FBC Missions

written 7/22/07 

This is our last email from the Solomons. We finished the clean up on the bathroom today. In addition, the cabinets were moved into the kitchen. Last night we had our farwell dinner with the SITAG (Solomon Island Translation Advisory Group). They spoke well of our team’s work ethic, attitudes, and skills. We felt honored and humbled beyond what we believe we deserved. Our team, in response, shared their hearts about the mission and the people we had the privilege of meeting. Each team member expressed their appreciation for the encouragement and help they received along the way.Our team wants to thank the FBC family for its prayer and financial support during this mission trip. Together, we have made a difference in the lives of this missionary team and indirectly into the live of countless people who will come to know Christ as a result of the work here.May the Lord bless you and keep you,Eric,  for The SI Team 

written  7/21/07

We are coming to a close here in the Solomons. As projects wind down we experience a mixture of feelings; joy for what has been accomplished and service rendered to missionaries and God, and a desire to see more accomplished so that the work of the kingdom may be furthered.We have found people to be warm and polite. and at the same time we see a people who have great needs (spiritual, and physical) with little in the way of resources to meet them. For example, in many third world countries, people have a wrong belief about hospitals; they believe you go there to die. Here in Honoria that belief is not far form the truth. We have been cautioned by every missionary here to avoid the hospital if at all possible. They go to Australia for medical attention. We are glad that we brought our own medical care (Lisa and her medical bag) with us. We are even more thankful that we have not had medical needs. please pray that it continues to be that way!With little in the way of natural resources and no protected harbor, this country had few prospects for improvement. We are encouraged however, because of the missions taking place here. Perhaps through literacy and the spreading of God’s word these people can find peace and contentment through the power of God.

Blessings,

Eric, for The SI Team

written 7/20/07

It is Friday night in Honoria and all is well as far as the mission is concerned. Today we spent about three hours supporting the local economy by our shopping efforts. After a quick stop for lunch and a special treat of ice cream, we went back to work.

The bathroom is looking more and more like something one would use. The tile is laid and mostly grouted; the plumbing is complete and working. What remains is more grout to be applied, a vanity to be installed (Shane built it from scratch and Naomi and Lisa painted it), and a shower curtain rod to be put up.

After that we will need to clean up our mess and this project will be complete! The kitchen remodel is coming along nicely. The expansion of the room is done, wiring is in and working, and Shane is almost finished with building a new counter unit for the sink! All in all this team has worked hard and diligently to finish the tasks set before us. We pray that this is to the glory of God and the furtherance of his kingdom. Blessings to you,Eric, for The Solomon Islands Team 

written 7/19/07

As we begin to countdown the number of days we have left here, we are encouraged that our projects continue to move forward and should be completed on time.

The Solomon Islands, Honoria in particular receive a lot of rain throughout the year. In Honoria the average annual rainfall is 110″ per year. Last night we had dinner with our hosts here, Bob & Nancy Haussler. On the drive to their home we were treated to a spectacular display of lightening. Bob indicated that lightening is quite common here as well. The bolts that arced across the sky and came down into the hills were vivid and powerful.

One thing that we would share with you is the displacement that the missionaries feel here. Though many of them have been here for sometime, they are not indigenous people. They will always be, to some extent, outsiders. They are respected and accepted here, but they are living in a country not their own. Not a single person here has complained to us, but it is very apparent that they are eager for interaction and information form home. We have found each person here eager to learn about us and to share about themselves. We are encouraged to pray for the missionaries here in regard to subtle but real isolation.

Please pray that our team would finish well and leave the folks here encouraged and strengthen in their ministries.

Blessings,

The SI Team

written 7/18/07

As we push forward toward our completion date here in the Solomons, we have much to be thankful for. Projects continue to progress, though getting materials is often a challenge. Team health and energy are good, though we continue to covet prayer for endurance and strength. The work of the Lord is evident here and we are encouraged by the fruit we see.
Yesterday I was privileged to sit in on a “translation check.” Once a translator has completed a draft of a book of the bible (they usually start with and epistle of Paul), the team brings in six to eight native speakers (who have lived continuously in the area and understand the nuances of the mother tongue without outside influence) who read and hear the word in their own language. The process is long and tedious but rich because every idea is discussed and reviewed to insure that the meaning of the text is being clearly communicated. Often the “reviewers” will suggest other words or phrases once the meaning is clear. From pronouns to abstract ideas to specific terms, the team discusses meanings, themes, and context.

When Paul talks to his “brothers and sisters” how is that expressed? In the language we were discussing there were different words for older brothers, older sisters, younger brothers and younger sisters. Which term or terms do you use? In this case, they used a more generic term younger sibling. They chose younger because Paul would be viewed as the older brother writing to them the younger siblings.

The whole process is like having bible study on steroids. It was the most intense session I have ever been a part of. Naturally, I loved it. We indeed should be encouraged by the work of these servants in this part of the world. They are bearing much fruit.

Blessings,

Eric and the SI Team