Tongans Thank Samoan Latter-day Saints for New Food Donation

Friday afternoon, the 9^th of May, the MV Fetuolemoana of American Samoa anchored at Taufa’ahau Wharf in Ha’apai, Tonga with food donated by Samoan members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was sent to help all the people of Ha'apai who are still recovering from the damage caused by January's Cyclone Ian.

The wharf was crowded as people happily awaited the arrival. Ha’apai’s Representative to the Tonga Parliament, Mo’ale Finau, gave a welcome speech and the Ha’apai Tonga Stake President, Sosaia Langi Tonga’onevai offered a prayer.

President Tonga’onevai reported that this is the second food donation from the Latter-day Saints of Samoa in less than a month. The first donation was brought a few weeks ago by the Manaolemoana, another ship from the same company that owns the MV Fetuolelmoana.

“Part of the food from this second boat will be taken to the Niu’ui Hospital and the Fale’one prison,” he said. He added that food from the first boat had been shared with ministers of other faiths.

Niu’ui Hospital spokesman, Paea Fifita, speaking on behalf of Dr. Tevita Vakasiuola and the hospital’s workers and patients, stated, “Words can’t even express how grateful we are for the Samoans, for sharing what their families would have.” She said the patients at Niu’ui Hospital will be blessed by this food, which will help them recover more quickly and fully.

Mo’unga Mohetau, age 72, from Fotua village and a member of the Church’s organization for women, the Relief Society, reported, “This is a great gift for all mothers including myself as we’re about to honor Mother’s Day this year.”

Taniela Faleta, another food recipient from Ha’apai, conveyed his gratitude and love for the people of Samoa, “…for sharing their foods with the people of Ha’apai, and enabling my children to have these great foods.”

Tomasi Tonga, from the small island of Ha’ano shared how his church members felt when they heard that more food was coming. “They endlessly talked about it, looking forward for a share.”

He added that the people of his island will soon be able to rely on themselves. After a devastating cyclone it frequently takes six months for destroyed crops to regenerate.

President Tonga’onevai conveyed his love and gratitude for the people of Samoa: “Thank you for remembering the people of Ha’apai and being willing to collect and send these foods.”