Officially Official

So, we are definitely citizens of Vanuatu. Not really sure when it *actually* happened, but quite sure it is now official. The options are… 

• 26 June 2015 when the citizenship committee approved our applications with conditions
• a few days later when we clarified the issue that needed clarification
• a few days later when we paid the fee and presented the receipt to the Citizenship Office
• July when we took our oaths before a Supreme Court official
• August when we received (poor quality) photocopies of our Citizenship certificates
• September when we received our Vanuatu passports
• December when the 2015 Citizenship Certificate ceremony took place (we were absent … in the US)
• February 2016 when we received our certificates

Besides giving us more “permanence” as we commit to another decade in Vanuatu, we will also  save $1400+ per year in permit fees.

**We have no intention of forfeiting our US citizenship**, and are grateful that the Vanuatu government voted to allow for dual-citizenship in late 2013. We traveled on both passports this past trip, and it was cool!

New for 2016

While we still plan to update our “Afta” blog when postable events occur, we are moving the bulk of our weekly reporting over to a new Facebook Page. You can “like” the page by visiting www.facebook.com/v2brandells (or search “Mission Vanuatu: the V2 Brandells” in Facebook), and keep up with the action via text, pics and videos.

The Long Way Home

We love Vanuatu. We love America. We love ni-Vanuatu. We love Americans. And so, we have the best of both worlds…we live and work in Vanuatu, and have regular opportunities to “furlough” in America.

We were originally scheduled to spend a full two months in the States, but a change in schools meant a change in schedule. Though we were originally quoted a change fee of almost $500 online, we ended up being able to bump up our return flight by two weeks for just over $100 at a local travel agent (yesssssss!!!). To maximize our time in the US, we planned to fly back on a Friday (you “lose” a day flying east as you cross the international dateline, which put us into Vanuatu around noon Sunday). First of all, this wasn’t a great idea because the kids were to start school on the following Monday - a new school for Alexis, and Titus’ first ever go in a non-homeschool setting. On top of that, our timing meant we couldn’t do the usual Los Angeles to Nadi to Port Vila route. Instead we had to include a domestic flight within Fiji between Nadi and Suva. We didn’t think the extra 25 minute flight would be that big of deal, but didn’t clue in that it would mean an international-to-domestic terminal transfer (lugging 300lbs of luggage plus carryons) in Nadi followed by a domestic-to-international terminal transfer in Suva (again lugging our luggage) … all in the tropical sun and humidity we were NOT used to after being in Colorado and Montana for the previous month!

Nonetheless, it went as well as can be expected, and the kids did GREAT their first day of school. It took mom and dad at least a week to get adjusted, but it was worth it. But, we will definitely think twice before booking the long way home on our next furlough jaunt!

Finally! An airport playground in LAX ... WOOHOO!!!

Abbie and the youth group made us feel welcome right away :)

First day of school pic  #TiredButSmiling

Rye, CO

Our family was in South Fork, CO for the Gray family Christmas, and made the three hour drive over to Colorado City on Saturday afternoon so that we would close by for Sunday morning in Rye. We first became acquainted with the church there during our second year of preaching school, when we would travel there once a month to preach. They have therefore been with us since “before the beginning” and we always enjoy the warmth and encouragement we experience with these good brethren. 

Following a presentation on the work in Vanuatu during the Bible class hour, I borrowed some thoughts from Paul’s letter to the Philippians for my sermon. I have always been drawn to the epistle, primarily because I appreciate the relationship between Paul and that local church. In many ways, it mirrors our relationship with the church in Rye. The day was capped off with a fellowship meal and singing together. Lovely weather, lovely surroundings, and lovely folks… A great way to finish off our church visits for this furlough!

Kalispell, MT

Our former teammate and good friend, Mike, has been living in Montana since he returned to the Staes in mid-2014. Through his influence, the church in Kalispell has agreed to being supporting us financially beginning in this new year. They invited me up for the weekend in order to get to know some of the brethren there.

