Beginnings

On 13-14 June 2023, most of our TIM participants left their home countries for the journey to our commencement site in Suva, Fiji. There had been a process of preparation, with applications, essays, medical checks, endorsements from General Secretaries, committees, conversations with families and workplaces, permissions from study institutions and Government officials.

my last sermon to St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in my hometown King William’s Town, and a sending-off service was conducted by EN Bono Memorial Congregation.

Lemon (from Bangladesh) reflected:

I was very excited about this TIM programme, but my family was more excited than me. They kept asking me about this programme, then about my passport and visa. It was hard for my family, but after coming here, I really liked the way the people here took to themselves at first. At first, there were problems with food and weather, but with time everything got better. Hopefully, I can apply what I am learning here to my personal life and my church.

Susana (from Samoa) writes:

Two of our accepted TIMs were not able to leave home by the departure date. Their visas had been delayed, and we all constantly held them in our prayers, wondering what God would have in store for them. Four of our TIMs had previously been accepted for the programme in 2020 but the programme was cancelled due to COVID19 travel restrictions. At that time, some had cried for days with the disappointment, so knowing that two of our number were missing was deeply personal. The TIMs who made it to Fiji fasted and prayed for those that did not. We placed the wellbeing of our sister and brother into God’s hands.

Fayaka, who was serving as the President of Fellowship of Youth in his Presbytery (South Africa) shared about how this trip had “ignited a lot of hope for many people”:

The cancellation of the TIM 2020 was a blow for me because it meant a turning point for me in my life, my family, and those who supported my journey because they believed that for me a new dawn was settling in and a new hope for my family and community certain. When the TIM programme returned and I could participate in April 2023, I was invited to give

Leaving home was never too easy however God’s blessings come in different forms. Opportunities always comes with blessings and along the way there will be obstacles. These obstacles test my faith on whether I am a firm believer of our Lord Jesus Christ or a sinner who will never allow Jesus Christ in her life.

A goodbye to parents, families and friends was hard whilst it strengthened me to serve God’s calling, believing He’s always there to provide. What an amazing God we serve!

From Samoa to Fiji was a God’s call within another call. Consequently a priority was set straight and I had to focus. Arriving in Fiji confused me in ways and as always, everything was set accordingly to His plan.

Thankfully the support system I received provided me comfort and care as if they were my own blood. On another note, Fiji’s surrounding and green scenery overwhelmed and gave me the thought of an enjoyable 6 months ahead with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Looking forward to what God has installed for me. Faafetai (Samoan – Thank you).

Thankful to the Lord that I’m able to start my journey for studies in the Diploma of Missions with CWM after having a hectic yet accomplished church camp. The journey starts off for me with a flight that was delayed for 2 hours. Anxiety crept in, but I was reminded that it’ll be according to God’s own timing and also encouragement from brothers and sisters back home that it’s always better to fly safe.

Reaching Nadi – Fiji, physical exhaustion was relieved by the uplifting songs that were sung at the arrival to welcome us. Part of my team was held up due to filling out arrival cards while some of us manage to catch the connecting flight from Nadi to Suva.

It was said that Fiji is one of the first spots in the world to see the sun rise every day. I’m a witness to it, as I fly from Nadi to Suva. How Great is our God!