April 2002

Bridge of prayers

There was a joke when I was in college that went, “Yesterday I couldn’t even spell engineer and now I are one!” Well, that’s a little how I have felt lately. My call here to Vanuatu has been, so I thought, to teach students and train teachers. These days, however, I have had to be an engineer, a bridge builder.

Three weeks ago, the Vanuatu Christian Council held the National Day of Prayer Service in Port Vila, the capital. I was asked to speak on behalf of the United States of America. I have to tell you that it was both a moment of pride for me, as well as a humbling experience. There were more than 500 people in attendance, expatriates as well as ni-Vanuatu. There were fewer than 10 Americans there, as the bulk of our presence in Vanuatu is the 40 or so Peace Corps workers, and they are scattered all over the various islands. In addition to my speech, the prime minister spoke, as did the chairman of the Council of Chiefs, the other main political figure here. Pastor Fiama was asked to provide the sermon.

There may be thousands of miles of water between Vanuatu and the United States, but on that day a bridge was built. The bridge was built out of something much stronger than steel. It was built with prayers. The United States here is held in a special place in the hearts of the ni-Vanuatu people. When we were here during World War II, the people saw how we treated each other as equals, and how even the lowest-ranking soldier was treated with respect. Much of what they saw was fuel for their drive for independence in the 1970s. Because of that, there is an uncommon bond between our two peoples, and I cherish that bond.

The offering that was taken that day was to assist those affected by the terrorist attacks on September 11. Offerings from other local churches were brought and added to that. I doubt that no more than 10 percent of these folks earn more than $5,000 per year, yet they gave this offering to us!

While I can’t drive home on the bridge that was built that day (and which still stands), I know it will always be there. It is a two-way bridge, and prayers can go both ways. We can use yours here.

Thank you.

David Walter