February 5, 2026

Welcome to French Polynesia! This magical blue-green oasis is an area steeped in legend and a world away from life’s hustle and bustle. Relax in its
magical atmosphere, its vanilla-scented breezes, and its mesmerizing beaches.

When most people think of French Polynesia they think of Tahiti. (And don’t worry we will be there in a few days.) French Polynesia actually consists of five island groups: the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Austral Islands and Clipperton Island. This is not to be confused with the South Pacific which is traditionally divided into three major cultural-geographic regions: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. During the next 2 weeks I will educate you regarding Moorea, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia all islands we will visit before arriving in Auckland, New Zealand.

According to archaeologists, Raiatea is the cradle of Polynesian civilization. Venturing out in large voyaging canoes, Polynesians from the archipelagos of South East Asia headed into the trade winds, and landed on these shores about 3,000 years ago. It’s believed that the explorers then used Raiatea as the departure point for migrating to other islands throughout the Pacific, from Hawaii in the north and as far south as New Zealand. Everywhere you look, you are reminded of the beautiful waters these explorers sailed on. Every shade of blue in your paint palate and then some.

Raiatea may be a sacred island but it is also well known as the isle of vanilla. In fact, you can smell its warm, sultry scent no matter where you are on the island. Polynesian black pearls are coveted for their quality and beauty and Raiatea is recognized for the pearl farms that are scattered throughout the glistening lagoon.

But it is the beaches, the awe-inspiring, tantalizing, romantic beaches that can take your breath away. We live in Florida with plenty of beaches but these beaches truly are out of this world.

When I travel I love to hear of legends devoted to a certain culture. Although we did not get a chance to see it, atop Mt. Temehani on Raiatea lives the tiare apetahi, a flower so rare you’ll see it in no other place else on earth. Considered the Polynesian’s national flower, the tiare is used in leis for greeting arriving visitors and returning family. Legend says that its five delicate petals are the fingers of a beautiful Polynesian girl, named Apetahi, who fell in love with a prince but was forbidden to marry him. Heartbroken, she climbed the mountain and pressed her hand to the rock… and died of grief. Just before she died in his arms, she promised to give him her hand to caress every day throughout eternity. Each dawn the petals open with a slight crackle, the sound of her broken heart. The most amazing part is that It grows on only one slope. Not the whole island. Not multiple valleys. Just a very specific slope on Mount Temehani.

No matter where we travel we are always reminded of the love we see among family members. Each new sunrise and sunset reminds us that we are all part of the human family and each of our actions no matter how far from each other has an impact. We departed late from Raiatea and were left with a stunning sunset.

Thanks for traveling with us.

Thirdmill Update:

Chongae and I received this heartwarming email from Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr. the President of Thirdmill. I share it with you as a testimony to the significant work this organization continues to do around the world. We look forward to sharing with you their continuing impact in the months ahead.

Dear Tom and Chongae,

I am deeply grateful for your generous gift to Thirdmill. Your enthusiasm for our mission is a tremendous blessing. Thank you on behalf of the countless ministry leaders around the world that you are helping.

I hope it encourages you to know that the Lord is growing the church in Latin America. I recently spoke at a conference in Mexico and met ministry leaders who face many dangers from violent drug cartels. Yet, these servants of God still turn to Thirdmill so that they may strengthen their churches in the truth of God’s Word.  Our Latin American Director met with a growing number of Thirdmill Institute students in Bolivia. He also attended the first graduation of Institute students with a new partner in Cuba. One of the graduates remarked, “… the teachings of Third Millennium were very impactful… It was difficult, but very edifying, a blessing.” After recently finishing a conference in the Dominican Republic, a student told me, “Before Thirdmill, I preached with passion but lacked depth. Now, I preach with both passion and precision. This training has transformed my ministry and renewed my calling. I feel equipped to disciple others and build the church with wisdom.” What a joy to see the Thirdmill mission continuing to unfold throughout Latin America!

Thank you for expressing your devotion to God’s Kingdom through your prayers and generosity. Thank you for the joy and hope you bring to our students and to us. I look forward to hearing about your trip.

Blessings,

Richard L. Pratt, Jr.

President