Countdown to Tonga!

Mālō e lelei!

12 days and counting!

On Sept 28th 5 women, including yours truly, will journey to the obscure little island country called the Kingdom of Tonga.  (It's actually comprised of 176 islands.)   We are all VERY excited!

Our mission is simply this:  To support God's mission that is already taking place at the Mango Tree Respite Centre, a ministry of the Church of the Nazarene that serves individuals with disabilities and their families.  Many volunteer teams come and go on short term basis all year 'round, providing support, encouragement, and resources to those who live and serve in Tonga long term.  In-Kwon and Jeong-Seok Kim have been full-time missionaries at the centre since 2007.


In recent months, the New Zealand district has sent teams to do manual labour and construction work on expanding the facility.  Our team is a bit different.
As a team of women, half of whom are educators, our focus will be working directly with the disabled children through a kids club/holiday programme of sorts.   Because some may be non-verbal or unable to communicate and create the way that many mainstream children do, we have planned a high sensory programme for the week.  Bubbles, noisy toys, gooey glop, bright colours and the like are perfect way for these youngsters to experience the love of Christ! The messier the better!

It is remarkable to think that these precious children are created in the image of God and He reveals himself to them in ways that only they can understand.

Please join me in praying for our team as we continue to plan, prepare, and raise funds.  Pray for the ministry of the Mango Tree Respite Centre, that they would go from strength to strength in bringing the love of Christ in practical ways to those whom they serve.