I enjoyed getting caught up with Mike, and also getting to eat and visit with a good number from the congregation, including being in the homes of five different families. I got share some thoughts on how we’ve seen God working in Vanuatu over the past 10+ years, and our thoughts and plans for the future during the morning worship hour. I then answered questions for 30 minutes on Sunday evening. Once again, we were greatly encouraged by their interest in and enthusiasm for the work.

Sylvan Hills (Sherwood, AR)

Visiting good friends, the Bruners, in Searcy has become a priority for our furlough trips. And our friends list there has grown over the past few years as we've hosted campaign groups from Harding University in the summers. It was neat to see Bryan and Darla (Harding campaign sponsors) in the United States for the first time, after having them in our Vanuatu home the past two summers.

Our Arkansas visits have also allowed us to renew friendships in nearby Little Rock. Greg has been a mentor to me since we first met back in 2001, and is largely responsible for our decision to become missionaries. He introduced me to one of his elders a couple of years ago when I was in need of wise counsel, and Jim has been a tremendous source ever since. In addition to his monthly financial support, he encourages us through his “gift of emailing.” We look forward to his responses every single month. The Sylvan Hills church also gave me the chance to speak during the assembly, and wow are they an encouraging group.

Park Avenue (Dennison, TX)

We thoroughly enjoyed being able to spend Christmas in Houston with some of the Brandell family (our second of three Christmas celebrations during the season!). Being down south also afforded us the opportunity to visit one of the many Stateside churches that sent money for cyclone relief earlier in the year. I was given the opportunity to publicly thank the congregation for their generous contribution, and to give a quick update on how things are progressing.

We were greatly encouraged by the reception we received by the congregation after services, with several showing a great interest in learning more about the work. The visit was yet another reminder of how wonderful Christian fellowship is, in spite of the fact that we had never met most of these Christians. Phil and Marge are originally from our hometown of Duncan that has been supporting us financially for 10+ years, and we cherished the opportunity to have lunch with them (our first time to see them in as many years). We are thankful that they had brought the Vanuatu need before the congregation.

Perkins, OK

The congregation in Perkins has been supporting us financially for many years, and officially became our “sending church” in 2014. It’s a responsibility they've taken very seriously, and as a result they've been a great source of encouragement. This was our first opportunity to be with the congregation since they took over sponsorship, and it was a pleasure to get to share our gratitude in person for their support over the past two years, especially all that they did following destruction from Cyclone Pam last March.

It was our pleasure to be in the home of James and Kay (he is one of the elders), spend time with good friends, and be a part of a small group meeting on Sunday afternoon. Good things are on the horizon, and we are grateful for their support and leadership as we move forward.

Chisholm Trail (Duncan, OK)

Shawnda and I both grew up in Duncan, Alexis was born there, and my parents still call it home. The Chisholm Trail congregation has been with us since the beginning (2005), and always facilitate an encouraging visit. I once again had the opportunity to present on the Vanuatu work during the Bible class hour, and to preach during the morning assembly. They livestream their Sunday services and archive the sermons, so you can take a peek if you'd like at www.ctcoc.org.

This was our first opportunity to be in their new facilities, and Shawnda and I both noticed a considerable difference in the way the new space facilitated warmth and fellowship. It was also a pleasure to get to spend a few minutes with a some folks who have been a tremendous source of wisdom and encouragement (“support” in the truest sense) during some difficult times over the past few years.

Edmond, OK

During our stint as Visiting Missionaries at Oklahoma Christian University during the Fall 2013 semester, we became associated with the Edmond Church of Christ. Little did we know back then what a blessing our Bible class there would become. Class members have prayed for and encouraged us from afar, made visits to Vanuatu, donated shirts to our youth camp, and provided monthly financial support.

We were in the OKC area several times in December, and cherished being a part of the Wednesday night class. We were also blessed by the opportunity to twice have dinner with class members. Last but not least, my brother and his family are a part of the church there, and it was a pleasure to get to spend a little extra time with them while we were there.

