Mission Log

“Thank you to all who helped to send things over in the container. The people in the needy and remote villages want to thank you especially for the Bibles and the clothes.” This thank you is endorsed by PYM management.

The container was shipped in July. It was well stocked and included PYM equipment, linen, walking aids for physiotherapy/rehabilitation use, bibles, books and some clothing. The books were packed in poly-bags for ease of distribution to school and church libraries (the church is the hub of village life). All this material was donated. It was then sorted, packed, and loaded by volunteers. Now the container is in place at Luganville as a secure storage facility for PYM equipment. PYM has appreciated the generosity of the two succeeding Mission Director’s of the North Vanuatu SDA Mission. They have allowed PYM to share their small, private, storage room under the house in Luganville. Thank you gentlemen for this support.

Last year Greg, a volunteer cameraman shot footage of PYM’s operations in TORBA Province of Vanuatu. He has since produced an excellent promotional DVD. Harold, a PYM member is now busy producing copies for distribution. Marcus, son of PYM’s Medical Officer, has designed a very attractive brochure to support the DVD. The PYM Board is very grateful for the support these men have given in producing these materials.

For materials to promote PYM where you, please contact PYM through the website contacts link.

Fact Sheet 2007
Country of operation:     Republic of Vanuatu

Areas of operation:       TORBA, PENAMA & SANMA Provinces

Time period of operation: Early July to mid October, 2007

Results accomplished:

Medical:

Over 1200 patients seen & treated
More than 550 adults, 650 children
    
Dental:

Over 1170 examinations (820 adults, 350 children)
More than 500 adults & 40 children required a total of
more than 850 extractions

Other care included cleaning and de-scaling, personal
instruction regarding dental care & oral hygiene

Health Education:

Video and instructional presentations attended by 6900
visitors (some individuals attended multiple sessions)
 - many were given personal advice as well

Glasses:

290 people provided with glasses  - 217 to assist vision
and over 80 people with Pterygium provided with sunglasses

Vaccinations:

1299 life saving vaccinations provided to children, pregnant
women, and women of child bearing age
All expatriate personnel were unpaid volunteers. Pacific
Yacht Ministries is a small, registered, non-profit charity
organized in 2002. It is managed by a small group of unpaid
volunteers and provides its services with funds generously
donated, mostly by private individuals.
 

Without supporters the work of PYM would not exsist. Businesses in Luganville have been especially supportive of this work in the past. This year is no exception. Pacific Petroleum Pty Ltd has again provided fuel to help get the yachts to where they are needed, and Lo Chan Moon has provided food at discounted prices. A special thank you is extended to Daniel (Pacific Petroleum P/L) and Richard (Lo Chan Moon Store) for this willing and valuable support.

• Teams?

Dates have been determined for four teams to enter Vanuatu in 2007.

Dates are:

Team 1 - July 6 to 20

Team 2 - August 3 to 17

Team 3 - September 4 to 21

Team 4 - October 5 to 19

A fifth team may also be organized for November 16 to 30 after the yachts have left. They will be a land based team. PYM’s volunteers for 2007 are being organized and coordinated through One Mission, an organization that specialises in linking volunteers with projects. Are you a qualified, currently registered medical or dental professional interested in joining a team. PYM welcomes bookings by volunteers up to 3 years in advance. Contact One Mission now; email - julie@onemission.org.au 

• Yachts?

Last year we had no yachts but in 2007 it looks like we will have several. ‘Windango’ is slowly looking more like a yacht again as her refit continues. It is hoped to have her in the water by the end of April to begin presailing trials. Three catamarans and one monohull with their owners/crews have offered to assist. Another monohull is currently undergoing fitout. Her owners hope to have her ready in time to add to the fleet as well.

• Where?

PYM has an ongoing commitment to the people of TORBA Province in northern Vanuatu. It is planned that teams three and four will go there in 2007. If a fifth team can be arranged for November they also will work in TORBA. For teams one and two PYM is approaching the Vanuatu Health Department about providing work in a second province.

With a number of yachts willing to assist this year, it is hoped that they will be able to provide the teams with close support. This will leave ‘Windango’ and crew to provide logistical support, and to explore other areas of need including outside of Vanuatu. The Solomon Islands lie to the north of Vanuatu and many areas have similar needs as Vanuatu communities. 2008 may see PYM having teams working in two countries. PYM is willing and is praying that God will provide the resources.

This article published 29/06/2006

It has been quiet on the news front during the summer though things behind the scenes have been working.

Over several months volunteers have been selected and organized into four teams for the 2006 season. Since April much work has been done preparing the way for the teams. Stephenie has laid the ground work in Vanuatu, while Geoff and helpers purchased the medical and dental supplies. These went out on the aircraft with Steph on June 20. Now all is as ready as possible for the first team’s arrival.

[b]Please pray:[/b]

[b]1[/b] for the health and safety of team members
[b]2[/b] for good weather to allow them to do their work in the best conditions
[b]3[/b] that team members will be able to work efficiently under circumstances much more difficult than most of them are used to
[b]4[/b] that God will bless their efforts for this year’s work to be a resounding success