Johnson Family Missions

Spring 2007

Dear Friends and Family:

We have been so very blessed with a vehicle! A BIG THANKS to all who gave! As you have read in our newsletter, We ran into a problem with the customs here. As you probably know there was a coup in December and the military is still running the country. Although we (IWT - our non-profit organization here in Fiji) have a letter stating we are exempt from import taxes, the military will not release 2 vehicles IWT purchased from New Zealand and had shipped here. They are demanding the tax of $17,000.00 FJD be paid. Although IWT has tried the legal route, there is nothing left to do since the military is in charge. Fortunately this came to light BEFORE we sent any money to initiate the purchase of the vehicle we were going to buy and have shipped. God had a back up plan all along! A missionary couple on the other side of the island is returning to Canada and we found out that they were selling their vehicle. It is a Toyota dual cab 4WD pick up truck. It is a few years old, but in like new condition. It only has 24,000 kilometers on it (about 15k miles) and has been serviced by the dealership since it was bought new by them. I saw the vehicle and said we would buy it. It is just about the same amount we were going to spend in purchasing and shipping the other vehicle from NZ.

Holli has been visiting us and plans to return to Rockford and attend RVC and pursue a teaching degree! She is hopeful this will provide more open doors for her in her future including missions work. She LOVES working with kids and wants to be more equipped.

A couple of notes regarding the picture. Obviously we are thrilled with the vehicle. It will serve us well over the next few years. You may notice the barb wire fencing. There have been several break in and attempts with our close neighbors. A gang of men, usually 4 to 6 of them, attempt to force their way into homes even if someone is there. We are at peace and have taken normal precautions, but value your prayers for our safety. We sleep well trusting in God and His angels.

Also notice the little red flag on the pole in the upper left of the photo. Most of our neighbors are Hindu. They put this little red flag as a sign to one of their many gods for protection. It is exciting to share the love of Jesus with those who have little opportunity to hear it. As all of our immediate neighbors have had break in or attempts, we will be able to share with them why they haven't tried to break in to our home when they ask.

The project we are working on right now is to furnish our down stairs flat (apartment) so that other missionaries can use it. Right now there is a wonderful young couple from New Zealand here to help with the IWT staying there. We have purchased a refrigerator, stove, bed, etc and will do more as funds come in. We also were able to pass some of your giving on to one the young students that Curt did the school with. She is a wonderful young Fijian, Losana, and will be serving with IWT. She needed to pay her school fees of several hundred dollars.

There is so much poverty and need here, we really are attempting to know God's heart and give where He leads us to.

We appreciate your prayers and partnership more than you could know!

 

Grace & Peace to You!

Curt & Kay

 

Johnson Family Missions -