Ripon, CA

We’ve been good friends with Caleb and his family since our Bear Valley days (he’s been preaching for the church in Ripon for 10 years), and we learned a few years ago what a wonderful “buffer” they provide for our journey to and through the United States. Our families mesh well, and it’s great opportunity for fellowship, relaxation and readjustment.

There are a couple of families who have been supporting us financially for several years, and it is important for us to be able to thank them and share about the future in person. It’s also always a pleasure to get to talk about the work before the assembled congregation. We were especially excited to learn from the elders during this long-weekend visit that the congregation has included our work in their 2016 budget. What a blessed and encouraging time!

Month's progress

We blitzed the Etas building project in November, knowing that our family was scheduled to depart the country the following month. The local brethren pitched in with some extra help, and we also hired four skilled friends-of-a-friend for the final two weeks of the month.

We were able to render/plaster the interior and exterior walls of the main building, install timber framing for the gables and ceiling, and get the guttering in place to feed the 6000L water tank. We also completed the concrete block work on the toilet/storage block, boxed and poured the bond beam, and screwed on the roofing sheets.

We didn’t quite get the project completed in 2015, but it will be a high priority once we return to Vanuatu in early 2016. Our level of excitement is high, as we dream of all the ways in which the structure and property will be used to promote the gospel in Etas and beyond.

Six Souls Added

It’s always exciting to get the call someone has decided to make their confession of faith in Jesus and be baptized. We got just such a call recently, as 3 couples in Etas decided that it was time to make a commitment.

All six of these precious souls were heavily impacted in one way or another to make this decisions following the cyclone. For some, the natural disaster was simply a wakeup call that the end could come at any moment, and they began seeking how to be ready. For others it was the outpouring of Christian love and provision that came at the hands of so many, both foreign and domestic. All six subsequently attended studies during our week long evangelistic campaign in Etas. Though I could be mistaken, these are no “rice-Christians” (those who make a public decision based on hidden selfish motives of getting something) … we see faith working in their everyday lives, and look forward to helping and watching them grow!

Please be praying for Namah & Mary, Joseph & Agnes, and John & Flora as they begin their walk of faith. Good things are happening :)

Back row from left: Sam (baptizer), John, Joseph, Patrick (baptizer), Mary
Front row from left: Agnes, Flora, Namah

Happy Birthday

Titus is 9! Hard to believe it's been that long since we brought that bundle of joy into our home. Never a dull moment since, and we are grateful for the blessing he continues to be to our family!

A Great Ending

We’ve made it pretty clear that the best week of our ministry in Vanuatu took place early this year, as we conducted our first ever youth camp. That set the trajectory for the rest of the year, and we enjoyed being together one last time in “closing” our youth group for 2015.

Though our traditional youth group Bible study plans were greatly inhibited by Cyclone Pam damage, we were still able to meet together each Wednesday night at our house for volleyball, sausage-sizzle (hotdogs) and encouragement. Then, as is customary in Vanuatu, we had an official year-end closing at Mele beach. We enjoyed our largest crowd to date, and I relished the opportunity to once again speak from 2 Timothy 2:2, which has become the key verse for our group. The schools here follow a calendar-year schedule, with the main break being December and January. The kids will have a lot of time on their hands over the next couple of months, and so along with Paul, I encouraged them to “flee youthful lusts” and instead “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” We passed out rubber bracelets with the inscription “2T2:22”, that will hopefully serve as a daily reminder of the wisdom Paul prescribed here.

We completed the afternoon of fun with snacks (including a birthday cake for Titus!), swimming and games. A few of these kids have already made a public confession and are following Christ, and it seems that several more are on the path towards making that good decision. We are excited about the future, and look forward to more time together in 2016!

