Stake Conference Brings People Together and Changes Lives in Vava'u

Members and friends of the Neiafu Vava’u Tonga North Stake participated in a very memorable stake conference over the weekend of 22 and 23 August.

Twice a year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in stake or district conferences. A Latter-day Saint stake is a group of congregations in a geographical area. A district is similar but with less members.

The visiting church leader at the conference was Elder ‘Aisake Tukuafu. Before the conference began he asked local leaders if he could visit some of the members in their homes.

When Elder Tukuafu met the Fetuani family he learned that the mother, Senitelela Fetuani, was a Latter-day Saint. Her husband, Fale Maka Fetuani, was not a member of the Church. The couple have five children, two of whom are currently serving as missionaries for the Church—a daughter in England and a son in California.

Elder Tukuafu invited the Fetuanis to stake conference and they all came, except for their children who are overseas. Fale Maka Fetuani's experience during the conference was so uplifting that he requested to be baptised that evening.

Another notable event over the course of the weekend was the attendance of Sili Fa’aono ‘Ulungamanu, a member of the Free Wesleyan Church in Tu’anekivale. Mr ‘Ulungamanu conducted the Tu’anekivale Ward Choir as they sang at stake conference.

Though not a member of the Church himself, Mr ‘Ulungamanu is keeping alive a tradition of interfaith love and service started by his late father who also conducted a Latter-day Saint choir.

Watch a video about Latter-day Saint beliefs, and read an article about interfaith relations.