A wireless messaging unit (122) determines (704) that a first channel (402), which utilizes a first plurality of time slots for transmission, does not have a signal suitable for acquiring synchronization; and, in response, attempts (706) to acquire an initial synchronization with a second channel (404) which periodically transmits a synchronization signal (406) in a second plurality of time slots having a predetermined timing relationship with the first plurality of time slots. After acquiring the initial synchronization, the wireless messaging unit applies (708) the predetermined timing relationship to the initial synchronization to establish a secondary synchronization with the first channel.