Moderator’s Talanoa : From Five Loaves to Faith Across Generations

There are moments in ministry that become more than events. They become sacred memories.

Attending the 102nd General Conference of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, whilst celebrating 200 years since the Gospel was first proclaimed in Tonga in 1826, was one of those moments for me.

I travelled not only as the Moderator of the NSW and ACT Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia, but also as a daughter of Tonga who was baptised in the Free Wesleyan Church. To return home carrying the prayers, love and support of the Uniting Church, while standing among my own people in worship, was a gift that is difficult to put into words. It reminded me that God’s story is always bigger than our own, weaving together nations, cultures and generations in ways that continue to surprise us.

I offer my heartfelt Malo aupito (thank you) to the President Rev Dr Tevita Koloa’ia Havea and General Secretary Rev. Feleti ‘Atiola of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga for their faithful leadership throughout the Conference. Their gracious hospitality, pastoral care and generous spirit created a gathering where people from across the Kingdom of Tonga and throughout the world were welcomed as one family in Christ.

It was also a joy to share this significant celebration with the President of the Uniting Church in Australia, Rev. Charissa Suli, the Moderator of Victoria and Tasmania, Rev. Salesi Faupula, and many ministers and members of the Uniting Church. I was especially encouraged by the faithful witness of our Tongan ministers, including Rev. Jason Kioa, Rev Feke Kamitoni, Rev. Valamotu Palu, Rev. Mosese Taufa, together with many with the Free Wesleyan Church Vahefonua Rev Koloti Ma’u, and choirs and lay people who travelled from Australia. Their presence reflected the deep and enduring relationship between our Churches and our shared commitment to Christ’s mission across the Pacific.

One of the great highlights for me was witnessing the ministry of the Uniting Church Tongan Parish Royal Band and Choir. Drawn together from Tongan Parish and many congregations across Australia, they offered their gifts with excellence, humility and joy. Their ministry was more than beautiful music; it was a powerful testimony to the richness of our intercultural Church and a reminder that when God’s people bring their gifts together, worship becomes a witness that transcends borders and generations.

During the Conference I had the privilege of speaking at one of the Pō Lotu. I was drawn to the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand in John 6, a miracle that is so significant it is recorded in all four Gospels. As I spoke, I realised I was not simply reflecting on a miracle from long ago, I was living it.

For two weeks I witnessed thousands upon thousands being fed. Yes, we gathered around tables overflowing with food, a beautiful expression of Tongan hospitality and generosity. But there was another nourishment taking place.

Each day, five thousand plus people were fed through the inspiring message from King Tupou VI to begin the conference, new churches being opened, landmarks being unveiled, and the joy of worshipping as one body in Christ.

When we gathered to mark 200 years since the Gospel was first proclaimed in Tonga through the ministry of the early Methodist missionaries, I found myself giving thanks not only for their courage and sacrifice, but even more for the faithfulness of God.

As my time in Tonga drew to a close, I was reminded once more of the story of the feeding of the five thousand. The miracle did not end when everyone had eaten. Jesus told the disciples to gather what was left over, and they filled twelve baskets.

That detail has stayed with me.

After two weeks of worship, prayer, talanoa, fellowship and celebration, I found myself asking: What are we going to do with what is left over?

Will we carry this abundance back into our homes, our churches and our communities? Will we invest it in our young people, encourage our leaders, and continue to proclaim the Gospel?

Perhaps that is what these 200 years have taught me. God’s miracles are rarely confined to a single moment. They unfold over generations as ordinary people continue to place what they have into the hands of Christ.

The missionaries offered their obedience. The generations that followed offered their faithfulness. Choirs offered their voices. Ministers offered their leadership. Families offered their witness. Young people offered their hope. Elders offered their wisdom. Across two centuries, God’s people have continued to offer what they have, and Christ has continued to take those offerings, bless them, multiply them and feed countless lives.

As I boarded my flight home to Australia, I realised that I too had been carrying one of those baskets of abundance not in my hands, but in my heart.

I returned spiritually nourished. Inspired. Renewed in hope. Deeply grateful for the faithful witness of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga and for the privilege of representing the Synod of NSW & ACT of the Uniting Church in Australia at such a significant moment in our shared story.

May we continue to share the gospel so that generations yet to come, may know the transforming love of Jesus Christ.