A belated welcome

We welcomed our very own HIM (Helper in Missions) worker in September, Abbie Bryant. Abbie will be apprenticing with us for two years, as she learns the ropes of foreign mission work. The HIM program is a ministry of the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, OK, and closely associated with Oklahoma Christian University.

Welcomed by the Tulwei Village, Malekula congregation

Bathroom remodel, island style (again)

Note: I debated whether to title this entry as bathroom remodel or toilet remodel. You see, in most parts of the world (including Vanuatu), people distinguish between the room you bathe in and the room you “toilet” in. But alas, since most of my readers are Stateside, I went with “bathroom” even though we actually remodeled the place we “toilet.” So, now you know…

Cyclone Pam passed by the northern islands of Vanuatu on the far east side, and so our house on the northwest side of the Malekula was fairly sheltered. Nonetheless, our toilet room took a pretty good beating from the wind and rain, not to mention the fact that I only had sheets of plywood to make the walls during our last remodel back in 2013. 

Flexon and I were recently able to spend a day replacing the old plywood walls with woven bamboo. I LOVE the look of freshly cut/woven bamboo … if only it would stay that fresh looking! We walked about an hour to Flexon’s garden, cut down the bamboo stalks, carried them back to the house, split them each in half, fanned out the halves, wove the panels, and nailed them up. Not too shabby!

BEFORE....

Flexon (green) and Titus (blue) carrying bamboo

Split and fanned

Weaving

.... and voila! (new door to come)

New Places & Faces - Etas

We continue to see God causing the increase and opening up doors of opportunity into new areas. In part five of this series, we would like to introduce you to two new Christians in the Etas Area of Efate Island.

We’ve seen a significant influx of visitors to the Sunday assemblies in Etas this year. The leaders asked me to conduct a week long gospel meeting back in June, with a view towards prompting a decision of faith in these new contacts. We were excited that Ruth and Lois decided to be baptized into Christ shortly thereafter. There are many others (8-12) who appear to be close to making a similar decision, and we pray that the Etas congregation can continue to reach out to their friends and neighbors.

Ruth (center) and Lois (right) after being baptized into Christ by Timothy

New Places & Faces - Iannuhup

We continue to see God causing the increase and opening up doors of opportunity into new areas. In part four of this series, we would like to introduce you to two new Christians from Iannuhup Village in South Tanna Island.

Tom took me on my first visit to Iannuhup Village back in May 2013, at the request of a village leader there, Daniel. We spent several hours studying and answering questions with 12 souls that day.

Tom subsequently followed up in the village, with George (Tom’s cousin) and Alice taking a special interest in the studies. I am happy to report that the couple was baptized during my most recent trip to Tanna. Iannuhup is about an hour’s walk from Iatukun (Tom’s village), and the plan is for them to continue assembling with them until there are others in Iannuhup to meet with. George and Alice specifically requested prayers for their marriage, that they can effectively implement God’s plan for their relationship.

Tom getting ready to baptize his cousin George

George and Alice, after being baptized by Tom (center)

George and Alice after church on Sunday, along with their kids and George's mom, Mary

New Places & Faces - Lousinganu

We continue to see God causing the increase and opening up doors of opportunity into new areas. In part three of this series, we would like to introduce you to new contacts in Lousinganu Village in Central Tanna Island.

I had the pleasure to spend a week in Lousinganu Village last month. I was scheduled to spend the week with the Loun/Lorakau congregation, but they requested that we conduct a series of lessons in nearby Lousinganu instead. Thomas, his wife (Mary), and his brother (Peter), have been making the 45 minute one-way walk to meet with the Christians in Loun most Sundays for several months. They were originally contacted by Thomas and Peter’s uncle, Harry, who is one of the church leaders.

We had some 20 adult visitors attend the afternoon studies each day, in addition to 10-15 church members. We are hopeful that the seeds planted during the week will take root and grow into faithful disciples, and perhaps there will be a church meeting in Lousinganu in the months to come.

Afternoon study in Lousinganu 

Thomas and Mary along with their kids and extended family members