146 Note from the President: New Paths in Fiji

The SI Fiji “footprint” has changed, and I couldn’t be more excited! For over two years now we have been partnering with several great ministries that our teams have been blessed to work with. We have worked at the Momi Base in various agricultural sites and we also worked at the Homes of Hope ministry in Suva which works as a long term rescue ministry for young women. These were wonderful ministries that were a blessing to us, yet their mission and vision were a bit different from ours. I have been sensing the need to change to a model that more accurately reflects who we are in Students International and that would resemble what we do in our other countries. The SI Board and I were drawn to begin a new ministry in a different part of Fiji because of the amazing Fijian relationships we have recently developed. This area is called Lautoka and is located near the airport where all our teams land. The most exciting part of this new setting is the ministry sites we are partnering with, such as preschool education, special education, prison visitation, retirement homes and construction. Having just led our first trip to this area of Lautoka, I can unequivocally say the impact of these Fijians on our lives was phenomenal! I invite you all to join us in prayer as we continue to develop this new base in Fiji, and that you would prayerfully consider bringing or joining a trip out to this new and exciting country!