7th Fiji August 2018 Report

This is my last full day in Fiji.  Chuck and his son-in-law Joshua went with me to Lowaki Village to meet with the women’s group who are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their start in beekeeping.  TUtP held initial training for them a year ago and loaned them 4 beehives for 2 years along with a commitment to continue to train and mentor them in the entire beekeeping business.  Chuck’s wife Sue has taught the ladies how to sew their own bee suits and make bee veils.  Chuck has trained the men of the village to build bee boxes and frames.
 
It was a real joy to see how enthusiastic and faithful these women have been this past year despite having no honey harvest due to the current drought.  Even with the drought, their hives are doing well.  One hive was split 1½ months ago and was split again today.  That is remarkable.  Another of the 4 was in excellent condition, showing admirable signs of growth.  Two hives were not as well off as the others, though still in perfectly acceptable condition given the stress of inadequate forage.  One had no queen but did have two developing queen cells.
 
We believe there will likely be a good honey harvest next month when Chuck returns for further mentoring and monitoring.  We also expect to be able to split at least one other hive.

The ladies are being faithful in checking the strength of each hive on the required schedule.  All of the ladies are participating.  They are meeting every Thursday morning each week to discuss the bees and determine what needs to be done that week.  As they inspect the hives they are accurately recording their findings in their log book.
 
This was a very encouraging gathering.  We are praying and planning that this village will be the model village we’ll point to as we expand beekeeping around the island to other lady’s groups.  They understand that and are excited about the prospect of helping others achieve what they’ve gained.
 
Lowake is located in the middle of a largely Indian farming area.  Hindu farmers came to our initial bee keeping training and medical outreach last year.  We saw a number of these farmers make a commitment of faith to Jesus.  As this village thrives it will be a testimony to these farmers showing the love of Jesus among His people.  As the bee business expands it will also provide a necessary cash flow into the village and the surrounding area.
 
Thank you all for your involvement in this ministry through your support, encouragement and prayers.