www.penielranch.org - Fiji~ Letters from David & Chris DeLano

July 19, 2008

Revised Singapore and new things in Fiji

Bula!
We want all of you to know that first, we really appreciate the correspondence that we have received from several of you and are looking forward to catching up with you soon.
Things in Fiji are going well.
We are staying here a few more weeks. August 6th or so. A total of three months here when we leave…..a lifetime I must say.
Our children have adjusted and we have settled into Fiji life……for the most part.
This whole trip has been stretching for all of us all in different ways, and even though we have had our share of adventurous experiences, cultural complexities and confrontations with various plagues and pestilence, it’s still not as adventuresome as an African jungle survival mission with Malaria lurking everywhere.
It has also broadened our perspective in our calling as a family and the areas of need we can minister too.
I think our family was pretty wimpy for the first part of our trip. I thought Ranch life would have prepared us better.
We are all getting more battle hardened. J
For me personally, the trip to Singapore and Malaysia was also highly impacting.
The Christians at Shalom Baptist Church there were inspiring in their love, care and sacrifice to others of the faith.
The whole church networked together like a smooth running machine. Any and all needs of ours were communicated, without our knowledge, to others that could help and then they quickly put it into motion. The littlest things miraculously were addressed and taken care of in ways that involved a lot of different people to accomplish. I wasn’t quite used to being on the receiving end of so much focus.
I was taking notes though so I can have empathy for those we “try” to serve. After a while Pastor Kory and I agreed that we just need to stay silent because they were too intently listening and looking for any way they could serve us. We were supposed to be there to serve them. I could tell they were a body that has been doing this for a while and they were 6 degree black belts at it.
Paul would be proud of that church.
170 people in their congregation and they support 56 missionaries and have started many churches in Singapore and around neighboring countries. Big groups of the church with the pastor at the lead go on mission trips all over the world. Twice a year they go to Malaysia for a week family camp. Every Sunday they eat together just like the Fiji church here.
Just in the two Sundays I was there, I met visiting missionaries to India, Cambodia and China.
It was really inspiring to talk with them and learn about their ministries. They all were in difficult places that were openly opposed to them.
The Chinese missionaries “underground” church, which has over 70 people, meet on the 30th floor of a tall building. Simply genius! That church has planted two other smaller churches around the area as well.
All these great missionaries have such a sacrificial heart for God & others but they also have so many personal needs that they are not taking the time to appropriately address.
Besides the obvious financial and prayer support, they also need the personal and family encouragement, health, educational and Biblical resource support (older teaching younger).
All the missionaries I talked to face so many health issues personally and with their families. Many missionaries have had to leave the field here in Fiji and as well as in the areas I traveled to.
A lot of these missionaries have young families and lack the older teaching the younger. They are really excited about the Biblical recourses we have.
God showed some neat things in 3 John 1:2-8 to me personally, and then I had an opportunity to share it in front of 170+ people. No great sermon, but a quick fitting exhortation.
There is such a need for “fellow helpers to the truth”. 3John 1:8 “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” Not everyone is called to be a preacher in front of a pulpit or to be a missionary in a third world country, but everyone can be a fellow helper to the truth. Everyone that loves the Lord and loves others can be an impacting minister to others and especially to those who are ministering sacrificially.
This is the desire and calling for myself and my family:
3John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Just on the trip to Singapore, I know God used our visit to bring revival in some key areas in the church that, Lord willing, will last for generations to come. The youth and parents both made some major commitments in real root areas of faith and family.
Pastor Kory preached over ten messages when we were there. Throughout the week, he was able to weave an incredible Biblical call to a higher Christian walk. He hit the youth and parents alike very hard but balanced it always with humor, humility and life testimonies. We also had group discussions where Kory and I would trade turns with the youth and the adults. When you couple that with the time we spent fellowshipping with them in a family camp setting and all the interaction in Singapore (Eating, talking, ping pong, Settlers of Catan, paint ball, group games, etc.) it was an incredibly powerful time.
