Couple Provides Meals to People Affected by Cyclone Gita

Many Tongans have been the recipients of lovingly prepared and distributed food at the hands of LDS senior missionary couple, Siaosi and Katalina Va’enuku. They left their home in Salt Lake City, Utah to come to Tonga for eighteen months to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though they’re assigned to work in the office, that doesn’t stop them from serving others all over the island.

Often the Va’enukus’ small apartment is filled with food. With the assistance of many, Katalina spends hours and hours cooking and then, with her husband, delivering food to Church members and those of other faiths.  

Upon learning of Tonga’s food shortages following Cyclone Gita, many have generously donated financially to assist those most severely affected. Katalina was able to jump into action purchasing basic foodstuffs and preparing nutritious and delicious food. The Va’enukus have been able to use some of the contributions to also purchase basic ingredients for families that have fuel or electricity.

Dr. Phil Hudson, senior missionary serving with his wife in the LDS Dental Clinic in Tongatapu, shared, “Isn’t it wonderful that even if you are 6,000 miles away, when you sense there is a need, you can almost instantly reach out and help, and know that your contributions will take shape through the helping hands of senior couples like the Va’enukis, whose desire is to serve their brothers and sisters in any way they can."