Hundreds of young people packed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Church College gymnasium in Suva Fiji yesterday.
They were there to listen to the Church’s Pacific Area President, Kevin W. Pearson, as he thanked them for all the effort they had put into preparations for today’s special cultural event to celebrate tomorrow’s re-dedication of the Suva Fiji Temple.
Around 1,500 Fiji teenagers have been practicing for today’s event for several weeks.
The Suva Fiji Temple was originally dedicated in 2000. It is being re-dedicated tomorrow after over a year’s closure for renovations. Last month around 22,000 people toured the temple during a special open house.
Elder Pearson spoke passionately about the need for each student to gain as much education as they can in order to be physically and spiritually self-reliant.
He also spoke of the vast worldwide organization of the Church and reminded them they are never alone in this world. He encouraged them to hold fast to their faith in Heavenly Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Although Cyclone Winston threatens to disrupt the cultural event, the youth are forging ahead with their plans to perform for leaders, members and guests of the Church including President Henry B. Eyring of the Church’s First Presidency, and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who arrived in Fiji late Friday.
Newsroom contributor: Tessa Dewsbury.