As you prepare to come and serve with us, we want to share something of the spiritual and cultural environment we minister in — not to overwhelm you, but to help you arrive ready.

​

We're not coming simply to run programmes or complete projects. We're coming to people who carry real spiritual, cultural, relational and economic pressures. Our hope is that our teams arrive prayerfully, humbly, and ready to show the love and freedom found in Jesus.

​

Two Kingdoms

The Bible describes a real spiritual conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Yet our battle is never against people.
"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual forces of evil." (Ephesians 6:12)

​

We don't come to condemn Tonga culture or its people. We come to love, listen, serve, pray, and proclaim Jesus Christ.

​

Traditional spiritual beliefs remain deeply influential in some communities. Ancestors, spiritual powers, and traditional practitioners can carry real weight in decisions around death, marriage, planting and the agricultural season, family matters, and other major events. Charms and other spiritual objects may also be used for protection, power, or personal gain.

​

For some, the pressure to find spiritual protection, success, or relief can create vulnerability to false prophets and false teaching. Scripture reminds us that spiritual hunger doesn't automatically lead people to truth — which is exactly why we long for people to encounter the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ.

​

The Pressure on Families

The spiritual environment can't be separated from the everyday realities people face.

​

Children may lack consistent parental care, while marriages can carry deep communication breakdown. Economic hardship and hunger add further pressure on families.

​

In some communities, daughters can be seen as an important source of family wealth, which creates pressure toward early marriage rather than continued education. We long to see children valued not for what they can provide economically, but as people made in the image of God — worthy of protection, education, dignity, and love.

​

We also meet people carrying heavy personal burdens who are hungry for one-on-one prayer. Often, what they're really looking for is relief — from the constant weight of family expectations, cultural obligations, fear, and spiritual concerns.

​

This creates a beautiful opportunity: not just to pray for people, but to sit with them, listen to them, and introduce them to the One who says:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28

​

When Spiritual Power Becomes a Pursuit of Gain

We're aware of accounts and concerns surrounding the use of spiritual practices, charms, and traditional practitioners in the pursuit of power, protection, wealth, or influence. There are also serious reports of harmful practices, including the exploitation or sacrifice of children.

​

These realities should never lead us to fear or look down on the people we serve. Instead, they should draw us into deeper prayer, greater compassion, and a clear, hope-filled presentation of the Gospel.

​

Jesus offers a radically different Kingdom.

​

Where there is fear — He brings peace.

Where there is bondage — He brings freedom.

Where there is deception — He brings truth.

Where there is brokenness — He brings restoration.

Where there is rejection — He brings belonging.

Where there is spiritual hunger — He offers Himself.

​

Honour the People and Their Leaders

Traditional leaders, including Sabbuku (headmen) and headwomen, hold an important place within Tonga community life. Their authority is tied to longstanding customs, relationships, and responsibilities within the village.

​

As teams, we come with humility and honour. We listen before speaking. We learn before assuming. We respect people without ever compromising the truth of Scripture.

​

Our mission isn't to attack a culture or win an argument. It's to make Jesus known and let His Kingdom transform lives from the inside out.