This Saturday, 4 July, Tonga Christian Radio (TCR) celebrates 33 years of ministry, from 1993 through to today.
For more than three decades, TCR has been broadcasting the hope of the Gospel across the Island Kingdom of Tonga and beyond. Through radio, online streaming, discipleship groups, leadership training, mission teams, and youth ministry, many lives have been encouraged, strengthened, and transformed.
Willy Florian writes:
Greetings from the Island Kingdom of Tonga!
Grace and peace to you in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As our world continues to grow darker, may we always remember the promise of God’s Word:
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
On behalf of the Tonga Christian Radio Station, I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been praying for us, encouraging us, and faithfully supporting this ministry.
Although I haven’t shared many updates recently, I want you to know that God has been at work in amazing ways.
The work of the Lord continues to move forward.
We are seeing souls surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Discipleship groups are growing. Leaders are being trained. Young people are stepping out of their comfort zones with boldness to share the Gospel throughout Tonga and with a desire to cross our shores to reach the nations around us.
As Jesus said,”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Celebrating 200 Years of the Gospel in Tonga
This year has been especially significant for our nation as we celebrate 200 years since the Gospel first arrived in Tonga.
It has been a wonderful season of remembrance, thanksgiving, and worship. Churches across the nation gathered to give thanks to God for His faithfulness over the last two centuries. It was a great privilege for Tonga Christian Radio to be part of this historic celebration.
As I reflected during these events, I was reminded that over 200 years ago, missionaries left the comfort of their own homes, crossed the oceans, and came to the shores of Tonga because they believed every soul mattered to God.
Today, because of their obedience, we know Christ.
But the story does not end with us.
The next chapter belongs to our generation.
Now it is our turn to leave our comfort zones, plant seeds for the Kingdom, and carry the Gospel beyond our own shores.
As the Apostle Paul wrote,
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)
Mission to Samoa
To commemorate this special year, Tonga Christian Radio sent a mission
team to Samoa.
For ten days, we witnessed the power and faithfulness of God.
Our days began at 4:00 every morning, and many nights we returned around 10:00 p.m. It was physically demanding, but every moment was worth it.
We saw people surrender their lives to Jesus.
Students ran to the altar seeking God.
We witnessed people being set free as the power of darkness was broken through the name of Jesus.
We ministered inside a prison where not only the prisoners but also the prison officers were deeply touched by the Gospel and the testimonies that were
shared.
Church after church welcomed us with open arms. In fact, when it came time to return to Tonga, there were still churches inviting us to minister.
Unfortunately, our schedule would not allow us to stay longer.
But perhaps one of the greatest miracles was what God did within our own team.
When we returned home, every member came back with a renewed passion to serve God. I watched young people become more committed, more courageous, and more willing to make themselves available for God’s work.
I truly believe what Scripture says:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” (Ephesians 3:20)
Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported this mission. Your partnership made it possible.
A New Door Opens
Now God has opened another door.
This coming October, our team will be travelling to New Zealand for ten days to minister and share the love of Christ.
Please keep this mission in your prayers.
As Proverbs reminds us,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Celebrating 33 Years of God’s Faithfulness
This Saturday, July 4th, Tonga Christian Radio will celebrate 33 years of ministry, from 1993 until today.
Looking back, I can only say:
God has been faithful.
For thirty-three years we have witnessed lives transformed through the Gospel.
We have seen countless people come to know Jesus Christ.
We have watched leaders being raised.
Missionaries have been sent.
Families have been restored.
Hope has been shared through the airwaves.
It is amazing how God can use a simple radio station to become a beacon of hope, a voice of truth, and a light shining into homes throughout Tonga and beyond.
As Jesus said,
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Today, our discipleship groups continue to grow, and through online streaming, the ministry is reaching people far beyond our shores.
I also want to express our sincere appreciation to Rhema Media for partnering with us through the livestream connection. Through this partnership, people from many places are hearing the Gospel, and many have expressed their gratitude. We continue to pray for Radio Rhema as they faithfully serve the Lord.
Prayer Requests
As we celebrate God’s faithfulness, I humbly ask you to continue standing with us in prayer.
Please pray for:
– Our mission trip to New Zealand this October.
– Our 7th Youth Retreat next January.
– God’s financial provision for these ministries.
– Continued wisdom and strength for our leadership team.
– Our young leaders, that they will remain faithful and courageous.
– My health.
– My wife and children, that God will continue to protect and provide
for our family.
For the past six years, we have been running youth retreats, and year after year God has provided every need.
This year, one of my greatest joys is seeing a team of young people who genuinely love Jesus and are willing to serve Him wholeheartedly.
For six years I prayed for God to raise up leaders.
Today, I can honestly say that God has answered that prayer.
As Isaiah responded,
“Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
And we continue to believe the promise:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
Thank You.
To everyone who has prayed…
To everyone who has given financially…
To everyone who has encouraged us…
Thank you.
Your partnership is making an eternal difference.
Please continue to stand with us as we seek to make Christ known throughout Tonga and beyond.
May the Lord richly bless you and your family.
We give all the glory, honour, and praise to God alone.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the
glory.” (Psalm 115:1)
God bless you, and thank you for being part of what He is doing in the Island Kingdom of Tonga.
Willy Florian (Station Manager)