On October 16, 2017, Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy and First Counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Elder Asiake K. Tukuafu, Area Seventy of the Church, were welcomed into the home of Rev Dr Finau Paila ‘Ahio, President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, and his wife, Mrs. Loukini ‘Ahio.
In what was described by Elder Cardon as a “warm and open conversation,” they discussed a range of topics, including an upcoming weekend (October 28) when congregations of the LDS Church throughout Tonga will be performing community service; the challenge of diabetes in Tonga; and the value of working together for the common good of the people of Tonga.
Rev Dr ‘Ahio indicated that, because of the concern about diabetes in Tonga, he has been helping educate members of the Free Wesleyan Church about the right foods to eat and proper proportions.
Elder Cardon told him about an extensive LDS Church diabetes initiative beginning in Tonga that will include instructional materials for schools and homes, the planting of gardens, exercise, and other related matters. Elder Cardon offered to share these things with Reverend ‘Ahio, as he may desire in support of his efforts.
Asked for his impressions of the meeting, Elder Cardon said, “Reverend ‘Ahio is a wonderful man and was a gracious host. It was an honour to meet him and Mrs. ‘Ahio.”
He continued, “The most important things resulting from this meeting were the development of a personal relationship, that strengthened communication channels, and confidence in opportunities for future collaboration. We are now friends, and can address matters of mutual interest to the benefit of many.”
At the conclusion of their meeting Rev Dr ‘Ahio offered a beautiful prayer asking the Lord to bless Elder Cardon and the Church in their efforts.