June 2026 - Holy Ground: Visiting Mutoyo Community

Team member Ashlee in her element with the kids!

Today we visited a different community for the very first time and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days of the trip.

This was a particularly special visit because it was the first time that Mutoyo Community had ever received foreign visitors.

As we prepared to go, we weren't entirely sure how the day would unfold....

Would the children be too shy? Would we be able to connect with them as easily as we had elsewhere?

Our first stop was the site where the future care point will be built.

Hands at Work has already constructed a toilet block, and we stood on the land that will soon be cleared in preparation for a life centre.

Looking out across what is currently open ground, it was difficult not to imagine what it could one day become.

As a team, we gathered and prayed over the site together.

Standing there, we were praying not just for today but for what is to come. God willing, a future team to visit will stand on that same ground and see what was once only vision and hope transformed into something real a permanent place where this community can feel known, loved, and cared for.

From there, we made our way to where the care point is currently operating in the home of one of the faithful care workers.

As we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by care workers and children lined up and waiting for us.

They welcomed us with singing and worship, and it was clear that everyone had taken great care to prepare for our arrival. Any concern about shyness disappeared almost immediately.

We gathered for worship and introductions.

Chairs had been arranged for our team, while the children and care workers sat on the ground though some of us were far more interested in sitting amongst the children than being separated from them.

One of our team members shared a message from Galatians, encouraging the caregivers to keep growing in the Spirit and reminding them that spiritual growth requires perseverance.

While he was speaking, a few of us found ourselves surrounded by curious young girls their fascination fixed, of all things, on my rather unremarkable fingernails. We shared lunch together before heading out for holy home visits.

A team member and I were brought to the home of a widow who has been raising seven boys on her own since the passing of her husband twelve years ago. '

As she shared her story, the weight of her circumstances was difficult to ignore the burdens she carried were real and significant.

Yet in the midst of that hardship, we had the opportunity to encourage her with the hope found in Jesus, sharing from John 4 and John 14.

We reminded her that she is not alone, that Christ sees her circumstances, and that His promises remain true even in the hardest seasons. Praying with her was one of the most powerful moments of the entire day.

One of my favourite memories, though, came just afterward.

As we walked back toward the care point, we linked arms and laughed together as I (Sneha) attempted badly to pronounce words in Tonga.

Despite the differences in our backgrounds and language, there was genuine joy in simply walking side by side.

When we returned, the rest of the afternoon was filled with soccer, netball, bubbles, skipping ropes, and endless laughter.

The bubbles and skipping ropes were particularly popular. It was remarkable to witness how much delight such simple activities could bring.

I found myself deeply drawn to this community. There was a strong sense of unity among the caregivers, and the children were warm, affectionate, and full of life.

More than anything, there was a peace about the place that is difficult to adequately put into words.

It felt like holy ground.

There was one young girl in particular who completely captured my heart. I don't know whether I will ever see her again but I know I will never forget her face.

Today was a reminder that while buildings, infrastructure, and programs all matter, the true heart of ministry is people.

And in this community, it felt like we were witnessing the very beginnings of something beautiful that God is quietly, faithfully growing.

Would you pray for Mutoyo?

This community is unpartnered, and we are trusting God to raise up an Australian church or group willing to walk alongside them to come, to pray, to advocate, and to give.

God has clearly started something here.

We are believing He will provide the people to see it through.

The contents of this media represent the sole views and opinions of the author, not of Hands at Work or any other groups or persons.