There is an inner logic to idolatry, but there is also a deep addiction to the domestication of God by the human heart. Those addictions can only be broken by the power of the Holy Spirit.
When the lights go on!
Fiji has had more than its share of power-outs in recent months. There is a flicker of warning, a dimming and then a sudden progression to black. Equally as dramatic is the power's return, lights declare their renewed importance; microwaves, phones and computers declare their joy with a hum and beep. Our work in the prison with men and women has many parallels to this simple illustration.
SOSF Class 34
This group of men completing the StepOut-StepFree journey are known for their youthful enthusiasm. What an tremendous experience it has been in leading these 18 young lives.
We shared with you an early invitation to pray for these men and how necessary and powerful that has been. These men have stayed the course and opened their lives and hearts to new understanding.
Healing Trauma in Naseibitu
Dear God...
The StepOut-StepFree class in Nasinu Prison (Class 34) have journeyed through a wonderful first week. Eighteen young men together in one classroom facing the challenges presented by the lives they have lived so far.
The last session of our first week was 'Writing Your Lament to God'. A powerful session in the permission that it gives to inmates to be real, raw and open, with themselves and God.
TC Winston Activity Update - 31 March
In the 6 weeks since TC Winston blew its devastating path through Fiji the Operation Foundation team have been engaged in relief efforts. This has been made possible by both the willingness of the team to lend more than a helping hand and by the willingness of so many of our ministry partners to financially support our efforts.
To the end of March some $16,478.00 FJD was received. We have been inspired by the willingness of so many to contribute to the restoration of Fiji. What has been a real delight is the willingness of local ministry partners contribute to Operation Foundation's efforts. The graph below shows the breakdown of support received. The support has continues to come in and we are grateful for the sacrifice and generosity of so many.
Relief Funds Received to 31 March
To the end of March the team had visited 12 villages and settlements providing emergency relief and aid. Over a thousand people were impacted by these visits and distributions across 3 islands, Viti Levu (the main island), Vanua Levu (the northern island), Taveuni (the garden island).
Additionally the team have prepared and conducted a Healing Trauma workshop to affected people from Koro Island. These survivors experienced some of the worst devastation and loss of life and property and were relocated to Suva. Other workshops and trainings have been scheduled for the months ahead.
To the end of March some $4720 FJD has been expended in initial emergency relief and aid and more distributions of assistance are in planning.
Distribution of Relief Funds to 31 March
In the last week Fiji has again suffered at the extremes of nature with significant rainfall resulting in flooding. Emergency centres have been rehousing affected people and a new cyclone, TC Zena formed and threatened as a category 3 before miraculously breaking apart and suddenly moving away.
Our efforts are now in revisiting these 12 villages and communities and assisting in the re-establishing of livelihood and providing materials for shelter. The Healing Trauma workshops are gaining momentum and necessary as a step in helping people rebuild lives.
Our constructive step over the next months will be in the partnership with 'Tekivu Tale - Rebuild Fiji'. This movement spearheaded by Pst Mark Wilson has given a commitment to rebuild 30 homes and we are pleased to be playing our part in this effort.