News from Nauru - April 2025

Where have all the Ants gone?
In the last two weeks the ants have disappeared. They had been a big challenge to me and even seemed to get into sealed packets in the cupboard and I have been putting most things in the fridge. Even then they would creep in, but thank God they have gone for now.

One night I went to the toilet, didn’t put on the light and could hear something whilst I sat. I thought it was the water system, but when I stood found it to be a mouse taking swimming lessons. It was not there when I returned, but have seen a brave mouse running around some evenings.

Finding my way around
For those who are counting, I have now cycled around the island 39 times and mostly the more challenging direction against the wind and the 2 hills. I did explore more of the centre part which is called Topside on the last Bank Holiday, but have more to explore inland. There is even a cave to go in!

Started with a Bang
I got going quickly and had a good number of people attending training and meetings. In recent weeks it has been a bit disappointing. The 6 sessions preaching training we are now up to session 5 and just 3 people came. Sunday school training had 3 when we started with 8 now. Pastors meeting seem to have stopped coming and Youth team meeting had just 2 last time. Bible study has had few and sometime the pastor leading has not come!

It is difficult to know if it is the content or the way I am training or a normal trend. I hope to evaluate as we come to the end of this block of training and meetings. I know commitment is a big issue across many cultures and Churches.

Sunday Schools
I have continued to visit Sunday Schools, so as to make sure the programme I am putting together is culturally appropriate and possible to use by teachers who have limited time. This week I record 3 songs by the Children in Denic Sunday School that could be used in other Sunday Schools. Do learn and record and send to me your version. You can get them on my You Tube channel - pastornigel19

Work in Schools
I have continued to go into 5 schools. In theory, it is to help with the Religious Instruction sessions. Most of the time the person who is due to be there doesn’t turn up and I end up doing the session. Numbers of young people attending have increased and we are enjoying the sessions.

For many English is not so easy for them to understand and the Session I take for 5-8 year olds can be a struggle for me with 70+ children and sometimes no one to help.

The plan is to work with people from the Congregational Church here, so they are trained and empowered to carry on. But again it is difficult as in other places to get people to step forward as volunteers. People often expect to be paid.

My involvement in schools is getting me known across the island and so when I am out walking or cycling I often get a greeting from a young person and now some adults too.

Guidance
I have started to do a few sessions in the lower secondary school with some struggling students. This is a good use of my experience

Preaching
I did have a chance to preach at the main Church with a focus on stepping out of the boat. I have started to lead services in the local Churches and this is a great opportunity to speak to more and demonstrate some of what I am talking about at our Preaching workshop.

Holiday Activity
For young people I am told there is not much to do in holidays and so we are inviting each Church to start a brief holiday programme to start with my help. A great chance to build on the work in schools.

Bible study
They have had before but had stopped so I used the opportunity of Lent to relaunch with the involvement with all the Pastors. Number have been small and pastor’s commitment low, but some have appreciated.

Health
I have had some Health challenges and awaiting some test results at present. I welcome your prayers.

Basketball
I am trying to focus some of my energy on an area called Location, a 15 minute walk from where I live. A run down area which has some challenges. I sit and watch and encourage basketball as they have training from the son of Rev Roger. I am trying to support him with some Biblical back up.

CWM Projects
A lady came from Fiji to run a sewing workshop for a week and this went well. All the other projects are on hold and I know little about.

Prayer and Support
I do welcome your prayers for the above.

The internet seems to be working well and the time difference at present is Nauru being 11 hours now ahead of the UK so it is possible to zoom between 8 and 10pm or 7- 10am some days

If you send anything by post you need to put on the envelope my telephone number as there is not delivery service. The post I sent from UK before I left has not yet arrived.

God Bless your Easter Journey

Rev Nigel Lindsay
Partner in Mission ‘Enabler’:
Nauru Congregational Church
Mission House Aiwo District
Phone: + 674 556 5104
WhatsApp: + 44 7917 222 304
pastornigel19@yahoo.co.uk