(Photos by Dominique Filippi)
Fiji (MNN) ― Fiji suffered significant damage in the wake of Cyclone Tomas. The storm left widespread destruction throughout the South Pacific island chain. The one-time Category 4 storm battered Fiji's northern islands for parts of three days, with gusts up to 275 km/hr (170 mph).
The nationwide curfew lifted yesterday, but a state of emergency remains in effect for 30 days. Damage estimates from Tomas are expected to exceed Cyclone Mick's $25 million footprint in December.
Communications are still out in many areas. Relief supplies and temporary shelter are being airlifted in. Assessment teams are also carrying out surveys of the damage.
Amidst the recovery, there were questions about whether or not the Fiji Crossroad Bible Institute team could continue to work.
Crossroad's David Schuringa says their Australian team is keeping a close eye on the situation. "It's not only a matter of the cyclone and the cyclone damage, but the military regime in Fiji uses every opportunity possible to be able to take more control, to show force, to show power and to keep that suppression going. So you have a two-pronged emergency in situations like this."
The outreach is still in the early stages. Their Australian distribution center has steadily expanded the inmate Bible study program since 2008. In fact, CBI Bible studies are delivered to nine prisons located in and around the capital city, Suva.
Within the first couple of weeks, there were over 200 lessons being completed and processed. That number continues to grow.
The Crossroad team says they don't anticipate any disruption to their Bible study and discipleship programs to inmates. But, says Schuringa, you can pray. "So far, the Bible study program for the prisoners is under their radar and continuing on, but we're going to monitor the situation quite closely."
CBI has guided thousands of inmates through a faith-based re-entry education and equipped the church to make disciples and support them. You can help inmates study the Word of God not only by praying, but by becoming an instructor. For details, click here.
