Tongan Prime Minister, the Hon 'Akilisi Pohiva, joined members of the Haleliku Tonga Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to "Light the World" recently, assisting in cleaning up areas around Fua’amotu International Airport in preparation for Christmas.
This was one of many service activities around the world during the month of December, inpired by the #LIGHTtheWORLD Christmas initiative.
Joining the prime minister was the Hon Penisiman Fifita, Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon Semisi Sika, Minister of Tourism and other government and community leaders.
Local Church leader President Sateki Manakofua led the initiative, enlisting many members from his stake (similar to a diocese) in cleaning up the road from the International Airport to Pelehake, spanning a distance of around 2.5 kilometres.
Following an opening prayer before sunrise, Prime Minister Pohiva offered some opening remarks and expressions of thanks to the group who had gathered, commenting that "the service project the Church was participating in was very important to me and my vision to keep Tonga beautiful".
- Tongan Service Project
- Tongan Service Project 3
- Tongan PM Service Project 2
- Tongan Service Project 5
- Tongan Service Project 4
- Tongan Service Project 6
- Tongan Service Project
- Tongan Service Project 4
- Tongan Service Project 2
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Minister of Internal Affairs the Hon Penisiman Fifita also took time to thank the members for their participation. He remarked, "The service provided by the LDS Church in my constituency makes me proud to be your representative.”
The Minister of Tourism the Hon Semisi Sika brought seven of his staff members along, and asked if members of the Halaliku Stake can "continue to work together with the Ministry of Tourism for the beautification of Tonga”.
President Manakofua thanked the Prime Minister and other government and community leaders for their support in attending the service project. He took time to explain what the Church "Light the World" (“Fakamaama ‘e Mamani”) initiative was, and what members and others were doing across the world to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
At the conclusion of his remarks he wished them a wonderful, Christ-focussed Christmas with family and loved ones.