We did have our share of hardships and near death driving experiences on this trip. We were constantly plagued by an evil hoard of possible malaria mosquitoes at night. We had unsanitary conditions in our room and bathroom (the drains were always backing up). The first night Pastor Kory tells me he always took the top cover off the bed when he goes to places unknown because they never wash it. He then demonstrates this and on the inside of his blanket were a bunch of blood stains. We had just read an article about a white guy who, years back, went missing never to be found again. We felt we solved the mystery. We were horrified and grossed out but couldn’t stop laughing at all the other wild stuff that was going on. The 6 hour drive there and back was full of close calls and wild moments. We went halfway into Malaysia and halfway to Thailand. On the roads In Fiji and on this trip they all tend to pass each other when they really, really, really shouldn’t! Pastor Kory and I both just had to laugh at it all from the back seat.
The whole country of Malaysia is also a very devout Muslim nation. If a Malaysian converts to Christianity, he or she goes to prison for some reeducation and whatever else. Pastor Kory preached so loud I know all the Muslims in the outlining area could here him. We both had our cameras at the ready just in case one of us got arrested in either Singapore or Malaysia. Singapore laws are very strict. Drug dealers are executed, you spit on the sidewalk or litter and you pay up to $1,000. They will cane you for anything worse than that. We both were encouraging each other (for picture sake) to get arrested and caned. We were totally exhausted by the time we got back. Both Pastor Kory and I have really had a hard time physically in the adjustment back to Fiji.
The Singapore church (Shalom Baptist Church) has two churches in Malaysia and they also support many up above them. A part of me wishes to go back up in there and support them (pastors & missionaries) all. I looked at a map and if we landed in Vietnam, we could minister there and give resources and then drive to Cambodia and do the same thing there, then to Thailand and then down thru Malaysia and then Singapore. They have ways I could drop ship resources without it getting too closely inspected. This is just a little thought, but given my life who knows where or what He would have us do. A big part of me could just as easily to run back to our big piece of Paradise with my family safe and sound. The disease thing is a huge issue that is hard to ignore. Pertessis, TB, parasites, Mumps, boils, pink eye, food poisoning, hepatitis, (and for me) Malaria are always circling too closely around us. Maximus alone has been kissed by countless men and women. It’s all in God’s hands, and we trust His will for us. It’s all quite an adventure I must say.
I am back into the swing of things here in Fiji at the school and church. There are a lot of work projects that are moving along at the same time. We have had two missionary groups from America come here the last few weeks. One group put on some workshops for the church and the other one is here to help start a printing ministry. They will be able to print out the book of John and Romans to give away to people. The church just had a big anniversary celebration as well. With this going on we have broadened our meal ministry buying and cooking lunches and dinners for the missionaries and volunteers her at Nausori Baptist church.
A little while ago we went into the interior of this Island to visit and encourage the only Indian family this American missionary led to Christ before his wife died of a car wreck. The missionary’s next wife’s health could not handle Fiji. The Indian family is the only Christians left in their village, and they have an awesome testimony. It will be exciting to see how God uses them. Their family drives clear to Nausori (40 miles) to go to our church and have Christian Fellowship, so it was really great for all of us to go and visit them.
Where we are living is quite interesting. Right behind us is a Muslim house that at times turns into an outdoor mosque. One house over from us is a house that, right now (5:00 A.M.), they are having some kind of wild Fijian party with loud music and crazy yelling. I’m tempted to join them. :)
Last week the family (the Williams) from Australia that moved here to start an orphanage, and our family went to visit a children’s home here in Nausori. They have already adopted a boy from Ethiopia and now they have just adopted a three week old Indian girl. We have been trying to be and want to continue being good resource and encouragement for them on this noble journey. It was neat to see how God is going to use this family.
A few days ago while at the church and school we spent an afternoon last week with an Indian lady and her children that came to ask for financial help. We have talked with this lady several times before because she comes to church at various times. There are several people who will come around so they can have a free meal (served on Sundays) or receive financial help. You have to ask a lot of questions to see which ones have valid needs and which ones are just trying to get a quick dollar. This lady, Natasha, has a real need. She was forced into a Hindu marriage with a husband who beat her often, but it all culminated when he found out she was pregnant, beat her and kicked her in the stomach trying to get rid of the child, and then took off on some fleshly binge. Not too long after he left her parents died and she was left with a newborn baby and a 3 yr. old son. Soon after that her only sister