December News Update

He who gives to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done. -Pr. 19:17

Dear Friends & Supporters,

It is with great excitement and enthusiasm that we send you this update. God has been doing much since you last heard from us.

As a refresher, our last mission trip to Vanuatu and Solomon Islands was one year ago. On that trip we were successful in distributing 100 Bibles to the sick and injured in the Port Vila Hospital in Vanuatu, as well as showing the Jesus film on many nights. Our friends at Faith Comes by Hearing again supplied us with 20 Proclaimer audio Bibles for Vanuatu. While there we presented the country an original copy of their first Bible, printed in 1863 (150 years old). There was much singing, dancing, speaches and even a parade. It now sits in their museum for all to enjoy.

In Solomon Islands, 1000 Solomon Pijin Bibles were distributed along with 20 Proclaimer Bibles. They went out to prisons, hospitals, blind and deaf schools and very remote villages. We partnered with several local native evangelists who took the Bibles deep into mountain villages. Again the Jesus film was shown many times outside, at night in their local language.

As you probably remember, our humanitarian branch, Waves of Mercy International (WOMI) has been assisting Atoifi Hospital in a remote part of Solomon Islands. We are continuing to receive updates as they are building their hospital kitchen and growing their community garden to feed the hungry patients.

We now have new developments to share! God has been leading the way in opening up a new door of opportunity in Swaziland, Africa where there is a health crisis in the area of venomous snake bite victims dying and having limbs amputated due to lack of anti venom. In Africa it is estimated that 20,000 people die each year from snake bites and many thousands more loose limbs. Most of these tragedies are due to impoverished conditions and not being able to afford the anti venom (average income is $1/day). One vial of anti venom costs $120 CAD and at least 5 vials are needed to save a life. This fall Waves of Mercy International has teamed up with Anti Venom Swazi Foundation and The Good Shepherd Hospital to save lives. Our charity has just purchased 53 vials of anti venom from South Africa Venom Producers for Swaziland. It’s a start, but much more is needed.

Amazingly, last month we were able to meet with Dr Jonothan Pons from The Good Shepherd Hospital (in Swaziland). He was briefly in Vancouver, BC and personally shared the great need that his country has. His team is ‘overawed’ at the timing of our involvement as the snake bite season is from November to March. Dr Pons is also a Bible distributor in Swaziland and shared that the people are in great need of Swazi Bibles. Bibles for the Poor Society is currently raising funds to purchase Swazi Bibles. We have also been made aware of the need for specific medical equipment called a pressure monitor (quote from Stryker, Canada is $14,493.96) to help treat snake bite victims in minimizing their suffering.

If you would like to help with the care of snake bite victims please note ‘Snake Bite Project’ on your donation. Our charity can receive donations made out to Bibles for the Poor Society or Waves of Mercy International. Plans are to continue work in Vanuatu & Solomon Islands too, as the Lord leads. We appreciate very much our partnership with you and together we are making a difference in this world for God’s glory.

May you experience the wonder, grace, peace and love of God’s goodness in your life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Dave & Abby Dever