April 7, 2012. We are gaining momentum
Dear Friends of LATI
Providentially a door has been opened up to us with the challenge to open up a training school and clinic in a virtually unworked area of Santo - Middle Bush. The property offered to us has two houses on it and is very close to the road. There is water which can be used for hydro power and we have a hydraulic ram that we can install straight away. But our cheapest and most economic way of providing power would be with a hydro. The land is situated perhaps two hours from town if the weather is good, and sometimes impassable after rain because the rivers can't be crossed.
But it seems that God is opening the doors for us to go and we must go through. There is a great work to do there, both educationally, healthwise, and spiritually. It can accommodate a small airstrip so Dr Mark can land. The potential is great but we need workers to develop this place. It will be one of the last places in Santo to be developed but we need to go ahead and do it. The Lord never tells us to go backward. He always tells us to go forward.
One of our main needs is a good transport vehicle. It would have to be 4 x 4 or 6 x 6. An ex-army truck would be ideal. If they are available from army disposals it would be ideal as they are rugged and the road is rugged. This would facilitate communication and transport for goods.
Another good thing would be a coconut oil mill to produce bio fuel for vehicles. It's possible to produce fuel grade coconut oil and with the right press it could be done because there are plenty of coconuts in Big Bay Santo where the growers find it very expensive to deliver the copra to Luganville for sale, so we could help the village people as well in this way.
But we need help to do it. The fields are white for harvest but the labourers are few. Pray with us that we may go through this door before it closes.
As per our last newsletter, our tractor has arrived safely and is being put to good use, preparing ground for food crops to feed our students and to bring in income as well as a teaching tool. Also the municipality is grateful to us for being able to hire our tractor and clean up the roadsides - our community service. All these community services will be a blessing in the time of trouble, as people see our desire to help the community and not be a burden to it.
This year eleven new students have joined us, making a total of twenty-eight at present. The building boys are scheduled to commence the foundations of a house on a plantation this coming week - quite an undertaking as it's a complicated building for a white man. Several others have also enquired about having a house built.
Sanding the new fishing boat (left); New shaft and bearings successfully installed on the ship
The boat builders are hard at work on a fishing boat, 6 metres long - they are keen and energetic and spend their spare minutes working hard. The furniture makers are working on several orders this year - a set of table and chairs, some kitchen cupboards nearing completion, a bed, a large table, an office desk for the Finance Department and some wardrobe doors and wardrobes. Just yesterday we delivered 4 plant pots and four seats to enhance the Municipal Office in town. That was a rush job but we made it by the deadline. Several people have admired our spiral staircase and an order for one like it has been placed.
Our big 'new' bandsaw being delivered, a gift to the school (left); A computer table for a lucky customer - the screen sits behind the tambour shutter.
Our generator is again running sweetly and providing power for the 3 phase machinery. We've had a band saw and a large table saw placed at our disposal - the band saw is for keeps, at no cost, and the table saw is being housed and used until the owner decides what to do with it - both a big blessing!
The ship Vadkoro which our boat builders worked on have successfully fitted the new propellor shaft and it is running sweetly now, much to the Maritime Authority's joy - both he and the owner are glad to see it running well and so are we. There is a great need for facilities to both repair and build ships in this country. We are glad to have a small but important part in it, as shipping is the life of the country for transport.
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Shifting some of our large machines from Aore via the Aore barge (left); Nice to be able to lock the building now, and there's a verandah outside the office door.
The staff house is ready for its roof, as soon as the materials arrive. And there's a marked change in the attitude of the students as they come - to work and to spiritual things, to their behaviour and dress. It is pleasing to see that boys who have lived in the bush and used to a bush life are fitting in and getting used to a healthy way of life - washing their clothes, regular showers and clean toilet facilities, regular and hygienic meal preparation and mosquito nets.
Until next time, we thank you for your prayers and wish to thank those who have anonymously put money in our account - the latest amount being for $1090. We don't know who you are, but God sees your kindness and generosity and we pray His blessing upon you.
Some of the ladies at my sewing course, displaying some of the articles they made during the two weeks (left);S ewing classes were fun.
Thank you again to all who have helped so willingly in our times of need - God bless you all,
Alastair and Jill, Micah (Dean and Bible teacher), Moli (Building teacher), Ken (Office and records) Toko (Workshop Supervisor) Mawa (Machinist) Isaac (Agriculture Teacher)
March 21, 2012. An encouraging note. It is all beginning to bear fruit
The two students who went to Middle Bush Santo to refurbish the Clinic at Paparama have returned, as of yesterday.
They brought with them a few photos of what they've accomplished. The people in the villages round about want to have a re-opening, dedication some time in May, so Alastair will go too and just finish off a couple of plumbing jobs that the boys didn't manage. It's looking a bit different from former days.
Cheers for now,
Jill
