Beginnings

On 13-14 June 2023, most of our TIM participants left their home countries for the journey to our commencement site in Suva, Fiji. There had been a process of preparation, with applications, essays, medical checks, endorsements from General Secretaries, committees, conversations with families and workplaces, permissions from study institutions and Government officials. They would be away from home for 6 months. There was much to organise.

Before leaving, our 10 accepted Candidates met on zoom with Mission Secretary, Amelia, and Programme Associates, Fuata Varea-Singh and Vicki Sim. Everyone was reminded about travel arrangements and advised not to bring too much! 

Two of our accepted TIMs were not able to leave home by the departure date. Their visas had been delayed and they were unable to travel without them. We all constantly held them in our prayers, wondering what God would have in store for them. This was not a new experience for some of us. Four or our TIMs had previously been accepted for the programme in 2020 but the programme was cancelled due to COVID19 travel restrictions. At that time, some had cried for days with the disappointment, so knowing that two of our number were missing was deeply personal. The TIMs who made it to Fiji fasted and prayed for those that did not. We place the wellbeing of our sister and brother into God's hands.

The TIMs have posted reflections about the first part of this incredible journey. From the excitement experienced by family, to the long plane flight, to settling in, we feel their anticipation and sense of adventure. Each of these young adults has had the courage to say YES to God's adventure.

You can read about their journey here...

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A heartfelt gratitude report.

Image
 I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mannings Hill United Church, Oberlin United Church and Salisbury United church for their warm and inclusive welcome during my short visit to their congregations. Your openness and hospitality left a profound impact on me, and I will cherish the sense of community and acceptance I experienced. Your warmth, generosity, and the valuable insights shared will remain with me for a lifetime and as I am about to end my journey as a Training in Mission participant, I thank the Lord that we've crossed path.  To : MANNINGS HILL UNITED CHURCH. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa's General Secretary, our Elders, Ministers and all our different parishes, for allowing me to worship with you on the 5th of November 2023. Thank you for your example of a small congregation that has achieved remarkable feats in the service of the Lord. Your dedication, love and work have shown that the size of a cong
Read more

Critical Reflection on reading Genesis 12 from Contesting Context.

  A   A critical reflection on reading and doing church from contest context (Reading Genesis Chapter 12 : 20)   Genesis 12 – 1 :6 In this reading, God gave instruction to Abram to leave everything behind and go to Canaan where he will make great nation, make his name great and be a blessing. However, Abram did not obey, he took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all his possessions and people they had acquired from Haran. He arrived in Canaan and traveled through the land to find out that there are Canaanites living on this land. God also appeared on this land and said “To your offspring, I will give this land”. From Chapter 11, Sarai is said to be childless or barren, how can God give him such blessing knowing that Abram’s wife cannot conceive, a loophole in the text.   Reference to context : We believe that missionaries arrived on our lands because our ancestors believed that it is a fulfillment to a prophecy by a fearless Goddess (Nafanua). Christian God was introduced and our
Read more

2023 CWM Youth Consultation on Ecology and Economy in the Pacific

Image
 Tuvalu's very existence hangs in the balance as rising sea levels threaten to erase it from the world map. In the coming years, we will delve into the multifaceted challenges that Tuvalu confronts as a result of climate change. Throughout our one week spent in Tuvalu for this consultation, I have learned and examined the impacts of climate injustices on Tuvalu's environment, economy, and cultural heritage and explored the efforts of Tuvaluans to adapt and advocate for international action.  The consequences of rising sea levels extend far beyond the loss of land as experienced. The Tuvaluans, just like any other Pacific Island Nation are heavily dependent on their environment for their livelihoods, with fishing and agriculture being primary sources of income. However, Tuvalu is on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing a multitude of challenges ranging from existential threats to physical existence to disruptions in its economy, environment, and, culture. These effects hi
Read more