Some quick turn of events

We came to Vanuatu for these short months to not only learn Bislama and get some idea of the culture here in Vanuatu, but also for the guys to get a chance to trek throughout the islands to get a better idea of what is out there by way of ministry opportunities. God has been faithful to bring along local contacts willing and excited to show our team their native villages and islands so it was only a matter of time before we were able, logistically, to start these "survey trips".

It came to be that during the week that Houghton volunteered along side a medical team sent to Malekula (the first month we were here) that Houghton made a contact from the island of Ambrym.
The team felt that now was the best time to start getting some survey work done. Soon it will be getting a lot more hot and we are starting to enter the Malaria season as well. So to try and get some work done while the weather is a bit more tolerable...they set off on their first official survey trip TODAY.

They were hoping to fly to Ambrym tomorrow but when they went down to book tickets, they found out that the flight was full so they took the next route...off to Ambrym by BOAT. Hought is NOT a good "sailor" so we ask that you PLEASE PRAY for him as well as Brad and Jim as they have a LONG (about 15 hour) voyage by sea ahead of them. It was a bit nerve racking as we were planning to have one more evening as a family together before he headed off...and this was not the case so it all felt a little rushed...BUT God had it all worked about and they are now on their way.

Wanted to post this so you could all be aware and begin to be praying as they are gone this next week thru Tuesday the 28th. To think that they may actually step foot in the very village that God has predestined us to live in is an INCREDIBLE thought.

The point of this survey is to simply survey...they will NOT at this point be presenting any villages with the option of us coming in. We are only info gathering at this point.

As always: please PRAY that these days would be fruitful and much would be learned. Also that they would be free from sickness (as Brad's family and our family too have just recovered from the flu). Ambrym is NOT a completely safe island. It is known as THE island most steeped in animism and spiritism. Therefore, also PRAY for their bodily safety as they wander through these trails! PRAY for the girls and kids back home too...For me I know that I need much prayer by way of sanity! ;) Seems that Houghton brings a lot of sanity to my days so to be without him this week will be difficult. Also for safety for us as a family at home here in Port Vila too. Also not a totally safe city.

Thank you all for "holding the ropes" for us and keeping us in your prayers. This ministry is AS MUCH YOURS and it is ours!!!!! Remember that! We covet your prayer and are so thankful for you partnership!