Where do I begin? I can’t fend of the emotions and feelings of peace intertwined with Gods Goodness. I still can not fathom how God has done everything for my parents, especially the strength and grace to do full time ministry in this ever-changing world.

I learnt very young whilst observing my parents in ministry that nothing is ever permanent except your family of course. Being an only child I befriended everyone and anyone who walked through my parents work quarters or work office- I was the child everyone saw as the third wheel to my parents.

As much as it was exciting moving boxes and riding on big trucks to go on a jolly adventure of seeing a new place, I dreaded the packing it was too much stress for my little child-mind. In my time of being in ministry with my parents, I had moved at least to five houses and that was a lot as a child, and in my mind I had queried with the Lord if you ever give me a job, it better not be this one because I don’t like packing boxes and moving. Alas, I would like to think God shook his head hearing my request.

It was not until I reached my teenage years that the Lord convicted me, Carolyne you are not just a PK (Pastors Kid) you are very much involved in ministry as much as your parents. It made me realise that if anything, God does not just call parents to ministry. God also calls their children (in this respect the family is called to ministry).

Now my parents if anything have shouldered a lot in their time of ministry but they are never one to express it preemptively. If there is one thing I have learnt from their experiences of spiritual leadership it is to always do things out of love for Christ and the people whom he sends along our path.

As I write this blog, my parents will be heading back to Fiji after serving three years as Corps Officers in Vaini Corps, moving to a new place for work, experiencing a Pandemic and the recent volcanic eruption in the Kingdom of Tonga was not something they had in mind, whilst on a phone call after weeks of no phone connections- they shared of Gods safekeeping and provisions over their lives having served as foreigners. If anything these experiences made them miss home and for me it was difficult when my parents are far away, receiving news when you don’t have any control can be very hard and stressful, but trusting in God and the prayers of my close friends and family have been a blessing.

A massive thank you to the corps family at Vaini, Malo for all the love and support given or shown to my parents in the duration of their ministry- I am certain that you all have left an etched imprint on their heart. Thank you for taking good care of my parents for me.

While ministry is somewhat a journey which can take you through many happy and sad experiences. One of the sad realities of it is, there is always a time for hello and also goodbye. I believe this is always the hardest for any family or friends who are in ministry.

Mom and Dad whilst you both embark on a new season ahead, I praise God for his safekeeping and his continued grace that sustains you both and I am believing God for the remaining years of ministry ahead to be fulfilling and rewarding, after all Faithful is He who calls you. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Malo Sisu,

Ofa Lahi Atu

C x