Pacific Area President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Kevin W. Pearson, announced changes on Sunday (21 September) to the leadership of the Church’s Nukuʻalofa Tonga Halaliku Stake.
The new stake presidency are President Sateki Manakofua; First Counselor, President Feleti Manutahi; and Second Counselor, President ʻAmoni Leilani Tuʻungafasi.
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When the new leaders were announced members attending the stake conference were invited to show their support for the leaders by raising their hands — what Latter-day Saints call “sustaining” the decision. The act of sustaining is also a way for Church members to indicate they will help and support the person in their service.
The new stake presidency succeed President Sitiveni Manoa Tupou, President Sateki Manakofua, and President Sione ʻOfiu Tonga.
In his remarks, Elder Kevin W. Pearson said, “Learning to ride a bike is easy. You only need to remember three things: steer, balance and accelerate/move forward.”
“Living the gospel of Jesus Christ is as easy as riding a bike. Steer with the Holy Ghost. Balance with sacred covenants, reading the Book of Mormon, praying always and holding family home evenings. Move Forward in keeping the commandments of God.”
Elder Pearson also emphasized the opportunities and blessings of missionary service and temple worship.
“This is a stake of Zion. It is a gathering place to protect us spiritually and physically from the storms of life,” he said.
Area Seventy, Elder ʻAisake Tukuafu, who also attended the conference, said, “At every stake conference, I enjoy watching the Primary children. When I was their age, I remember my parents dressing us all for a conference with Elder Thomas S. Monson. I don’t remember what was said, but I remember listening through a loud speaker to a voice and knowing deep within my heart that this was a man called of God.”
“We may not know what children think about, but if we can see beyond their faces to that day when they will become great leaders and parents, we will treat them as such.”
New stake president, Sateki Manakofua, said, “I know I may lack experience and education, but this is the Lord’s work and He will help it move along. I am strengthened by your sustaining vote in supporting me as your stake president.”
He added: “Two important words to me at this time [are] obedience and love. It is important that we are obedient even in small things, and love is the essence of the gospel. I may not be able to do everything, but we will do our best.”
Sister Nutimeki Manakofua also shared some remarks at the conference. “When my husband returned from overseas after heart treatment, his diet and lifestyle changed. He wanted his family to live longer and healthier lives, so we are all in the process of following his footsteps.”
“As a mother,” she said, “it is my responsibility to teach my children and help change their lifestyles if they are to be rescued. Mothers have a great influence on their children and strive to teach them the values and doctrines of the gospel because we believe in eternal principles and in strengthening the family.”
Former stake president, Sitiveni Manoa Tupou, said, “Today I wear the same coat that I was called in eight years ago. It symbolizes the great experiences we’ve been through together as a stake.”
He continued: “President Harold B. Lee taught that the home is the most holy unit. If we are not successful in our homes, we cannot be successful anywhere.”
“I am grateful for my wifeʻs support and I give my support to the new stake presidency.”
Sister Kefilini Tupou expressed gratitude “for Heavenly Fatherʻs unconditional love.”
“I am also grateful for the Saints’ love and support of our family.”
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