Short Term Missions Opportunities
Currently we have 45 computers in Fiji ready for installation in  the Homes of Hope, Deaf School and two State Schools.

Last year, while employed at a previous School I had the pleasure of organising and leading a short term missions trip to Fiji. The team of 22 students worked extremely hard and we were able to complete all planned tasks on our very busy program. The team was successful in completing 20 metres of covered walkway which will help the students stay dry when going to the toilet of between classrooms in the rain. We also worked and served in the Deaf School and Homes of Hope, this was very exciting and I believe our lives as much as the children we wanted to bless.

We also provided training for school staff on the new computer equipment, led or supported several youth groups/Kids club type functions - gaining valuable opportunity to share the gospel.

This trip was self funding and I am very proud of students, families and staff who fundraised a total of $28,000 and additional funds for the gifts they bought themselves.

Some of the main items fundraised and gifted include; materials for the covered walkway, 6 computers and laptops which were gifted to the local district school. This school receives $30 in government funding per student per year and did not previously have a single computer.

Part of my personal vision was to provide greater ICT resouces to needy Fijian Schools. This year I have had 53 computers, Pentium 4 donated to me. I picked up these machines in the Christmas holidays and as I have been very busy setting up the ALAN Program, I  prayed to God for someone to set the machines up and for some way to get them to Fiji. Within days I had someone from church fixing up the machines for me, without even being asked. Then after sending an email to the Fiji -Australian Business Council I received an Email from the head of Main Freight saying they could ship them free of charge. By then I realised that God wants this program to go ahead.

Trip in 2009
This year, probably in May there will be another trip involving a small team who will be setting up the Computers and training locals within two State Schools, a deaf school and the Homes of Hope.

Spiritual Growth
During the last trip, students were constantly involved in confronting situations that challenged their Christian World view in a positive way. Students were constantly praying together and reflecting on God's Word. They worked well together to share gifts and the good news about Jesus Christ. Many overcame fears and challenges, to speak out publicly or share a testimony, while others snorkeled for the first time or overcome their fear of heights.

Students were constantly stating that they had just had, the most exciting" day or experience "of their life".
Paul the Coral Coast Camp Manager mentioned that we were really doing a lot in 7 days -"way more than usual"
I asked him to let me know if I was tiring him or the camp staff resources out and we could cut back. He replied "no way, this is awesome! This is how a missions trip should be...

I know Paul is also looking forward (as I am) to the next visit where there will be similar opportunities.

Team Work
The success of the last trip was due to several factors:
*having Jo and Paul Richards as wonderful local coordinators
*high expectations and behaviour standards for students
*having a team of teachers who worked hard and cooperatively together -giving and giving. I was truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with several other wonderful teachers from my previous Distance Ed School. These leaders were fantastic. Building and maintained positive and loving relationships with the students.
*Having such a wonderful group of students, each one with their own talents and giftings to serve God.
*Prayers and God's provision.

During our devotions on the last trip, I shared with the students, "look to God for all that He has for us in our lives. God wants to use us all, where ever we are, to make a difference for eternity".
I can honestly say we lived life to the maximum and got the most out of going to Fiji in 2008 and I am sure our visit in 2009 will be just the same.

If you are looking for an opportunity to share your faith, and have computer skills and are over 15 years of age, you may want to come with us on this next trip.

I want also to remind myself and Christians reading this, I believe things happened in Fiji 08 because we and others were praying and believing with expectation and faith. If we maintain or have this faith and focus we will be used in exciting ways here in Australia also. The Great Commission.

I am excited to think of the future God has for each of our students and look forward to hearing the exciting stories at the wedding feast, see you there!

Not I but Christ in me.