Cook Islanders Look to God for Protection as Cyclone Season Approaches

With the cyclone season approaching, the people of Cook Islands set aside the month of November for their National Prayer Service.

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This annual prayer service is where members from the following faiths come together to worship through prayer, hymns, and uplifting messages that petition the Lord for protection.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
• Cook Islands Christian Church
• Seventh-day Adventist Church
• Assemblies of God
• Catholic Church
• Apostolic Church

Inter-faith prayer services are held twice a year during the months November (National Prayer Service) and April (Thanksgiving Prayer Service). April marks the end of the cyclone seasons in the Cook Islands. During April, messages of thanksgiving and gratitude are their focus.

To organize these meetings, an advisory council is formed with representatives from each religion. From these representatives, a chairperson is appointed. This year the Religious Advisory Council Chairman is District President Thomas Willie, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When President Willie was asked how this prayer meeting blesses lives, he said, “The prayer service fosters a deep connection of spirituality, community resilience, and practical response to natural disasters. This event creates a space for leaders from diverse religious communities to work in harmony, demonstrating unity in times of crisis. Knowing that faithful communities are praying for one’s safety, can bring a sense of peace and hope.”

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The theme of this year’s prayer meeting comes from Doctrine & Convenance 38:30 “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” There were about 500 people in attendance.

Maria Rarere, who lived in the Arorangi Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ, remembers back several years ago when Cyclone Sally hit their island. “We knew we needed God’s protection,” she recalls.

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 “We knew the only way to receive that was to work together to ask God to protect our country. I believe that has happened…We continue this tradition with all of the churches praying for each other… We know when we work together the Lord will look after us. The Lord is listening to our people.”

The Religious Advisory Council (RAC) also focuses on other issues facing the nation, such as addictive substances and non-communicable diseases.

President Willie added, “Despite our differences in beliefs, we have identified our shared values of love, service, family, caring for the needy, and have developed a mutual respect for religious diversity.”