Tropical Isles

2022
Newsletter of the Guam-Micronesia Mission
Tropical Isles
Coconut Christmas Tree
A uniquely tropical Christmas tree greeted visitors who welcomed the new year at Pohnpei SDA School. This symbol helped celebrate the hundreds of ways we can live and shine for Jesus all year long.
God is Way Bigger Than You Think
A student missionary teaches high school Bible and learns what God can do through him. When Tobias allowed God into his life and classroom, he experienced God move in big ways.
"Let's Move It!" Fitness Initiative
How's your new year's resolution? Many GMM members began theirs early, by joining virtual holiday events from November to January that exercised every aspect of one's well-being. Let's keep it moving!
Saipan SDA Clinic Hosts "Give Kids a Smile"
What's sweeter than a child's smile? A healthy cavity-free, pink-gummed smile! Saipan Seventh-day Adventist Clinic gave 260 kids bigger, brighter smiles by providing free dental tools and education.
Brad & Kandus Thorp: Growing God's Garden
How does your spiritual garden grow? Elder and Mrs. Thorp offered a masterclass in evangelism -- from weeding out unresolved pain to planting Biblical seeds until the tender harvest of new believers.
In a League of Their Own
The GAA middle school girls volleyball team showed their mettle in the first season. Willing to forfeit the Sabbath games, the team not only stood out, they stood up to win first place.
The Treasures of an Island
A dot in the middle of the ocean, it is easy to overlook the tiny island of Ebeye. But the faithful teachers at Ebeye SDA School seek treasures that will last for eternity -- hearts for Christ.
5th Alumni Reunion at Loma Linda
The Guam/Micronesia Alumni Missionaries Committee hosted the 5th annual reunion. The event celebrated 65 years of proclaiming the gospel through health care in the Guam and Micronesia region.
Pathfinder Bible Experience Comes to Guam
Master Guide Dustin Evans organized the first Pathfinder Bible Experience event for the Guam-Micronesia Mission. Club leaders on Guam helped the youth build on principles of Bible study and teamwork.
Ebeye Senior Trip to Majuro
The travel restrictions keeping the Marshalls free of Covid didn't stop Ebeye seniors from having fun on Spring Break. They island-hopped to Majuro for visits with schools, ambassadors, and the queen!
Return to Palau Impacts the Nation
Pastor Idechong was only 19 years old when the tragic DePaiva murders occurred on his home island of Palau. He had the privilege of witnessing his nation heal through the powerful act of forgiveness.
SA Retreat at Guam Adventist Academy
Separated from the ubiquitous stressors of personal electronics, classrooms, and deadlines, GAA students savored personal relationships, the outdoors, and s'mores over the Student Association retreat.
Small Islands Give the Most
Are you a Cain or an Abel? When the Marshallese people on a remote island welcomed their Ebeye visitors with the best that they had, Rebeca wondered, "Like Abel, do we give everything from our heart?"
Literature for the Islands
Tons of Adventist magazines and tracts are flooding our islands! Pray that the messages reach receptive hearts and cause a tidal wave of health and spiritual revival.
Saipan Celebrates Milestones in Ministry
The SDA clinic and school celebrated the accomplishments of 50 years of medical ministry and 40 years of Christian education. The true cause for celebration is found in their patients and students.
Health Ministries Marches Forward in Majuro
Members of the Delap Seventh-day Adventist Church on Majuro took a health initiative and literally ran with it. What began as a GMM-wide 5k series in the winter has grown into new local health events!
No Weapon Formed Shall Prosper
Missionaries often enter dangerous ground in the mission field. A former student missionary to Pohnpei recalls standing among potentially fatal weapons and seeing God's providential protection.
Dr. Wresch Retires After Thirty-Two Years on Guam
Dr. Robert Wresch, an ophthalmologist at the Guam SDA Clinic, retired this summer after more than three decades of service to his patients, his church family, and the Guam-Micronesia community.
The Gift of Hospitality Keeps on Giving
Dr. Wresch fondly recalls the site visit that drew him to serve Guam three decades ago. A welcoming church member named Tommy Cruz introduced him to the beauty and history of this intriguing island.
GMM Pastors Attend NAD Called Convention
Ministerial families from the Guam-Micronesia Mission traveled to Lexington, Kentucky this summer for the NAD convention for pastors.
Reaching Rota
We have heard what the Lord did with some bread and two fish (John 6). But what can He do with piles of literature and two willing hearts reaching out to a small island in the Pacific?
Far But Not Forgotten
The Marshall Islands spans 750,000 square miles. This summer, the Ebeye SDA Church pastor traveled to two of these remote islands, connecting people to Christ through health and evangelistic meetings.
Failures
Life goes through seasons. Kaela spent her summer serving on Saipan, but all did not go as anticipated. She wondered if God could bring harvest from a summer that felt like a failure?
In His Perfect Time
COVID measures have relaxed in most of the world, but on Chuuk, restrictions only recently lifted enough to allow a wife to finally return home. How would you manage two years apart from your family?
Camp Meeting on Majuro
On the island of Majuro, the Laura Seventh-day Adventist Church organized a much-needed camp meeting this summer. They delivered messages of hope amid the early onset of COVID on their island.
Ordination of Paulo Restauro, Jr. in Saipan
In the presence of the GMM officers and church leadership, the Saipan SDA Church dedicated GMM's newest ordained pastor. We continue to pray for the ministry of Pastor Restauro and his family.
Weekend of Replenishment
It was a power-packed weekend for the Guam-Micronesia Mission Women’s Ministries Department recently. WM leaders from across GMM gathered on Guam to replenish their commitment to ministry.
Saipan SDA Dental "Free Clinic" Team Goes To Tinian
After a three-year hiatus, the Saipan Seventh-day Adventist Dental Clinic returned to their neighboring islands to provide free dental care.
GMM Year-end Meetings Back to In-person
It was a beautiful sight to see the faces of island representatives sitting side by side again – a welcome change after two years of virtual meetings and mask mandates due to the health emergency.
Thirty Years of Joy!
JOY FM celebrates 30 years on the radio! From small beginnings on Guam and the CNMI, to the Marshalls Islands and Micronesia, this growing ministry now reaches across the world with online programs.

Explore the Islands!