Youth Directors from Across the Pacific Gather for TPUM Advisory

The Tamavua headquarters of the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) played host to youth directors from seven missions from 3rd to 6th April 2023. The event was organized to bring together the youth directors from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, and Tuvalu to discuss youth mission priorities, share experiences and resources, and align their plans with TPUM's vision and mission for the quinquennium.

The meeting saw the participation of Dr. Nick Kross, the youth liaison at the South Pacific Division (SPD), who brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion. Among the outcomes from the meeting was that most of the directors, who were newly appointed, now have a clearer understanding of the vision and mission for the next five years. They were able to align their plans and programs with the mission of TPUM.

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the importance of knowing team members well, which impacts collaboration and the importance of uniformity. The meeting also laid a core foundation of preparation for the Youth Congress in 2024 and the Digital Discipleship Training of Trainers in September, which are key events for the TPUM Youth Mission department.

Vanuatu mission's newly appointed Youth Director, Minister James Usamoli, said, "This one-week Advisory meeting in Fiji was a blessing for me. I have learned and heard a lot of great experiences from the older and experienced youth directors from other missions, which motivated me so much." He expressed gratitude to TPUM Youth Director, Pastor Uili Tinomeneta, for organizing the event.

The meeting highlighted the challenges the Youth Mission directors are facing across the Pacific, and the need for them to work together to achieve their goals. As the Union enters the second half of its quinquennium, the meeting has encouraged and aligned the focus of the Youth Mission departments with TPUM's mission and vision for the next five years.