My First Ninety Days: Elwood Hurst in Majuro & Guam

After 36 years it is not really clear to us what happened our first three months in Majuro and then almost 24 years ago here on Guam.

Majuro:

All of our possessions that went to the field with us were shipped by US Postal service. This meant that we had boxes waiting for us. Thankfully, the folks of the church had already built some furniture and that was in place. Our rented house was also painted. The first work was to unpack boxes and assemble three bicycles. There was not much touring to do to familiarize with the island. As our friend used to say to his wife on their Friday evening tour, “Do you want to go to the right or the left?”
Included in the early days was the meeting of the church folks and getting adjusted to the new environment. We also had to get the children ready for home school. We had the school materials and we built desks to them. Our work in the ministry was in a church that was already operating, so it was a matter of preaching and teaching as the Lord led. After about a month we purchased a vehicle.

Guam:

Guam was much easier than Majuro. The sponsoring church had a house rented and furnished. Very soon after arrival we were in church and there were 9 folks waiting for the new missionary. A vehicle had been planned for us and was agreeable to us so we had a vehicle right away. Here we did have to get our power and water in our name, get a telephone connected and get a Guam driver’s license. The interim missionary left the next day after our arrival. So, our ministry started right away in the church. We got to meet our neighbors and the folks of the church. In the three-month period we did planning and initiating some ministries of the church. By this time we had only one of our children with us and there was a Christian school available so there was no home schooling. Our boxes awaited us when we arrived.
As you well know, conditions will vary from field to field and country to country. In some places language will be among the top priorities. Housing is also a top priority. Families with children, especially young ones need to be helped in adjusting to the new environment and guided in the development of friends.

Elwood Hurst
Majuro & Guam
elwoodhurst@yahoo.com