Nambawan! Newsletter - Vanuatu
Download the Nambawan newsletter which is dedicated to our partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu. This includes up-to-date information about our partnership, and opportunities to get involved. For previous newsletters please click here.
Justice and Grace – A Case Study of Three reconciliation Ceremonies in Vanuatu
Global Mission Director Phil King researched reconciliation ceremonies in Vanuatu. As a result of this research he has written a small booklet which can be downloaded here. Hard copies are available by contacting Phil.
Pacific Vision Vanuatu Brochure
Download the Pacific Vision Vanuatu Brochure here
Global Mission in Vanuatu
The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand affirms the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) as our primary mission relationship. We are partners in a number of projects that we encourage our congregations and church schools to support. Below are some of the ways in which the PCANZ has been working in Vanuatu prior to the onset of Covid-19; and which we hope can be resumed in the future.
Personnel Serving in Vanuatu
After a number of years with several personnel serving in Vanuatu, due to the impacts of Cyclone Harold in 2020 and Covid-19 we currently have no personnel serving in Vanuatu. The PCV has requested an English teacher to serve at Talua Theological Training Institute in 2022. Interested personnel are invited to enquire to Global Mission Director Phil King, phil@presbyterian.org.nz.
Talua Theological Training Institute
Urgent request: Impact of COVID effecting student fees, food shortages and staff salaries
The PCANZ has a long history with Talua in so many ways. For many years we have provided an English teacher to live on site and many work parties have contributed to a wide variety of projects.
Last week we received a heartfelt request form the current principal, Pastor Christopher Iawak. Here is an excerpt from his letter
I am writing to you on behalf of the TTTI Board and Staff Council regarding the financial impacts on the Institute due to the COVID-19 restrictions. On Wednesday 9th of March, 2022, all of Vanuatu was placed under strict lockdowns and curfews due to community transmission on Efate and Santo islands. TTTI has been able to continue Term 1 through correspondence, with all our students still living on campus.
Within the TTTI community, there has been no community transmission thus far. We praise God for this. But the impacts are being felt strongly. Financially, many students and their families / sponsors have been unable to continue to pay school fees (for some students and their families, their whole income stream has ceased). Consequently, the Institute is under significant financial pressure. Some staff salaries were not able to be paid last week.
We are very thankful for your ongoing prayers and support for TTTI, especially at this very difficult time. We know many of you are praying for us, and for Vanuatu as a whole. We are also thankful for the staff and financial resources many of you have already contributed, and continue to contribute. At this time of crisis, we want to humbly ask you to consider whether more financial support could be offered to TTTI. This could take the form of a crisis payment to help with running costs, or it could be in the form of sponsorship money for student. We continue to explore internal channels of help as well. Most importantly, please continue to pray for us and our nation. We take great comfort in God’s presence with us, the promise of hope and healing in the gospel, and the partnership we have in his
We would love to be able to provide some assistance at this time. If individuals or churches wish to contribute, please donate online to the Global Mission account 02 0500 0086963 10. (with Talua Support in the reference) and also let Katrina Graham , know you have made a donation so you can receive a receipt.
Any further questions please contact Global Mission Director, Phil King.
Talua Theological Training Institute
Talua Theological Training Institute is the training college for the Presbyterian Church in Vanuatu and offers a Diploma of Theology, Diploma of Mission and Bachelor of Ministries programmes. Graduates from the college become church leaders in various denominations and evangelists to isolated villages. The PCANZ has supported theological training at Talua for many years.
We provide scholarships for Theology students, and for Bush Missioners – Ni-Vans who are trained to work in the remote highland villages on Santo.
The PCANZ’s Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership has a history of working in a partnership with Talua.
Church to Church Projects
Several PCANZ congregations have partnerships with churches and communities throughout the islands in Vanuatu. These range from building projects, youth programmes, and educational support. Your congregation is invited to enquire how to set up a mission partnership in Vanuatu.
Going Global
Going Global is a combined Global Mission/Presbyterian Youth Ministry youth experience, which has enabled programmes with schools and communities on Tanna and Santo Islands. Going Global hopes to continue to offer opportunities for young adults in PCANZ to be involved in mission in Vanuatu when borders reopen.
Onesua Presbyterian College and Other Colleges
There is a long history of relationship with Onesua College. We continue to have a keen interest in the school and provide partial scholarships to students through the Shirley Gray Memorial Fund, and assistance with school resources.
Presbyterian Church schools have established regular contact with Onesua over the years. Other school partnerships have also develop din recnet years and are ging from strength to strength. .
Korvan Community Health Centre
Korvan is based on a vision to train healthcare workers to provide healthcare in their communities throughout Vanuatu. The teaching programme at Korvan has expanded recently as the Vanuatu Government seeks to develop its healthcare delivery. New Zealand health professionals are assisting in curriculum development and teaching. Interested health professionals are invited to volunteer their services in tutoring.
Seasonal (RSE) Workers in New Zealand
Thousands of Ni-Vans come to New Zealand each year as seasonal workers on orchards and vineyards. Members of our congregations in regions which receive seasonal workers often provide hospitality and support to Ni-Van workers.
Vanuatu is our longest standing mission relationship. If you would like to join the long list of New Zealand Presbyterians who have supported mission in Vanuatu, please contact the Global Mission Coordinator, Phil King, phil@presbyterian.org.nz.