Bula vinaka, friends of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa!
It is hard to believe that we are now in our fifth year of the operation of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa. The Lord has been very gracious to assist us in our efforts to serve Him in Fiji and neighboring countries in the Pacific. We started the current school year with five returning students. We graduated four and one had to have surgery at the beginning of the school year, so she hasn’t returned. We have added two students from the country of Samoa, a husband and wife from the Vaimoso congregation in the capital city of Apia. Movono has returned to complete his program. He was scheduled to graduate in 2018, but was unable to complete the program at that time, due to family commitments. He has brought with him a new student from the village of Delaidamanu. Brother Tupou has proven to be an excellent student and we look forward to great things from him. We have also added two students from Naila village, the daughters of Kitioni, who graduated last year. This brings our total number of enrolled students in the day program to 11.
We had Tony and Cathy Duncan from Centerville, Tennessee to come in to help us kick off our school year. Tony has taught twice for us before; this time he taught our class on the Writings of John. Cathy was able to conduct a Saturday VBS for the Raiwaqa congregation. Tony always does a great job and we had an excellent turn out for the Saturday VBS as well. Cathy also conducted the morning devotionals with our lady students while she was here.
As I mentioned in our last report, we have started a men’s leadership program at night under the direction of Emosi Sailo. Students have taken two classes to date on Monday evenings. Nine students completed the first course on the Life of Christ. Seven students have taken the second class on Peter and Jude. The next class is scheduled to begin on Monday night, April 13 on Sermon Design and Delivery.
We have currently taken a 3 week break due to Covid-19. The government has closed the public schools and extended the spring break for the universities in Fiji. So far there are only 5 confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection which the government has been monitoring closely. We are currently under a 10 PM to 5 AM curfew. Also, international travel and inter island travel has been suspended. If no new cases arise we are hoping that local restrictions will be lifted allowing more freedom of movement. We hope to resume classes for the day program on April 14, 2020.
Due to the international travel ban (which is in place until the end of May), we are in the process of rescheduling short course teachers until later in the year. Jason, Emosi, and I will be sitting down next week to come up with a revised schedule of classes for the rest of year. We are hoping to graduate six students in October.
We thank you for your interest in the work here in Fiji. We are very grateful for your support of this work! We covet your prayers!
May God bless you with peace and mercy!
Your servants in Christ,
Rocco, Jason, and Emosi