I was in Tonga recently, celebrating the 15th birthday of 
Letio Faka-Kalisitiane 93FM (Christian Radio 93FM) 
in Nuku'alofa 
Did you know, 93FM was the first local Christian radio station anywhere in the South Pacific Islands? So when we started, we had nothing to model the new station on. And there were no Christians in Tonga with broadcasting or radio ministry experience to help us. Starting literally with nothing. It was true pioneering! What a long way we've come since then. 
"You are the God of miracles and wonders! 
You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations." (Psalm 77:14)

20 hard years 
Actually, the story begins five years before Letio Faka-Kalisitiane 93FM started broadcasting. 
In 1986, I was working for New Zealand's Christian network, Radio Rhema, when the King of Tonga said he wanted a similar station in Tonga. I had no idea what I was in for. I thought I'd plant a station like Rhema in New Zealand and the job would be done in a couple of years. Now, 20 years later and the job's still not done!

God had different plans for Tonga. He didn't want an imported copy of a western ministry. He wanted to develop a different style of radio ministry. God told me He would first build in the hearts of His Tongan people, and then they were to use the power of radio to reach their own nation with the Gospel. Not copying western radio, but communicating in ways that are effective and appropriate for their own people and culture.

A celebration with tears 
There were tears of joy as we were reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness, through many stories of lives saved; and changed; and now serving Jesus Christ. Because of the way He is using this radio ministry. 
"So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect." (Acts 19:20)

There was sadness too 
We thought of Rob Bunning from New Zealand. Rob led the ministry in Tonga for many years, until his sudden death. And we thought of Tasi (Hon. Fakafanua) - a personal friend; board member; and strong supporter of the ministry. Tasi also died suddenly earlier this year.

Wheel and Flames 
At the celebration I spoke of three of us praying for Tonga in 1987. HRH Princess Su'ilikatapu saw a picture of a wheel lying on a map of the Islands. A wooden wagon wheel with spokes pointing out, around the Pacific, from Tonga. I remember being excited as we felt God was saying this new ministry would grow to touch many other Pacific nations.

Then I told of speaking about the Pacific at a conference in England last year. During my presentation I had shown a map of the Islands. A man from Ireland came up to me the next day. "Last night I dreamt about your radio ministry" he said. "I saw a little fire starting in Tonga and the flames grew and grew until they spread out and set the other nations on fire!"

A wheel has no life of it's own. It cannot do anything unless it is pushed or pulled. But a fire is very different. Once lit, a fire takes on a life of it's own! I understand the wheel to represent the man-made structure and method of radio and ministry. And I understand the fire to be the supernatural, life-changing power of the Holy Spirit at work through this ministry.

Anyone with enough money can start a radio station . . . 
but you need the power of God's Holy Spirit to change the hearts and lives of the listeners!

When will we be finished?                                                                                                       top of page 
This is what we long to see. What we pray and work for . . . 
Groups of believers, listening to radio; studying their Bible; learning to love and follow Jesus more and more. And reaching out effectively to their friends. Bringing a renewal of Biblical life and faith to the thousands of small communities in our South Pacific neighbourhood. This work will not be finished until Jesus returns to a great harvest of fruitful believers from every tribe and race; from even the smallest Island and most isolated village. His people ready to go home to heaven with Him.

20 years and we're only beginning. Thank you for your help so far 
Sparks are becoming flames in Tonga, and the flames are just starting to touch the other nations. 
There is much is still to be done. "Please Lord, fan those flames of revival across the South Pacific!"

Thank you for all your help so far. 
"Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray for us . . 
Pray first that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored 
wherever it goes, just as when it came to you." (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

God bless you for your prayers and financial support. 
Together, and with the Lord's help, we'll see those flames 
touching many more South Pacific nations. 
Because the Islands need Jesus!             

Graham A Carter 
Chief Executive 
UCB Pacific Partners 
Questions or comments?  Graham