The Fergusons

October 2012

770-507-5290; 404-406-1332; staceyferguson@bellsouth.net

Greetings to all of you who work with us. Two weeks ago I returned from working 38 days in the Pacific. I had been laboring in the country of Vanuatu. Some great things happened that I am excited to share with you. I always thank God that you provide what is necessary to edify, equip, and evangelize throughout the Pacific Islands. Also, I thank God for good health, safe travel and the work going well. James put it this way, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (Ja. 1:17)

I met my co-worker Robert Martin in the Fiji airport. From there we flew to Port Vila, Vanuatu. We came in on Saturday and were suppose to leave on Sunday morning to fly to the Island of Santo. We were planning to worship with those brethren and then in the afternoon take a flight to the island of Ambae. We got to the airport early that morning and Air Vanuatu had changed our flights. We talked and talked, well mainly Robert did the talking, to try and get on the flight, but it wasnt happening. They booked us on the Wednesday flight. One thing is certain about local airlines in the islands they can be uncertain. On our Wednesday flight, we first flew to the island of Santo. Here we met some other Christians going with us to Ambae. One of the Christian ladies, Miriam Vuhu, usually goes, but was not able to go this time because of work. She had just finished taking all of her Pacific Islands Bible College classes (PIBC). She had taken many of them in the classes we teach on the field, but she had taken others by correspondence and DVD. Her last lesson was Revelation

which she had taken by DVD. I brought her diploma with me. We had planned on giving it to her on Sunday after worship, but that flight was changed so that altered our plans. She was at the airport in Santo so we were able to talk to her and let her know what happened. We gave the diploma to one of our co-workers, Mike Olson, and he presented it to her on Sunday. We had a couple of Christian men from Santo go with us to Ambae. One of those brothers was Toara. He had never flown and had never been to Duviara. This was a great opportunity for him to get to know Christians from another island. Also, he had never taken a Bible College course so that was a good experience for him. We finally made it to the island of Ambae. We would be working in the village of Duviara located in the mountains. It is the last village up the mountain. Im always amazed at this place and the people. It is one place where the culture and the customs are very powerful. Every time I leave I always think, this is a unique

place. The area is very remote. It is like stepping back in time. They live off the land without electricity, running water, or grocery stores. I love this place. You might think Im being sarcastic, but I love being there and working with the people. A four wheel drive truck was waiting for us at the airport to take us up the mountain. Thankfully it was sunny that day which made it easier. Even though it was sunny and had not been raining much, we still got stuck. The truck had bottomed out in some ruts and was hung up on the front and rear axles. After some digging, filling ruts, and pushing, the truck was out and made it to the end of the track. We unloaded our luggage and supplies to walk the rest of the way. The brethren and some of the local villagers took our bags on ahead of us. One of the brothers, Paul Vuhu told us to wait until they were ready for us. We waited for a few minutes, and then he said it was time to go. He wanted my camera so he could take some pictures. Robert and I knew they were planning something for our arrival. Little did we know what awaited us. The bush path had been decorated for our arrival. As we were walking up the path all of a sudden a couple of native men with war paint on jump out of the bush, one with his bow and arrow draw and the other with a spear in hand. WE WERE NOT EXPECTING THIS. They were making all kinds of noise and shouting to kill us so they could eat us. Then another man came out of the bush and told the other two, No, lets take them to the chief and see what he says. They tied our Stacy & Kathy Ferguson P.O. Box 1405 Forest Park, GA 30298

hands and took us to the chief. Again, they started making all kinds of commotion, saying they want to kill us and eat us. The chief told them, No, lets see why they have come. They untied us and then he took us into the church building. Many people were waiting for us in the building. One brother was talking as if we were strangers coming into their village. He talked for a while and then asked Robert to explain why we had come. He explained that we came to preach the gospel. Now every thing was ok. Actually, it was always ok. Robert and I never felt threatened. We were just enjoying the experience. This was what they called their drama to welcome us. It was a great greeting. Now if this had actually been real, we would have seen how fast Robert and I could run. Every time I though about this during the trip, I would laugh. This is one of the examples of what makes this place so unique. Robert and I were there to teach the PIBC classes. It is a good time of study and fellowship. Robert did a great job teaching the book of Revelation. He needed more time to teach so his class lasted from about 9:00-12:00. After his class everyone ate lunch together and then I taught Philemon, James, and Jude from about 1:00-2:30. I love teaching these books because of the practical truths that help Christians in their daily living. They enjoy learning Gods word, sitting around visiting, and talking to each other. I thank God for opportunities to teach his Laborers together with him, Stacy word in these places.