Building Ties

I have heard many people talk about wishing that they could go on a cruise or live on a tropical paradise.

Even those who wished they had the opportunity to own an island to be their get away, and now ironically here I am living in that exact situation. I have not been living on the islands for a long period of time, but I can and will say that while the land is gorgeous and the ocean equally impressive what makes this place is the people. I do not mean in a cliche sense like the natives make the experience nor do I want to come across as speaking down or belittling the inherent value and beauty of nature here.

For me, personally, it has always been the relationships that I make that make a place significant, and the open attitude that I have encountered within my albeit short stay, the efforts to make me comfortable that initially felt above and beyond, and the good cheer so pervasive in every interaction. All of those things have made this place special. That alone is enough to build my ties here, and I look forward to taking root and growing alongside everyone here. To look beyond that is the massive range that the Global Ministries partner, the Pacific Council of Churches, is involved in within local communities and internationally. I can only just see the tip of the iceberg, and am incredibly excited to be a part of their projects and planning.

 

Robert Howard serves with the Pacific Christian Council, Fiji. His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Church’s Wider Mission, WOC, and your special gifts.