NCTC - Fiji Islands - Provision

All of us at NCTC have been kept very busy with everything here. NCTC is moving into high gear and things are starting to take shape at our site. Our first student bungalow (eco-lodge) is almost finished. This bungalow will house 10-12 students; it is complete with composting toilets, showers, kitchen, water tank and stove/oven made out of local materials. It looks fantastic, with plaited bamboo on the outside (check out our website!); it has an island feel to it. Chuck and Sue once again have done such an awesome job on site, as have all of our students. I am continually hearing reports from the local community about the excellent work ethic of our students (this brings much satisfaction to us all, because it is a goal we constantly ask God to place within our students). Praise God we are starting to see some great results.

Our first intake of practical students have gone back to Viti Levu (the main island of Fiji) and a new intake of 10 Appropriate Technology students from all over Fiji are expected soon. We are trusting God for the funds for this next students bungalow (eco-lodge).

We have both practical and Biblical students from all over Fiji wishing to come and train with us. NCTC is really about to take off.

Our composting toilets have created a lot of interest within government agencies. Fiji's reefs are dying in main tourist areas because of flush toilets. Water seeps into the sea and the alkaline level rises and kills the reef. Many people are looking for answers to this problem, and it would appear the composting toilet might be the answer. To our knowledge NCTC was the first in Fiji to construct one. Over the last few months I have made two trips to the main island and spoken to top government officials about NCTC. Since that time, it has caused quite a stir in our local government here in Labasa, who up to now have not shown a great deal of interest, but as word from higher up has come, all of a sudden great interest has been shown to us, or to our toilets at least.

Our NCTC Biblical students are such a joy to teach. They are so hungry for God and His ways. The whole nine students are never late for class, or absent. We have had an almost 100% attendance, except for one of our boys who was bringing a pig in a box back from Dreketi (35kms) by bus a few weeks ago. As he was waiting for the bus the pig escaped out of the box, with Uto (our NCTC student) chasing after it. The pig then swam the Deketi river (the deepest river in Fiji) before being caught. Hence Uto missed his bus. This would have to be the best story I have ever heard why a student was absent from class.

God has blessed us with some great ministry this year. It has been such a blessing for us to bless the pastors and the body of Christ. The pastors of our area have gained some great ministry and training by these ministries. Dr. Jeff and Annette Hammond from Indonesia taught at NCTC and amongst the local churches. Their insight and some sobering revelations regarding the Moslem faith created amazing interest amongst everyone who heard them. Geoff Kean from Australia has just left us. Again, great ministry to the body of Christ. Geoff spoke at a three-day crusade in one of the outer areas. This was conducted under a shed, with around 400-500 people in attendance. Those attending were mainly Christians but some Hindus did attend and give here hearts to Lord, this was a great time for all.

We have had an agency inspect us with the hope of them funding a borehole for the Centre. This is a much-needed addition for us, as the local water supply is very poor, and we can go weeks on end without water. I foresee the time when NCTC will become totally self-sufficient, as most of the services in our area are of a poor standard. We have waited since 1999 for both full power and telephones, but we are hoping by the end of the year to receive both, not without a constant visitl to each office week after week. Life in Fiji.

We have just received two letters from the Solomon Islands, these where from pastors wishing to send students to come and train with NCTC for next year. It looks like being an exciting year for us. I have also had e-mails from Haiti asking for our help, with a Training Centre they are setting up over there. It is such a joy to be able to help others who are walking the same road as us.

For any of our friends wishing to donate to the NCTC directly, or even to me personally; overseas cheques can be sent directly to us with minimal fees and bank charges, at: P.O. Box.2581, Labasa, Fiji Islands, or deposited directly
into our Bank Account with Westpac Banking Corporation, Nasekula Road, Labasa, Fiji Islands: ACCOUNT NUMBER - 9800152051; ACCOUNT NAME: NCTC - TRUST FUND; or deposited directly into our NCTC Australia Account: Bendigo Bank Visa Account: 4506 0501 0445 7615, or to our NCTC New Zealand Account: Westpac Trust Visa Account 4550 4600 0638 8500.

The Lord Bless You All! Marion.

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