The newly appointed Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Right Honourable Mark Brown, attended a Combined Churches Prayer Service on Sunday, 8 November. The purpose of the gathering was to seek divine protection against the effects of the impending cyclone forecast in this part of the Pacific. An above average number of cyclones are expected this season.
- Prime Minister Mark Brown (right) with John Mateara, representative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the combined Churches Prayer Service held on Sunday, November 8, 2020. Cook Islands, 2020.
- Superintendent Bobby Matapo of the Assemblies of God Church and John Mateara representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others come together to pray for protection from the upcoming cyclone season. Cook Islands, November 2020.
- "A great asset to the spiritual fibre of our nation," says John Mateara, (right) about Paul Donoghue of the Cook Islands Catholic Diocese. Cook Islands, November 2020.
- Bishop Tutai Pere of the Apostolic Church and John Mateara of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participate in the Combined Churches Prayer Service in the Cook Islands. November, 2020.
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The event was organised by the Religious Advisory Council (RAC) and was well attended by the various congregations of the RAC and general public. During his address, Mr. Brown cited the words of Mark in the New Testament (Mark 4:37-41) which gives an account of how Jesus stills the tempest. He then added, “In the face of the pandemic and with the blessing of being Covid-free, we as a nation need to replace our fears with faith in the Lord, and trust in Him to guide us through these challenging times.”
John Mateara, Communication Director for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Cook Islands, commented after the event, “Everyone there felt a wonderful spirit of togetherness and love for our God and His Son Jesus Christ.”