Happy New Year to all!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Our team had a great holiday; the Fijian Christmas was a good experience. On Christmas morning we all spent sometime alone. Mid morning we met up as a team outside our room, where we got together for a gift exchange and a pancake brunch. Later in the afternoon we headed to a local beach and surprised the team with a traditional lovo (a meal cooked underground, which included fish, pork, chicken, taro root, cassava, fresh salads and coconut milk). A local Fijian family cooked a Lovo for us on the beach, and we met up with another DTS from Chico. It was a great time of fellowship and a fantastic meal. We spent most of the time swimming, playing rugby in the water and watching the kids dig for shells. God topped off the evening with an awesome show of many waterspouts (tornadoes over the ocean), something we all had never seen. Thank you for the memories Lord!

Team B spent New Years Eve at Nadi Gospel Church.

They had a service from 10:00pm until midnight. The team shared a great message with the congregation and did some skits, dances and testimonies. After the service, the church ended the evening with an amazing meal and time of fellowship. The team did not leave the church until after 2:00am. They had a wonderful time and were thankful to bring in the New Year in the Lords house. What a great place to celebrate what the Lord has done in 2007 and what He will do in 2008. It was a great evening and celebration!

Team A spent New Years Eve in a village just outside Nadi.

It was a great experience to see what a traditional village New Years looks like. We were able to witness some traditional ceremonies that go way back before western civilization ever knew Fiji existed. We were honored by the village with amazing hospitality that included an entire family vacating their home so our team could stay there. The level of service the villagers showed us was truly humbling. The people here are so friendly and hospitable that we will really miss it when we leave. We have grown to love and appreciate the Fijian people very much.

As we reflect on all the things God has done in 2007, we are incredibly grateful and blessed. The Lord has been faithful and we have seen God move in incredible ways. We are thankful for the love and support you have shown our team and look forward to all God has for us in 2008.

We have a little more than 2 ½ weeks left in Fiji. Our teams have done amazing and have touched the lives of many people. It is an honor to lead such a wonderful team and be apart of this fantastic ministry. We are confident that each one has made a difference for the kingdom as a result of there willingness to serve God and the people here in Fiji. We ask that you please continue to pray for our team as we approach this last stretch in our outreach. This final stretch can be the hardest. Pray they will keep their eyes fixed on Jesus; stay focused on their ministry and remain united as a team. We want to see each one of them finish strong.