Right about now (June/July 2020) about 50 people would have been over in the Solomon Islands working on the next stage of the Katova High School project. The COVID-19 situation has interfered with many of our plans and has meant we have had to delay our next project for a year. I have spoken regularly to staff at the SWIM base and also our friends from the village. They have been impacted by the COVID-19 situation as well with most of Honiara evacuated and people sent back to their villages. About a month ago the Solomon Islands received their first COVID testing machine and testing kits. So far several hundred tests have been conducted on targeted individuals who were suffering respiratory illnesses and COVID symptoms. All these tests have been negative. It is possible that the Solomon Islands have managed to avoid the Corona Virus entirely which is an amazing blessing.
Whilst we cannot be on site, work on the Katova High School Project is continuing by the local community. Four staff houses are currently under construction and their progress is well advanced. These houses are being built off the plans we supplied. We have trained locals in building skills and also provided them with a portable timber mill and other resources. The Solomon Islands Government has funded the houses with the last delivery of materials leaving Honiara several weeks ago. We are so proud of the people in Katova for the progress they are making. The Solomon Islands Government has also allocated several million dollars for dormitory and administrative buildings. We had aimed for the school to start with Grade 7 in 2021 but this may be pushed back a year.
Please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters working on this project. Pray also that we will be able to travel to the Solomon Islands in the near future to continue our work and share the gospel through our friendships and partnerships.
For church leaders and individuals to consider:
The COVID situation has caused many challenges. However, there has been some generous government support as well. Perhaps your church really needed this support or…..perhaps this was a budget windfall that you are deciding how to use. Can I request that churches in the denomination consider making a $500 to $1000 contribution to the Katova High School Project. If each church in the denomination made such a contribution we would be able to fully fund two more classroom blocks (4 classrooms). Please prayerfully consider if you are able to support us financially. Please also note that any individuals or businesses who want to make a donations can claim this as a tax deduction as we have tax deductable charity status. Contact Rod Peet via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phone 0412058848 if you can assist.