Leaders from the Tongan government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered at the Black Pearl restaurant in Nuku’alofa recently to strengthen a shared commitment to serve the people of Tonga in unity and love.
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, a leader for the Church (First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency), described the gathering as “a partnership rooted in love.”
Elder Wakolo at Fiji Humanitarian dinner
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo Pacific Church Leader (Area Presidency) for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Speaking at Tongan Humanitarian Dinner June 2025© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.One-way members of the Church show their love for Heavenly Father is by helping to care for their neighbours.
The event brought together key figures including Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Ana Akau’ola, Minister of Tourism Hon. Moʻale Finau, and leaders from the Ministry of Health, Tonga Health, and the Church of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Fusimalohi shared reflections from his recent visits to remote islands, where he witnessed communities facing challenges such as poor sanitation, limited healthcare, and under-resourced schools. Yet, he consistently saw Church buildings providing essential services like water and electricity.
“I think the work the Church is doing around Tonga is good work,” he said, acknowledging the Church’s visible and valuable contributions.
Elder Wakolo responded with heartfelt appreciation and emphasised the Church’s preference for collaboration.
“We prefer not to do things alone as a Church,” he said. “We want everyone to feel that we are united—as sons and daughters of God. There are many things that unite us more than separate us.”
Members and Gov Leaders at Fiji Dinner
Church Leaders and Government Officials Gather for Humanitarian Dinner in Tongan, June 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.He then outlined several initiatives the Church is supporting to help build Tonga’s future:
- TVET Trade Training Programmes to reduce families’ reliance on overseas seasonal labour.
- BYU–Pathway Worldwide, on-line education now accessible across Tonga through Church buildings equipped with Starlink internet, enabling global education and remote work.
- Succeeding Schools, a programme designed to help students struggling in mathematics and English.
To illustrate the spirit of true partnership, Elder Wakolo shared a story from the scriptures where Jesus, fleeing danger, stopped to heal a blind man. John 9
“He stopped. He turned. He saw someone in need—and He ministered to him,” Elder Wakolo said. “When we come across needs, I hope that we will be like the Saviour—we stop, we slow down, and we see how we can help.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints actively provides humanitarian services throughout the world. Click here to access the Caring Report.