Principal Marion’s Trip To Australia

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On November 6th our principal was invited to attend the wedding of her pastor and long time friend. Right at this time the fares dropped from around $800 to $499 return to Melbourne.

As a calculation was made, she found she could scrape together $300. She prayed that if God wished her to go He would provide the funds needed. That night her parents phoned [no one knew her thoughts but God] to tell her someone has just given them $200 for her. She asked “Is the money for the NCTC or me?” “No, you” was the reply.

At this point Marion was aware that the wedding was scheduled for December 11th, 1999. As inquiries were made at the House of Jesse Travel Agency, Labasa, it was found the special prices were only available until the 30th November. To this Marion replied “Book my ticket anyway.” On returning home and opening her e-mail, she read from her home church that the wedding day had been changed to November 13th 1999. God had a great plan ahead for the NCTC!!

Trip Yields Over $20,000 in Donations

On arrival in Australia it became very evident that God had big things planned for this trip – more than just a wedding.

Right from the start God’s amazing favour was upon our principal as she went hunting for anything that could be of use for the NCTC.

The first amazing thing happened. Ron Witford from Marion’s home church donated a refrigerated container [500 cubic feet] to the NCTC. (About $9,090 FJD in value.) Immediately Marion went about trying to fill it with special equipment needed to construct and build the complex and to equip the training centre.

A list had been drawn up and distributed. Christian people began to give. All the giving was co-ordinated by Creek St. Christian Fellowship – Marion’s home church in Bendigo. Without a cent in her pocket she waited and God began to move. Firstly, Knoxfield Christian Fellowship in Melbourne – an outreach of Creek St. Christian Fellowship - emptied their bank account and gave $2,000; a mighty effort for a small church.

Power tools were the biggest priority. Amazing contacts where given. A direct importer was visited and after discussion large discounts were offered to NCTC. The costs were hundreds of dollars under retail prices. The ball then began to roll at an amazing rate. Different businesses around the Bendigo area were visited with the idea of collecting equipment. Some of the most hardened businessmen gave and gave. People who knew some of these businessmen could not believe the power of God would move their hearts.

A second-hand warehouse closing down auction was visited. Amazingly very few people attended. Crazy prices were accepted for many items. Marion, with hand constantly in the air, purchased bargain after bargain, e.g. 20 sets of louvers with blades for $2, 5 moulded sinks (all new, still in plastic - in Fiji valued at $175 each) bought for $2 each. Almost a container full was bought. Then a 3 ton 1975 Mazda diesel truck was bought with 750 kg crane and compressor. Just what was needed to lift all the ‘logs’ for the cabins and other building supplies. Well over $20,000 worth of goods were collected with the estimated value in Fiji being of around $50,000.