Vanuatu | HPBI.ORG

OUR WORK IN VANUATU:

The COVID 19 outbreak has prevented outsiders from entering the country since the summer of 2020. At the same time a devastating cyclone hit the country causing much damage and suffering (See the news links below). HPBI has responded with humanitarian aid through the work of our local missionary in residence, James Nicholson. James also continues to evangelize and to disciple believers during the national "lockdown."

As soon as the country reopens HPBI has plans to continue efforts on a larger scale. A teaching team will enter the country to run regional courses for believers, including the use of the JESUS FILM, which has been translated into the local language of Bislama (see below). A second team will travel into the jungles to evangelize unreached tribes in the interior.

Vanuatu is a series of islands in the South Pacific, some of which have been described as some of the most primitive places left on earth. Through partnering with Christians across the United States, Hawaii Pacific Bible Institute approved teachers go to Vanuatu to disciple Ni-Vanuatu Christians into ambassadors of Jesus Christ, saturated in Scripture, prepared to plant and lead indigenous churches and schools. Through discipling local believers, people can be reached for a small fraction of the traditional model used in supporting foreign missionaries.

Never before has there been so great a need for indigenous Christian leaders who reverberate with the call to discipleship! This need to train local leadership is strategically vital to the future of the Gospel ministry.

VANUATU UPDATES:

Although many people are still without food, clean water, or shelter, they are witnessing "true Christianity" from fellow believers, like you, in the USA. They thank you from the bottom of their hearts! Your testimony is impacting tribal villagers in Vanuatu in mighty ways.

James Nicholson (HPBI missionary on Santo Island) and Godwyn Dingley (HPBI missionary on Efate Island) report that it will take several months before there is any semblance of "normality." Although James and his family survived the tropical cyclone, their very humble home suffered severe damage. However, James is doing the best he can to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of tribal villagers who lost everything.

Screenshot%202020-10-17%20at%204.59_edit

When we first arrived in Vanuatu, about a dozen men came from different tribes and islands to learn about God. One by one, they received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and one by one, we had the privilege of baptizing them in the South Pacific. For the next several years, we studied through the Bible.

James Nicholson was one of those young men. We carved out small canoes from solid logs and paddled through shark-infested waters to bring the Gospel to "unreached" tribes. Some of those tribes still practiced cannibalism, but many people came to the Lord!

Later this year, we will be returning to Vanuatu to lead “Christian Discipleship Courses.” Most of the 113 tribal languages spoken in Vanuatu do not have the Bible in their language. In many remote tribal areas where the Hawaii Pacific Bible Institute is working, there are no churches or schools or electricity or plumbing.

Screenshot%202020-10-17%20at%205.04_edit

"The Jesus Film" to Vanuatu!

Through the generosity of our donors, we will be bringing a portable solar-powered movie projector and screen to show the "Jesus Film" in remote and primitive villages. Our team will carry everything on their backs and hike through dense jungle to show this movie to people who have never heard the gospel or seen a movie.

The Guinness Book of World Records has recognized the "Jesus Film" as the "Most Translated Film" in history. Over 1,500 ministries are using this tool. More than 500 million people have indicated decisions to follow Christ after seeing this film.

When people come face-to-face with Jesus - when they see Him smile, when they hear Him speak in their language, with their accent - they are forever changed. This movie offers one of the most dynamic ways to hear and see the greatest story ever lived. This change is especially true in Vanuatu, where written communication is scarce.

When the tribal people see the life of Jesus portrayed on the screen, it's life-changing. This film crosses the barriers of communication, both culturally and geographically. Your prayers and generous support are giving these villagers hope that they can keep moving forward after the cyclone.

Who are the people of Vanuatu?

Cedric JB's latest travel film "DEAR NEIGHBOUR" takes you on a personal journey through Vanuatu's most remote Islands & tribes on a trip organized by Vanuatu Tourism.

Vanuatu had everything we could wish for: beautiful & welcoming locals, stunning & diverse landscapes, amazing adventures, and an abundance of emotions. This made for some unique experiences and unforgettable moments that will forever be cherished and remembered as memories. For all the BTS / PHOTOS, please check out @roveandbeyondfilms on IG and FB Of course, this project was made possible by a number of people: Cinematography: Cédric Jean-Baptiste | Antoine Roulleau Films Editing: Cedric JB Films Featuring: Pauline Massé | Seb Vanuatu | Ruby Claire | Antoine Rll | Ben Savage | Ain Raadik | Cédric Jean-Baptiste Special thanks to Vanuatu Tourism & the team, along with all the villages that welcomed us. Islands featuring in this film: Malakula, Maewo, Ambrym, Santo & Gaua NEVER STOP ROVING & BEYOND.