Dear Friends,
We write to you again after returning from two more mission trips overseas, Vanuatu in November 2016 and Swaziland in February 2017. Your faithful support has made it possible for many more needy people to receive blessings in Jesus name.
In Vanuatu, on the island of Futuna we celebrated the 175th anniversary of the first Samoan teachers bringing the Gospel to them in 1841, while they were still cannibals. At the ceremony we presented booklets compiled and written by Dave Dever of their church history. Please write to us if you would like a copy. On Aniwa Island in Vanuatu, we shared in the 150th anniversary of John Paton coming with the Gospel. Your giving made it possible for us to distribute 672 New Testament Bibles in their language of Bislama on both islands. The showing of Gospel films were well attended in the evenings on both islands, with many hearts hearing the Message through film for the first time. On Aniwa the people shared how the island was suffering from a long drought. The skies opened on Gospel Remembrance Day after 7 months of very little rain and filled their catchment barrels to overflowing; it was still raining the day we left them. We praised God together for His blessings as the islanders quickly began planting their crops.

Your giving made it possible for us to distribute 672 New Testament Bibles in their language of Bislama on both islands. The showing of Gospel films were well attended in the evenings on both islands, with many hearts hearing the Message through film for the first time. On Aniwa the people shared how the island was suffering from a long drought. The skies opened on Gospel Remembrance Day after 7 months of very little rain and filled their catchment barrels to overflowing; it was still raining the day we left them. We praised God together for His blessings as the islanders quickly began planting their crops.
This past February we went back to Swaziland, Africa learning more how we can help with their snake bite crisis. There we heard of a farmer who had been bitten by a Mozambique spitting cobra while having a shave. The snake had come up through the plumbing and bit him on the backside. He rushed to the hospital only to find they had no anti venom left. Fortunately, Thea from Anti Venom Swazi Foundation had some vials that we had given her. She quickly drove to the hospital to inject him with the life saving medicine and his life was spared. We continue to work with Thea and her husband Clifton as they give of their time and resources selflessly.
In Swaziland we distributed 500 Si Swati (local language) Bibles to orphans in an orphanage, a small church congregation, farm workers and patients & staff at the Good Shepherd Hospital. One patient, an elderly lady died only 15 minutes after receiving her Bible. She died clutching her Bible, bringing her comfort in her last moments of life on this earth.
Going forward, Bibles for the Poor Society would like to purchase another 1000 Si Swati Bibles for the spiritually hungry in Swaziland. Solomon Islands keeps coming to our minds lately too and Lord willings, we would like to distribute another 1000 Solomon Pijin Bibles in that country. Lastly, with our humanitarian branch Waves of Mercy International we are raising funds for a 4×4 vehicle that will be used as an ambulance by Anti Venom Swazi Foundation. There are times when they are forced to use bicycles to get into remote areas where a 4×4 is needed. The ambulance certainly would save many lives and limbs. A reliable used vehicle would cost approximately $20,000 Canadian.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us and for trusting us that your gifts are helping those God directs us to. May you recognize God’s blessings in your lives as you give to the poor.
Sincerely and humbly, Dave & Abby Dever

 

Here’s a picture to show you some grateful smiles. Waving to show their appreciation to you!
THANK YOU for putting the Word of God, (in their precious language of Siswathi) into their hands!
For most of them, this is the first full Bible they have owned, and for just about everyone, the first Siswathi Bible!
Picture taken of the workers at Mabuda Farm in Swaziland