Help Jimmy buy a 4WD so he can better help others!

I met Jimmy in 2008 on a mission trip to the remote village of Karimasanga, South Tanna Island, one of the southern-most islands of Vanuatu.

I promptly forgot all about him.

Until 2016 - Jimmy randomly reached out to me in desperation after Cyclone Pam completely devastated his home and community. During that year, due to the damage caused by the cyclone and the time it takes for crops to grow, Jimmy and his family actually had to resort to eating “bush-rope seeds”. These things are normally poisonous, but the hardy Ni-Vanuatu people have somehow worked out that if you roast them, then soak them in running water for two weeks, then peel and roast them again, they’re “edible” - despite tasting terrible. But such is life as a subsistence farmer in a remote community in remote Vanuatu! The world doesn’t know or care if you live or die…

I finally managed to visit Jimmy and his lovely family in Jan 2024, having been directly supporting him since that phone call in 2016 in various small ways - but now I would really love your help!

Jimmy and his family are just beautiful. He and his wife Jenny have 9 children, the youngest two being 5 and 6. As a family they have a massive heart for helping those even less fortunate than themselves. When disaster strikes, Jimmy and Jenny hike up into the surrounding mountains to find the widows and needy people who live off the land there. They take with them whatever aid they can afford, often rice, and spread the good news of Jesus wherever they can. They are constantly serving their community in so many ways. The whole family hikes up and down hills for over 2 hours every Sunday, so that Jimmy can preach in a small christian outreach church near Green Point near the southern tip of the island.

Jimmy is also Deputy Principal and the Year 2 teacher at Kumahau School (~30 mins walk up the hill), and has worked as a teacher for over 21 years without a salary - relying on the crops in his garden to feed his family, including his nine children and one grandchild.

They have no running water, no electricity, very very basic amenities, a challenging commute in every direction, and hugely generous hearts.

So I would love your help.

Jimmy's commitment to ministry and helping the less fortunate is hindered by his lack of available transportation. I want to help them buy a 4WD.

Having a vehicle would not only transform their lives but also empower them to enhance their community outreach. This would not just help one family; this will contribute to the well-being of an entire community. Jimmy and his family would be able to offer lifts to the many people who walk for hours to get to church, or who can’t afford to make it to town.

With a 4WD, he will be able to reach the surrounding mountainous areas far more effectively, expand his ministry opportunities, and it would certainly make his rice deliveries a whole lot easier. Jenny’s back will thank you!

All their buying and selling takes place in the town of Lenakel, which is about a 3 hour hike north - completely impractical if you’re trying to buy and sell crops. So they’re currently spending over 128,000 VUV (~$1700AUD) per year just on travel to and from Lenakel; a vehicle would actually turn this expense into a source of income - he would be able to drive people to town (standard hitchhiking fare is 200 vatu per head each way) which will more than cover his fuel and maintenance costs, and this will actually help support his family.

The treacherous terrain in Tanna demands a reliable and capable vehicle for effective outreach, so I’d love to get them a second hand Landcruiser.

This would cost approximately 4.5mil VUV (~$60,000AUD), plus flights to pick the vehicle up in Port Vila, and shipping for the vehicle from Port Vila to Tanna Island. The original fundraising target is therefore $65,000AUD to cover these costs. I’d love for you to be a part of this with me.

We have an opportunity here to make a lasting impact on Jimmy's family and the people they tirelessly serve. Your contribution will drive positive change, fostering hope and resilience in Karimasanga and the surrounding area of Tanna Island. Thank you so much for considering this meaningful cause!

I am able to receive direct donations - Please message me if you’re interested in doing likewise to avoid transaction fees and maximise your giving!