Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are preparing to celebrate Easter this weekend across New Zealand, Australia and the islands of the South Pacific.
While individuals, families, congregations and communities will mark the Easter season in different ways, the intent for Latter-day Saints and other followers of Christ is the same—to remember and give thanks for the Atonement, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And to reflect on how these events can strengthen individuals and families today.
One New Zealand Latter-day Saint who is preparing to participate in Easter worship services and other activities this weekend is 21-year-old Jonah Vakapora Hall.
The young man is leading the Church’s Auckland New Zealand Harbour Stake Choir’s “For Me Alone” Easter devotional this Sunday evening at 7pm at 313 Sunset Road, Mairangi Bay.
A stake is a group of Latter-day Saint congregations.
Jonah Vakapora Hall and Elaine Campbell practice for this Sunday evening’s “For Me Alone” Easter musical devotional at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 313 Sunset Road, Mairangi Bay.
Vakapora Hall says that this Sunday evening those taking part "will stand before their family and friends and testify through music of the power of Christ's Atonement.”
“The pieces of sacred music featured in this devotional range from classical standards to more contemporary LDS works. Music has the power to touch the very depths of our souls and when assisted by the Spirit, music can enable us to draw closer to our Saviour and Father in Heaven."
Such is Vakapora Hall's enthusiasm, he urges Latter-day Saints and others to attend the musical devotional.
“With such a variety of talent in store, this is a night not to be missed. Come along this Sunday and relish in the sacred spirit of Easter.”
In Latter-day Saint homes and church buildings across the South Pacific this Easter, members of the Church and visitors will worship through hymns, prayer, sermons and fellowship. Find local Latter-day Saint meetinghouses here.
Watch videos about Jesus Christ and Easter here.
Watch Easter videos in Fijian, French, Samoan and Tongan.