Our story starts in the beginning of 2014, when the Holy Spirit first called our mission to begin ministry on the islands of Vanuatu. I had never even heard of the country, until one defining afternoon in March 2014. I was visiting America at that time, to “officially” propose to my now-wife, Yelena, after already having set our wedding date to July 2014. But that’s a story for another time!
Peter Nakhaychuk, the founder of our mission, had invited me to visit him at his house for a time of fellowship and prayer. During the prayer is when I first heard from Peter that God was calling him to begin His work in Vanuatu. Right away, my eyes fell to the tiny spot on the bottom left corner of the world map that was hanging on the wall.
After we prayed together for the country and for God’s guidance, he asked me to join their first excursion trip in May. I felt a strong pull to this unknown place, and after prayer and God’s confirmation, we began to plan the trip. We had no idea what to expect, and no contact information of any people there, yet had an inexplicable, ever-increasing desire to see the place with our own eyes. Finally, in May 2014, went on our first trip to the Islands.
When we first landed in the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, we immediately felt that we must continue traveling to the island of Espirito Santo. Not wanting to waste any time, we decided to take the next available plane to Santo. I still remember the feeling that overcame me when our feet touched the land after that plane ride! It was as if I had finally come home. The feeling was so strong, I almost had an urge to kiss the ground I was standing on! God led us to visit different churches, villages, and places, where the locals met us with heart-warming hospitality, and friendliness.
Everywhere we went, we asked the locals about their life, their needs and their faith. It seemed as if there were churches everywhere- even a small village might have churches of 3 different denominations! Many people told us about the difficulties of their life- lack of health care, limited and very expensive schools, and an insufficient income. We saw that the people were hungry for God, but were lacking in the teaching of truth.
Over time, Christianity had been mixed with Animism in many areas of Vanuatu. It was confusing at first to see ‘pastors’ showing us how they worship ancestral spirits, and then, how they pray to ‘Masta Jesus’ (master Jesus), afterwards. Many profess Christianity as their religion, but for many, it was just another ‘kastom’. On the surface everything looked so great- the people looked to be happy, everyone smiling and seems to be doing fantastic! But slowly we started to understand and see the hidden world of fear of spirits, false teachings, domestic violence, and not only physical, but also spiritual malnutrition.
I was overcome with a special love for the Ni-Vatu. There was so much that I wanted to learn from them- the simplicity of life, their contentment even while having so little, their generosity, and the way they take care of their own communities. I longed for them to get to know Jesus. He, who gave His own life to set the captives free. He who went on the cross, to reconcile every tribe, every nation and every people back unto God.
He, who said: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. My word is truth”.
Jesus, the Son of God. One day while we were visiting another village, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said:
“Who will go to Vanuatu? Who will go and spend himself for these people?”
I couldn’t help but cry out and say: “Here I am Lord, send me!”.
I had no idea how this answered call would change my life.
Christian Isaak
