Graham Carter writes . . .

Last week I attended the Christian Media Association conference on Australia's Gold Coast, thanks to a special training grant made to UCB Pacific Partners. Tony (station manager, PNG), Willy (station manager, Tonga), and Charlie (station manager, Solomon Islands) were there with me.  Their enthusiasm for the Lord's work blessed everyone they met  It was the first time our radio leaders had been together for two years. They were very excited to renew fellowship and to encourage and pray with one another once again.

From left: Tony, Willy and Charlie at the  Christian Media Association conference

It was also their first time at a conference like this. What a joy to be with them as they met Christian broadcasters from other countries and experienced the wonders of an Australian tourist destination. 

Having our people in the conference was a new experience for many of the non-Pacific participants! There's always a lot of loud talk and laughter when our Pacific people get together. 
Our young leaders certainly learned a lot and they were greatly encouraged by the interest shown in their Island ministries by the other broadcasters. 

And it was a very busy week 
We needed extra time to discuss things we'd heard in the workshops, and how they might apply to the Islands. So our Pacific meetings started at 6:30am, continued over meals and sometimes went into the night. After that Tony, Willy and Charlie explored the beach, stores and tourist attractions of Surfer's Paradise. 
I don't think they ever made it to bed before 1:00am! 

Investing in the lives of national leaders 
I'm so grateful to the Lord for this opportunity to be together at this conference. I'm grateful for the many times I saw maturity and commitment in our  young leaders as they interacted with people and events very different to what they are used to in the Islands. 
Instead of being distracted by the affluence and resources of the western media ministries, our young leaders seemed to gain an even stronger sense of calling to their own nations. They couldn't wait to get home to try out new ideas for their Island radio stations. 

Jesus said . . . 
"Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be. . . 
So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary [first and main] concern." (Matthew 6:20-21,31-33 NLT)

Investing in the skills and maturity of national leaders and giving them radio to use!

 make a further investment in the Kingdom of God in the South Pacific Islands