Vanuatu

---

The PCV has its own missionaries who are sent to share the Word with other Pacific countries, including New Caledonia, as well as with villagers who live on isolated islands of Vanuatu.

During World War II, thousands of American troops were stationed in Vanuatu on the island of Tanna. The villagers saw the wealth and power of America: airplanes, jeeps, and guns, and they experienced the generosity of the soldiers, who shared gum, cigarettes, and Coca-Cola with the local people. A cult grew up around that generosity. Some of the villagers believe that someday “John Frum” Americans will return and provide them with everything they need. They copy, as best they can, everything American in readiness for this second coming of John Frum. They organize their villages in strict rectangles, parade before an American flag while marching with carved wooden rifles, and dance to guitar music in their worship services.
With financial support from Westminster Presbyterian Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the PCV has sent missionaries to the island of Tanna. A small, thatched church has been built near the John Frum headquarters, and construction on a permanent building will begin in the near future. Mission trips from Westminster have visited, attended worship services, and shared laughter with the local people. Pastor Fiama Rakau, the clerk of PCV, says, “Now people are coming to the Lord, and there’s a hunger for the Word. May praise be to God!”