died, and she had to take in and care for her sisters children too. She has no income and no family to help and can not work because some of the children are under school age and stay at home. She does look and ask for work that she can do with her children, but it doesn’t come often. She shows up at church when she is at the end of her ability and asks for money. Yesterday, David and I after talking at length with her and decided to send her home with funds enough to pay for her rent, food, and a taxi back to church this Sunday. We told her that she needs to stay connected in this church so that others can get to know her and that she can find ways to give and serve as well. During our talk we discovered her 4 years old daughter had three boils on her feet. Now, that we are experts in this area J we treated her feet, bought some supplies, and told her how to care for them. She as ever so grateful and told us that if we ever find work for her to let her know. She gladly would rather work than beg. David and I have been praying for ways to help her. One idea was that maybe she could become a helper at the upcoming orphanage. They would need one anyway, if her character proved right it might be a fit. Only the Lord knows, so please be praying.
On the home front little ministries continue as well. Chris walking ministry has evolved nicely. Every day she goes go on walks and meets various people. (See walking ministry pictures on face book) She has made several friends and acquaintances during this time. Sometimes she will stop and visit, sometimes we have gone by bringing treats for their family. We have invited them to our church and have been able to share Jesus, and are still developing these things with them. There is one Indian lady, Fedesha, in particular who seeks after her friendship. When this lady can get away she joins Chris on her walk. She always tells her. “Come by my house and call, and I will go with you.” She is a 21 year old Hindu with a husband from an arranged marriage. The other day Chris and I brought treats for their family and she asked us to come in so she could make us juice. So we went on to her porch, sat down on an old covered couch and chatted for a little bit with her family (sisters, husbands, children). We couldn’t stay long as we had our children and dinner awaiting us, but it still nice little visit.
Our car broke down yesterday, and it isn’t good news. We found out that the radiator had a leak in it that we didn’t know about. There were no warning signs, and in an instant it overheated and the engine is shot. It had to be towed away and they gave us a quote on the cost of repair. You would think it would be there responsibility, but in the fine print it says we were supposed to check and water the daily. We checked those every week, but not every day, and even though we don’t think that would matter, we are at fault. We do have Fijian brother helping us so they don’t try and take more advantage, but prayer would be ever so nice for the areas involved in this.
Today, was our last trip to the village at Nasilai. When Ateca (pronounced Atetha), the headman’s wife heard this she looked grieved. On our way out she asked if we could come get her tomorrow and take her to church with us (She is 30 minutes or more out of town), but she REALLY wants to come with us to church tomorrow. She repeated this over and over as we left. Yet, we have no car. So, we are going to talk with a taxi today to see if we can afford to have them go get her in the morning on Sunday. This is exciting. We now have three people and children that we have met over the last while who will be attending church this Sunday.
Overall, thinking about the work that this church is doing, is amazing. We thought the ranch was wild as to all the projects we took on, but out here its way beyond wild.
The church has around 160 people attending.
They have a school that teaches over 100 children.
Around 15 or so are living at the school as dorm students. They are from another Island countries and have no other way to get further education.
They are in the process of starting a radio ministry that will broadcast Biblical truth around most of the 100 inhabited islands.
They are in the process of starting an orphanage.
They have started quite a few churches and have sent and support missionaries here in Fiji, other Island countries and in the Philippines.
They have the street boy ministry right at church that houses around 15 of these dangerous dudes. J
They are in the process now of starting a printing ministry that will distribute thousands of John and Romans in many different languages.
In the near future they are going to start a Bible school to train up pastors and missionaries from their members.
It’s all controlled chaos and a huge undertaking. God and His grace and provision is keeping it all together and moving forward……………I guess it’s no different than my own life and that of my family. Our life has been filled up immensely trying to serve all those here any way we can.
Initially I desired to be back after one month but, as my life is, it’s not my own. We are looking forward to getting back and seeing everyone but at the same time it will be sad to leave all those who we have gotten to know and love here…from the market & shop vendors, to the villagers, to those at the church, street ministry and the school; our lives have definitely intertwined with so many.
God bless,
David

