After a lengthy COVID period, eventually by God’s grace, access was granted again to visit the Kingdom of Tonga. Time was not wasted during this COVID period, since three ladies were going through the process of preparing to put on the saving name of our Lord.

Kalolaine Kepu, Valerie Stevens (Bro Ralph Stevens’ adopted daughter) and Vei Brown had over the years been attending local weekly Bible classes based on First Principles presented by Bro Ralph Stevens and Bro Dicky Avock. Sis Abi Read (Wellington Ecclesia) had been providing instruction for Vei remotely via video link.

Bro Zac, Sis Abi and Sis Kade Read visited Tonga in May for a period of two weeks and, with the local brothers, progressed baptism interviews and rejoiced at the positive outcome. Baptisms took place on the beach on a Saturday, followed by an enjoyable “Umu” (Tongan underground oven meal) on the beach.

Since international borders opened in May 2022, we have capitalised on major news headlines, including the war in Ukraine, and held several seminar and educational campaigns. Although we attracted many new interested friends, most were unable to overcome doctrinal issues, despite agreeing with us about the Truth of the Bible.

With the blessings of God, one of our interested friends, Bro Michael Immanuel Oh, has been baptised. Since the borders opened, we were able to look up Bro Sam Kenniah in Brickfields, Sis Julia Aseh in Miri (through Bro Chris and Sis Maria Wright, Whangarei, NZ), Bro Ting in Tanjung Malim, Bro Choo in KL, Bro Carsten in Seremban, Bro George in KL … among others. Sadly, three of our brethren including Bro Kevin fell asleep awaiting the Resurrection.

We plan to double up our quarterly Bible study fortnights, and preaching campaigns, starting in July with Bro Ron and Sis Catherine Houben (Auckland, NZ) on “The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross”. In Sept we will repeat the campaign with Bro Ken and Sis Diane Styles (Canada), and in Dec with Bro Christian and Sis Jennifer Russell (US).