From Tonga with Love

The Team; L to R Sam Redman, Bridget McGregor, Kimberley McMurdo, Andrew A-J, Sam McArthur

17 Sep 2009

July 2009, led by Andrew Allan-Johns (Vicar of Rangiora), a young team embarked on a spiritually fulfilling Mission to Tonga. On the 9 day Mission were Sam McArthur (20), Bridget McGregor (20), Sam Redman (17) and Kimberley McMurdo (17). Andrew, of course, is not quite as young, but felt uplifted and was carried along by the youthful enthusiasm.

A long time in the planning, the team was initially scheduled to work with the Anglican parishes on the main island of Tongatapu but a cancellation of arrangements at the very last minute in Tonga certainly tested the resourcefulness of Andrew. Left scratching his head and within 48 hours before they were due to depart and committed to travelling, the team received an invitation from YWAM Tonga to work out of their base at Lafalafa. The change of plans proved inspirational, with YWAM stepping in with food and accommodation, a vehicle for our use and YWAM liaison Lona, who arranged ministry opportunities and drove the team wherever they needed to go. The team was very well received at YWAM and were quickly orientated and included the Rangiora team in some ‘street outreaches’ and praying for hospital patients.

Also during the Mission the young team, under Andrew’s guidance, accepted an invitation to deliver ‘bible in schools’ at the Tongan Side School. The team did a great job in presenting the bible class to a group of about fifty eleven year olds. The following day, the team travelled to Popua a village in a poor area, door knocking to offer prayer and doing street evangelism. Much healing and recommitment of faith was achieved in the village, where conditions were poor and spirits were visibly uplifted.

"For the team, it was humbling to see God’s healing power showing his compassion for the poor", Andrew said of his visit there.

The team continued to pray for the people in Popua and the neighbouring village of Patangata, experiencing the strength of the Lord in his healing, reconfirmation of faith and conversion. The team was particularly thrilled to see Tau, a stroke victim who was paralyzed on his left side. Following prayer and healing, mobility was restored and Tau rose to his feet and walked out of his house to sit in the sunshine, truly remarkable for Tau and the team. Another healing that took place was that of a severely affected diabetic who had lost all feeling in their limbs. Following healing they too had sensation return to their limbs. The street evangelism was an incredible experience for all who took part. The Holy Spirit passed freely and had a busy day.

One of the highlights for the team was to have the opportunity to broadcast testimonies, song and teaching on both radio and television; a unique opportunity for the young team to spread the word of Christ and for them to share the openness and depth of their own faith. Andrew took the opportunity to share Eccl 9:14-16 as a warning to church leaders of the spiritual siege the nation was under. Many church leaders who saw the television broadcast affirmed this warning. Over time, it became clear to Andrew that Tonga seems destined to be a missionary sending nation to the world. Their faith, teaching and humility is such that any nation should welcome their teaching. The suitability of those who had been to or were preparing to go to very difficult countries was impressive.

The team gives thanks to YWAM for their hospitality and guidance and Andrew was pleased to give a message at their weekly chapel gathering and speaking at the DTS graduation event and has subsequently been invited back in December to teach their DTS on ministry in the Holy Spirit. The team grew as people and in their own faith on the mission and was able to see the Holy Spirit move in word and sign among the people of Tonga. YWAM were excellent.

WORDS: ANDREW ALLAN-JOHNS