In a devotional on Saturday evening 6 June 2020 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, Prime Minister Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa invited Tongans at home and abroad to fast and pray for blessings as the nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, illicit drug use, and financial struggles of families. Young people’s education was also a focus of the meeting.
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Prime Minister Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Among the other speakers was Elder Inoke Kupu, Area Seventy in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Kupu quoted Charles Dickens, saying that we too are experiencing “the best of times” and “the worst of times.”
He encouraged all people, regardless of their faith, to trust in God and to exercise their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Elder Inoke Kupu, Area Seventy. 6 June 2020.
Elder Inoke Kupu, Area Seventy. 6 June 2020.© 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.“I hope that as we partake in this national fast and prayer,” Elder Kupu said (English translation), “that we may listen intently to know the will of the Lord always, listen to His counsels, and put off our natural man, being submissive, taking heed, and obeying and following His example, reflected in loving our neighbour and our enemy.”
Pacific Area President of the Church, Elder Ian S. Ardern, who was watching the devotional in New Zealand, wrote on Facebook: “Reverence for the Lord always invites His blessings.”
The devotional was watched by thousands on national television and on Facebook, in Tongan and English.