Thursday, December 19, 2013

Prayer updates 19 Dec 2013

Thanks you for your Prayers.

For more information concerning the sunken ship: 
The ship was a local made, Langalanga ship, made in the Langalanga lagoon, Malaita Province.  

This is our surviving girl, Melissa's story.  It is so good seeing her this morning as she sat in our living room recounting the story.  This ship was owned by an intending Candidate and he was giving all the passengers a  "free ride" home for Christmas as an election campaign booster.  This ship had a leak in the hull and the stern of the ship began to sink, then it rolled to the side and within time it was totally submerged.  The small children were put into the 3 or maybe 4 outboard motor boats available (Two boats owned by ship and towed behind the ship and used to ferry passengers to/from shore and at least one other boat came from the island of Ngella) Melissa estimated the passenger count at 300 or more, I haven't heard the exact count. There was total chaos and confusion.  She said much of the ships crew were intoxicated and when the ship began to sink they too went into a self preservation mode.  There was a small girl with Melissa and she panicked and jumped into the sea.  Melissa followed her. One of the miraculous things is the ship was to depart at 6 p.m. (nearly dark), but delayed their departure until morning, making the ship sinking occur at 2 p.m. and the passenger could see well.  There were drums of fuel onboard and they floated so the passenger could hang onto these floating objects.  Most of the passengers were floating/swimming in the water for 3-4 hours before the rescue. Most of the ship's life jackets were safely stored away in the cargo hold, which filled with water making the life jackets inaccessible.   The Helicopter dropped life jackets, water, and other things while waiting for the ships to arrive.  Melissa grabbed a life jacket dropped from the chopper and hung onto it and her small friend hang onto her back.  Melissa said that people who never or seldom prayed were praying and calling on the name of Jesus. She said she was surprised because one lady who she never heard praying was calling out to Jesus.  She said that she had a peace, and knew Jesus was with her. At first she was afraid but then she felt peace.The passengers were all picked up by dark which really helped for a successful rescue operation and definitely increased the survival. Thanks for your prayers.

District Assembly:
The District Assembly went well.  It was a good assembly.  It was the final week of school and graduation programs, Christmas activities, etc. going on and so some of our churches did not attend, which was unfortunate.  Then everyone returning after Christmas, some of our delegate are struggling trying to find transport to their home island.  Pray for the Solomon Islands as we develop and mature as a district.

Land Issue:
We have an issue with our land where one of our neighbors is claiming part of our land.  Please pray.

Pastoral Vote:
Pastor Alick Hagi received a good vote and will be the new pastor at Zion Church.  Pray for Pastor Jeremiah and he find God's will for his ministry.  Thanks for your prayers and for the spirit of unity felt throughout this process.

Bible College Class:
Continue to pray for the Bible College Class.

Sovereign Grace Church:
Pray for me as I leave in about 18 hours or so for Munda to organize the Sovereign Grace Church.  It is a quick trip down Friday afternoon and return Sunday afternoon.

George Miller
PO Box 712
Honiara, Solomon Islands
Phone: +677 7468920

No comments:

Post a Comment