Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, arrived in the Kingdom of Tonga on Friday 17 February.
- Elder Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth Renlund Tonga 17 February 2017
- Elder and Sister Renlund, Elder Hallstrom Tonga 17 February 2017
- Elder and Sister Renlund Tonga Welcome
- Bishop Gérald Caussé Tonga 17 February 2017
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Latter-day Saint youth from the Nuku’alofa Tonga Harbour Stake (a stake refers to a group of local congregations) welcomed Elder and Sister Renlund with traditional leis and a series of cultural dances which told the story of Tonga’s history.
Local Latter-day Saint leader, Bishop Taniela Taumoepeau, choreographed and participated in the celebration. “I usually teach [dance] on my free time, it’s kind of a hobby of mine,” Taumoepeau said. “To perform for—hosting—an apostle of the Lord is quite something special. We all had fun doing it.”
Throughout his stay, Elder Renlund is expected to meet with members of the Tongan Royal Family, local Latter-day Saint leaders, members and missionaries.
Elder and Sister Renlund are accompanied by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Sister Diane Hallstrom; Bishop Gérald Caussé, presiding bishop of the Church, and Sister Valérie Caussé; Elder O. Vincent Haleck, president of the Pacific Area of the Church, and Sister Peggy Haleck.
They also attended the welcome celebration which marked the beginning of their weekend visit in Tonga.
