For nearly 100 years they must have watched
nervously
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After Tuku Fonua, the Tui Tonga (kings of Tonga) and their ruling nobles (chiefs) must have watched on nervously as those powerful northern colonists continued swirling around their tiny nation. But Tonga was never colonized.
That first King Tupou was an amazing man. Visionary and well ahead of his time. He emancipated his people from feudal slavery and preached the Gospel to them. He introduced many far-sighted political reforms. And he made treaties with the foreign powers.
Tonga has always remained independent - its sovereignty never challenged.
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to help bring the reality of Jesus Christ to more people in the Kingdom of Tonga (choose Tonga under Program Designation).
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Tuku Fonua
A defining event close to the heart of every Tongan
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Back in the late 1700's tall ships from England, France. America began sailing into the South Pacific from over the northern horizon. Colonists coming to grab resources and territory.
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King Taufa'ahau Tupou I
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The colonists also brought Christianity. Tonga's Tui (King) Taufa'ahau Tupou I was converted had took an Anglicized first name, George (Siaosi in Tongan).
In 1839, came the defining event that's close to every Tongan heart.
Tuku Fonua.
Tuku Fonua is the day King Siaosi took a handful of soil and raised it to heaven. Then, as the soil trickled from his fingers, he declared that his nation and its people now belonged to God and he invoked heaven's protection and blessing. A commitment was made, that, as any Tongan will tell you, God has always honored!
The Tongan King gave up his nation
to the King of all kings!
And Tonga became the only Pacific nation
never colonized by a foreign power.
As a Tongan would say - a colony of heaven
under the protection and blessing of God!
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God chose Israel, but
Tonga chose the God of Israel
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It's commonly said (especially from pulpits) "God chose Israel, but Tonga chose the God of Israel."
And there is the problem. Tonga makes it's own way to God
(works), rather than taking the way
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King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV (died 2006) helped us start Pacific Partners in Tonga. He was a strong believer in Jesus Christ.
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God has given through Jesus Christ (mercy and grace). As a Tongan leader in our ministry said, "We have a zeal to please God and His representatives (ministers) through our own righteousness."
Tongans see themselves as Christians, but usually that's more to do with Tuku Fonua than the Gospel. What their beloved king has done, instead of what Jesus Christ has done. In many ways Tonga remains like Israel of the Old Testament - strong religious authority; strict rules to regulate life; and duties to please God.
But there is great hope
and promise for Tonga.
Because, even when man gets it wrong
God remains faithful.
Perhaps His faithfulness is one reason why
God chose to bring Pacific Partners to Tonga?
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Tonga's amazing 'His-story'
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Just as was for Old Testament Israel, Tonga's His-story is not yet complete.
Tuku Fonua is a historical high-point because of the personal commitment of King Siaosi. Now, the Tongan His-story needs to be brought up to date in the lives of individual Tongans. That can only happen through God's mercy and grace, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm sure the first King Siaosi would want his people to know his God this way, just like he did.
So the real story (the forward His-story) for Tonga will be personal revival and church renewal.
And we are seeing it happen.
More and more people listening to the radio; joining home fellowship Bible studies; discovering God's mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. And living out the life of Christ more and more in their families, villages, churches.
Revival and renewal.
Thanks to you and our other Partners,
what was started at Tuku Fonua
continues today.
Personal revival and church renewal!
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Isn't it amazing to realize that
the little you and I are able to give, and do . . .
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. . . are all part of God's great faithfulness
to this long-ago commitment made by a long-ago king
on a far away island.
Incredible! Thank you Jesus!
For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
In those days when you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me wholeheartedly,
you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
May God bless you.
Graham A Carter [ email me ]
President of Pacific Partners
[ donate ] to help bring the reality of Jesus Christ to more people in the Kingdom of Tonga (choose Tonga under Program Designation).
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