The dry and life-less looking grounds of the Newman Baptist Church was a sad reflection of Peter’s marriage. Peter is a Tongan national, aged in his late 60’s, and retired from paid employment.

Not long after my arrival at the Newman church (2020) Peter invited me to meet with him and his wife, Maria, at their home to discuss something that had been resting heavily on his heart for a number of years.

During that meeting the Holy Spirit touched Peter’s heart in a miraculous way! As a consequence, Peter and Maria’s marriage made an immediate about-turn and began to breathe and flourish anew. Peter’s eyes once again sparkled for his wife and for life in general. Their daughter, Luisa, expressed amazement at the rapid transformation in the lives of her parents that had taken place before her eyes.

Shortly after, Peter shared his vision and desire with me to transform the garden and surrounding grounds of the church. His life’s background in Tonga is fruit-growing; an art he had learnt from his father. Of course, I said, ‘Yes’… and hugged him in appreciation and with delight!

Peter and Maria wasted no time in applying themselves to their vision. Almost every day, morning and afternoon, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions, Peter was at the church grounds to do whatever was needed for his vision to be realised. On the days not rostered for work at her place of employment Maria was there beside her Peter. It wasn’t long before the garden at the front of the church came to life… showcasing a beautiful array of colourful flowers.

Even though the production of flowers were a delight to Peter and Maria, establishing a fruit grove was the primary element of Peter’s vision. At the time of writing this article the following species of fruit-bearing plants and trees are enjoying life at the side of the church building: Pineapples, orange, passionfruit, mulberry, banana, avocado, shallots, chili, sweet potato, and ginger. Lemon trees and other species of fruit-bearing trees are in the pipeline for planting.

The primary reasons for my excitement of Peter’s vision is the advancement of the physical transformation of the church property, so much so, that unchurched people who pass by on foot or in vehicles slow down or stop to interact with Peter and Maria to express their appreciation for their passion and dedication. The housing maintenance team of Newman’s iron ore mining company, BHP, recently met to discuss the ‘new look’ Baptist church in town, and the community of Newman have been inspired by Peter’s vision that has raised the level of attractiveness of their town. in the remote, Pilbara Region of Western Australia.

(Stay tuned for next week’s concluding Part 2.)

Best wishes
Bill Joukhadar