We are staying at the YWAM base here in Tonga. The culture is very different in many ways. The people are very laid back(and some people are downright lazy) because the #1 source of income is money sent by relatives overseas. Things here are either dirt cheap or bucu expensive. This morning we spent a little while picking watermellons. The weather has been strong winds...I'd guess they are about 25 miles an hour with gusts above 40....and the rain goes from a sprinkle to a downpoar. It is difficult to sleep at night with the wind blowing through the room and the rain hitting the roof sounding like it is an army with hammers. But at lest it's not hot.
This afternoon 8 of us went to the Christian radio station and we didn't know what to expect, but all of us went into a tiny 8x10 ft room and we went on the air. We didn't get any prep time, but rather we were put on the spot to answer whatever questions the DJ asked. He knew what we were about so it was all about our testimony and the difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus. All in all, it was good. We found out that most ofthe people on campus tuned in to our radio show from 4-6...with music breaks, it didn't seem like it was 2 hours...but it was fun.
Now about the Kingdom of Tonga....It is the last true kingdom on earth. The king became a Christian when a missionary came and talked to the King about an all powerful God. The king dissagreed and said that if his god was real, he could save him from the sharks. The missionary agreed. So the king had him rowed out to the shark feeding ground (not sure how far away from the island) and dropped him off and everyone forgot about him. He swam to shore(no man had ever survived swimming in those waters) and had to hike back to the kings palace. The king was shocked. He had forgotten about the missionary. After that the king became a believer and so did his kingdom. The believers on the island call the King a "born again" believer, and they say that the prince and the expected king to be is not. So they pray and intercede often on the princes and the kingdom's behalf.
Our main ministry until we leave on Tuesday for the outer islands will be helping out their campus. We have done gardening, cleaning and random jobs they have requested. It only costs us $5 per day per person for food and shelter. Unfortunately as a result, we eat the same food, and I haven't learned to like it yet. I weighed myself yesterday and I weigh 167....when I left for DTS in December I weighed 187....so for those of you who want to lose 20 pounds, have i got the diet plan for you!!! I told the guys my goal is to gain 7 pounds...basically, that I need to eat more and excercize more.
It only costs $15 to use the internet here for a month...unfortunately i'll only be here for a week, but still it's not bad. The internet cuts out often and the connection speed is 1Mbps, but it's way nicer than not having internet at all. I have read all your emails(and sean, you're not a better bus driver than me) and will reply if I have a connection long enough to do so. we do not have much free time here...but I didn't come here to have free time....I came here to serve God! ...and I can not reitterate how powerfuly your prayers have effected me. I hope this update is helpful. God bless my friends and family.
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Dear Joel,
I am so greatful you have arrived and are getting well. The radio interview sounds like it was fun. I can imagine what it is like in the torrential rains and 80' weather. Thank you so much for keeping us posted. I know our prayers are being answered and you are being blessed to be there. We love you so much and are so happy that things are so improved. You will have stories to tell at the holiday dinner table for years. You won't make any up either will you?(ha ha)
Much love and prayers. Grandma
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