July 12, 2008
Fiji living

We trust that God is working greatly in your lives and are looking forward to seeing you in the not so distant future. Although we still have one month left, we can feel that our time here is quickly coming to an end. We sat as a family the other night discussing with each child how we could utilize best each day we have left. We talked over the families we have met and how to best serve them and how we could make a lasting difference in their lives. We talked over individual young children who have taken to our girls. We talked over the young boys and street boys and how our boys could be of encouragement to them. We talked over the boarding students, other youth, individual men and women that God has brought our way, reflecting and evaluated on how we allowed God to use us in their lives and what more we could do. At the end of our discussion, everyone was in agreement that the most important thing we can do in these last days is to try and spend more personal visitations with as many families as God would allow in these last days. Please be praying that God will direct us and give us the strength we need to do as much as we can.

To update you on some of the happenings these last few weeks I typed a brief highlight below of things that come to mind.

For more updates and pictures visit www.facebook.com

The kids are singing quite a bit these days. They are getting quite the reputation. They sang evangelist songs in the town Market on Saturday, the busiest day of the week. At the village we visit when the children see us coming they yell, “The singing children are here!”. Then, they all come running. The villages’ headman’s wife (65yrs) invited us into her hut the last time we visited. She seems to have developed a special liking for us and always wants to know when we are coming back. She served us Kasava, gave us some shells that she had collected for us, and chatted with us the best she could not knowing much English. We always sing Jesus songs to her and she is very touched. Vanaka she says, (which is thank you) (Picture 1 to see us with headman)

Last Tuesday we were able to go into the interior of the island (picture 2,3) to visit fellow believers in their village. Our visit was really good. They are the only Christians in their village and they expressed such gratefulness to have us. You could tell they worked really hard at preparing a 7 course meal. They don’t have a refrigerator, electricity etc. so, they either killed their own animals that day or got one from a local farm that same day. I always wonder if we will get sick from the different type of preparation, but we didn’t. Infact, it was a delicious meal The children sang for them, and then they went to play games and visit animals with their older boys. (Pic 4) The children had the most fun time running around. IT was the closest thing to the ranch we have seen since we have left. It was a farm with chickens, goats, and land to roam placed near a wide river similar to the Columbia. While the children were playing, David, I and another family from church discussed the family’s life and the crazy things that have come their way (rains destroying their crops, floods and barely getting out alive, cyclones and hurricanes etc.) We also discussed their conversion, their persecution from villagers, God blessings upon them. They are amazing Christians, former Hindu, standing on truth in spite of all, They expressed that they were encouraged beyond words by our visit, which is ever so humbling. It is hard to imagine that our presence could be such a gift. As we were leaving, a neighborhood youth walked by. We gave her a gift that we always have prepared. Prayerfully, it will plant a little seed knowing where and who it came from.

A few days ago, the church had a conference leading up to their big anniversary celebration this next Sunday. David thought it would be neat if we helped out by serving lunch for everyone, 50 plus. The trick was that we were also committed to running a kid’s camp that day as well. It was quite a day, Chris going back and forth from teaching the children to the kitchen to keep the food process going, David driving back and forth to different stores collecting food, all the while Chris was carrying Maximus in her pack. Thankfully, they had some Fijian helpers willing to chop and assist in the preparation. (See picture #5,6 on the following email). All in all we had a great day with lots of laughs. This Sunday all the children from our kids camp went up in front of the church and sang their songs and Scriptures.

We have been spending a lot of time helping and fellowshipping with the young family who was called here to start an orphanage. (see pic 7) They have already started their home by adopting their first Ethiopian boy. They are a beautiful Godly couple. The other day we all went up to visit another orphanage here in Fiji. We all sat and asked questions about the best way to proceed in order to start an orphanage; dealing with government, costs, staffing etc… This particular orphanage has been going for 100 years. They rely on God for their funds of 160,000 a year to support 38 orphans. This orphanage also has through the years been able to start up a school for girls and for boys. We were able to tour the facilities, and see and sing to a few of the disabled children. (pictures hopefully coming soon to Facebook)

David has been going to prayer meetings 5:00 am every Saturday morning. Each Sunday the prayer team gets to sing a special. So, guess what? David has been snagged to sing in prayer choir in front of church several times. You all know how he was so excited to be able to bless us all that way. ( see Pic 8 on next email. It is blurry, but still proof J) David continues to be help where ever there is need: driving home people home in raining nights, helping people move, and serving wherever there is physical and spiritual; needs. Daily people tell me how much they are going to miss him and wonder when he is going to pack his bags and come back.

Chris has been talking over the course of our stay with several ladies and a few young ladies. The young ladies have been learning the importance of their relationship with their father and are now rebuilding that relationship. Another young lady broke up with a wrongful hidden boyfriend. One lady is trying to heal a broken relationship with a unsaved alcoholic husband. Please pray for wisdom for Chris, for the woman, and for the husband who is trying his best to get his life straight. Chris also continues to help ladies with their health. Several have been able to improve health issues; bad backs, congestion in the lungs after a stroke, some losing weight in order to avoid diabetes, people avoiding sickness, and Pastor regaining energy. On another note, we, ourselves are now having the privilege of learning how to deal with boils. Marisa, somehow acquired this painful experience.

One last note.
7/ 12 David came home the other night encouraged because he was able to share the gospel to a Catholic and Muslim man that he came across. In the course of discussion they asked him the usual questions, where are you from, why are you here… and after David had told them he was here to help out at Nausori Baptist church and school. Then they asked him what the difference was between Baptist and the rest. Well, David used that question to just share Christ and said something to the effect his faith is really more about a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and believing in the Bible rather than focusing so much “trying to be good enough” and earning your way to heaven. He said that a lot of religions will tell you what to do and depend on that to get to heaven, yet with Jesus it is believing that He has already done the work, and it is a matter of trusting in the fact that He has done it all and following Him. The man told David He liked his words and asked to get to gether to hear more. Davig got his card. Please pray for David and these men and Timiing for David.

That is all for now,

Miss you and God Bless,

Chris DeLano

PS Maximus has 6 teeth now. He has gotten them all within the last two weeks.
pps photos soon will be on note