Ni sa Bula! The SPBC students, led by David and Mary Nelson, travelled to Fiji for this year’s Outreach Week to assist three congregations in their evangelistic ministry. This trip was an eye-opening experience since several students had never travelled outside of New Zealand. For all of us it was a transforming trip. The brothers and sisters went out of their way to welcome us and make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Their hospitality was very much appreciated and was received with gratitude.

Fijian Graduates Ledua Naivalurua and Bimlesh Prasad organised evangelistic activities for the students to participate in alongside the young adults in the Nadera Church of Christ in Suva. Three teams were sent to major shopping and market areas each day for five days to sign up students for Bible Correspondence Courses. Stepping out of our comfort zone was a big challenge but we all did it and God blessed the church there with over 400 new contacts to follow up on.

Each evening was set aside for a Youth Class at the Caubati church of Christ. Our men participated by preparing lessons on commitment and holy living and did a superb job of involving everyone in enjoyable and interactive learning. The building used for this event was jam-packed full of both the young and the young at heart.

The Nadera church hosted a teacher’s training workshop for the area congregations and asked Mary to teach. All of the SPBC ladies on our team participated along with her in presenting parts of the workshop. Jose Vatselias, second year student, led the devotional at this event.

One evening Bimlesh and Nilu Prasad hosted a SPBC Graduate Dinner and it was wonderful to hear the faith stories of SPBC graduates who have been serving the Lord in the beautiful country of Fiji.

Besides the activities already mentioned, students taught bible classes and participated in leading the worship assembly. Working side-by-side in kingdom work helped us grow very close to our Fijian brothers and sisters. Although we were ready to come home to get some rest, we left with sadness at saying goodbye to the brothers and sisters who had become so dear to us.