New Caledonia is seeing signs of improvement, according to New Caledonia Mission president Pastor Felix Wadrobert.
Since May 13, political unrest has spread throughout the country which has resulted in loss of life, serious injuries, looting and vandalism.
In his latest report to the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC), Pastor Wadrobert explained that things have progressively got better. However, the situation in the village of Mont-Dore, where Bethany Seventh-day Adventist church is located, has remained the same. Pastor Wadrobert said all church buildings had now reopened for Sabbath services with the exception of Bethany church.
“The spirituality of our members and their involvement in the Lord’s mission have not diminished,” Pastor Wardrobert said. “I thank God for the work He has done in our life in order to allow us to love one another, whatever ethnicity we belong to.”
People who still have employment in the country have resumed work and are able to travel by road again following the removal of roadblocks.
“Most of the roads are practicable from the north to the south as well as from the east to the west. The curfew is still maintained from 10pm to 6am,” Pastor Wadrobert said.
Shop supplies have been restocked, with shelves now full and the problems linked with the availability of rice, bread, pasta, sugar and flours have been resolved.
“We have begun helping families who find it difficult to make ends meet,” Pastor Wadrobert said. “We are giving them the bare essentials such as rice, sugar, oil and bread, and products from Sanitarium Health Food company. I’d like, on behalf of our Mission, to thank the officers of Sanitarium for their generosity and support in the humanitarian project.”
Dorcas Society leaders in each local church are responsible for determining who is in need in order to help them materially and spiritually. Church leaders and members will also be assisting them.
“On behalf of my colleagues and brethren in New Caledonia, I would like to thank the officers and all our brothers and sisters in the South Pacific and the worldwide Church for their support and prayers,” Pastor Wadrobert said. “We also extend our thanks to the officers of the South New Zealand Conference and the French Polynesia Mission for their financial support.”
NZPUC president Pastor Eddie Tupa’i called on Adventists to continue praying for church members and the team in New Caledonia for God’s strength.
