From the left : Susanna, Palolo, Lose, Olivia
In Tonga, a meaningful step in the growth of Youth Evangelical Fellowship (YEF) took place as a small group gathered for a Bible study filled with grace and new beginnings. Two newcomers joined a local member for the session, marking a moment of connection that began through what seemed like a casual meeting—but was clearly guided by God’s hand.
The Bible study was led by Missionary Susanna Liu, who taught from Romans 1:1–17, a passage that introduces the message of the Gospel and the power of faith. The meeting took place in an office at Tonga High School, providing a simple but heartfelt setting for reflection and learning.
The two newcomers, Olivia and Lose, were introduced to YEF through Palolo, a native member who has been faithfully serving in the local mission. The three met while working together on the legal registration of the fellowship in Tonga, and through their conversations, Olivia and Lose expressed a desire to study the Bible together.
During the study, both newcomers shared how deeply the message touched their hearts. Lose said that the phrase “by faith” resonated with her, helping her realize that God’s love is not based on personal performance but freely given through faith. She shared that she had often felt distant from God for not living up to her own expectations, but through this study, she felt encouraged to open her heart and receive God’s unconditional love.
Olivia also shared that she was moved by the discussion on sanctification—the process of growing spiritually. She reflected that following Christ is not something believers do alone; it is part of carrying out the Great Commission, the call to share the Gospel with others. As Christians serve in this mission, they are continually renewed and refined in their faith.
For Palolo, this gathering was an answered prayer. She expressed deep gratitude that after praying for so long, God had finally opened the way for more Tongans to join in Bible study. She shared that she was reminded again that it is through faith—not human effort—that people draw near to God.
After the study, Missionary Susanna spent time learning more about the two women. Lose, who attends a local Tongan church, said this was her first time joining a Bible study. She shared that the message was deeper than anything she had heard before and that she now wanted to study the Word more carefully. Her younger sister, a student at the same school, also has a strong interest in learning more about the Bible.
Olivia, who comes from the Free Wesleyan Church—Tonga’s largest Christian denomination—also expressed great joy in studying Scripture together and looked forward to continuing.
Missionary Susanna noted that both women showed an impressive understanding of the Bible and a genuine eagerness to grow in faith. As the missionary prepares to leave Tonga, both newcomers expressed their hope to continue studying together daily.
This small but faith-filled group stands as a beautiful testimony to how God works in unexpected ways—turning everyday encounters into opportunities for transformation. The YEF Tonga team prays that this fellowship will continue to grow stronger in the Word, becoming like a mustard seed that grows into a great tree, drawing many more people to experience the grace and love of God.