13 people in one small house
Not uncommon in the Islands
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Most people in the Islands live in extended family units. The family unit come first and everything is shared, the work, the decision making, raising the children, income). It makes good sense where there are few paid jobs, houses are expensive (by local standards), and a lot of manual work is required to grow and cook food.
This is opposite to the western lifestyle
where people are independent and individualistic
- Decisions about time, money and resources are made for and by the whole group.
- Nothing to really call your own - not your own time or your own space.
- It can be hard for believers to make decisions that please and obey the Lord, when living with non-faith families.
Thirteen people share the same house Loni's family lives in. Loni and Fane are blessed. Their extended family are
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Loni and Fane and family
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strong Christians and supportive of Loni's ministry.
But Loni is in a difficult position - he doesn't want to be a burden on the extended family when he's unable to help with family needs because of his demanding ministry responsibilities.
And the lack of space, privacy, and peace and quiet makes it difficult for Loni to do his job.
He needs to prepare Bible studies, train his local leaders, and he and Fane are required to meet with radio listeners seeking biblical counsel.
Pacific Partners doesn't provide housing for its workers. But we do need to help our local leaders find the time and space to serve the Lord, as they have been called to. |
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We have been looking
for an affordable little house Loni and his family
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Last week we found one. A small 3 bedroom house with a stove, washing machine, fridge and furniture.
- The house needs painting and the landlord said that if we paint it we can rent it for just TOP500 a month
(US$270; NZ$350; AU$260). - That's a best price we have found in Nuku'alofa.
- We have local volunteers ready to do the painting.
The rent is inexpensive by western standards
but expensive for the Islands
(almost equals the average monthly wage -
which is why most families share houses!)
It would only take ten of us giving $30 a month (dollar a day)
Please pray about helping Loni get this house so he can focus on his ministry responsibilities with Pacific Partners
Thank you for helping
our local discipleship and pastoral care leader
to be more effective in his calling |
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This is the best missions investment we can make
Helping local leaders disciple their own people
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 Thank you for praying.
Thank you for giving.
May God bless you
for your Partnership.
Graham A Carter [ email me ]
President of Pacific Partners
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