgell Iolopua, Philip Naias, Kay Rudd, Joshua Beraki.

Second row: First year and Third year students

Last row: Second year students