The Honorable Tutoatasi Fakafanua, B.Com, LL.M
died suddenly in Tonga a few days ago 
Noble of Tonga; loved husband and father; outstanding man of God. Previous Minister of Finance and Minister of Education in the government of Tonga; lawyer; board member of UCB Pacific Partners. My dear friend for 20 years.
I was in America when the news came and I still can't accept he's gone
I couldn't get to Tonga in time for his funeral. That makes me sad because I couldn't say my personal goodbye to a man God often used to challenge and encourage me in difficult times. Ever since we started the Pacific Partners ministry in the South Pacific.
Tasi played an important part in our South Pacific ministry. He did in Tonga too. It was Tasi who made land available to build Christian Radio 93FM. It was Tasi who ran the "Breakfast Club" - a weekly time of prayer and Bible study for the nation's Nobles and Christian leaders.
Tasi was only 44 years old and very fit. A serious javelin thrower and swimmer. Whenever we met for lunch he'd say, "I'm still swimming Graham, but it doesn't look like you are! You and I need to stay fit so the Lord can use us." And for years we competed with each other to memorise Bible verses. But He'd always win!
Why has God taken him home now?
We're having our board meeting in Auckland this week and Tasi should be with us. I spoke to him on the phone the day I left for America and we arranged lunch the day after I got home to talk through a few things for the meeting. I can't understand why he isn't here to help us. Our ministry is growing. There are many important decisions to make. We need his input. also can't understand why Tonga has lost one of it's most effective Christian leaders - at a time when many of us have been fasting and praying for the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers!
And of course his family
Our love and prayers go out for you Princess 'Ofeina. And Kinikinilau, Sinaitakala, and Fakaolameilangi. You must have so many unanswerable questions too. All we can know is that the answers lie deeply buried in God's unfailing love and goodness. We certainly do know that Tasi is a much better place now - enjoying his reward with Jesus. And we know that God's ways are higher than our ways.Princess, may God be very close to you and your family with His unfailing peace and comfort.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Please pray
Pray for Princess 'Ofeina and her children. Pray also for us - all of us feel to lose of a friend; a colleague; a board member. And please continue to pray for the Lord of the harvest to send forth the labourers, into the great harvest in the South Pacific Islands.
Graham A Carter
Chief Executive
UCB Pacific Partners
