News Release

Church and Government Leaders Gather for Ground Breaking Service for New Tongan Stake Centre

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Tongan Government gathered on Friday 19 September for a ground breaking ceremony for a new stake centre to be built by the Church in Nuku’alofa.

The new Nuku’alofa Tonga Harbour Stake Centre will be used by Church members, neighbours and friends.  A Mormon stake is a group of congregations in a certain area.

In a prayer offered at the service, Pacific Area President of the Church, Elder Kevin W. Pearson, said: “As we proceed with the ground breaking today, let us renew our covenants as followers of Christ. As the building rises, may our testimonies grow, may it build up our homes and may we re-dedicate our lives to the Lord.”

“Upon dedicating the ground, may we also dedicate ourselves and recognize the changes in our lives.”

Elder Pearson also said: “May we reach out to others living around this community. Help them, love them, that they may someday know that this stake centre is a blessing in their midst."

Praying on behalf of the people of Tonga, he said: “I bless you that your desire to follow the Saviour will increase, that you will have greater faith if you keep His commandments and be faithful. He will bless you, this community, this stake, and this nation. Always be a light and a standard to this nation, and God will smile upon Tonga.”

Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu, said to Church members and guests, “Traditionally, in each village there is a refuge to which the people go to for protection, for advice and for counsel. With the ground breaking and the anticipated stake centre to be built, this area now has a place of refuge for protection, for counsel, even for receiving spiritual advice.”

Local Church leader, President Silongo’atonga Samani, said, “We are grateful to those from whom the land was acquired. Through this action, they show that they agree to have a church building – a stake centre – built on this property. It is through this that their lives and those of their posterity will be blessed.

“The building that will be established will become a refuge to all, both spiritually and temporally, even natural disasters.”

 

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