Over this past weekend, Tongan members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donned yellow "Mormon Helping Hands" vests and turned out in large numbers with willing hearts and strong hands to clean-up the communities in which they live.
Their efforts were part of a wider initiative involving Latter-day Saints and others in villages, towns and cities across the South Pacific. Volunteers participated in scores of service projects last Saturday, beautifying the environment and strengthening communities.
According to one of the participants in Tonga, Sione Folau Langi, "The Community Outreach was a success all over Tonga. Everyone worked together to make the surroundings clean and beautiful. Even the young people did their part to make our efforts successful."
People of all faiths were encouraged to join in the broad-scale clean-up efforts.
Latter-day Saint local leaders also presented community service awards to several individuals who provided noteworthy service.
One group of congregations, in Halaliku, presented Fua'amotu Town Officer, Telefoni Laume, and his wife Peti, with an award because they were very active within the whole community. The award was presented by Halaliku Stake President Sateki Manakofua.
At the beginning of the community clean-up effort, Laume announced the service projects at the town hall meeting, urging everyone by saying, "This is a community work, not just for Mormons."
He spoke on Sunday and wanted to thank the Church's area authorities for "this wonderful project."
He also asked if the Church would "convey his thanks to the Church's president in America, President Thomas S. Monson."
Laume continued by saying, "Community members should continue to work together and build our community, as if we are building Zion."
The Church's Harbour Stake presented service awards to two individuals. The former head of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Sione Sangster Saulala, was recognised for his community service.
Town Officer of Ma’ufanga, Mr Paea Filimoehala, was also acknowledged by local Church leader Judah Benhur Kivalu.
According to those in attendance at a special devotional on Sunday evening (30 October), each of these individuals provide exemplary service to their communities and fellow Tongans.
Giving service to others is a religious duty to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Latter-day Saints in Tonga and worldwide strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ to lift the lives and circumstances of others.
Organised efforts by Church members to assist in their communities are often coordinated through a program known as "Mormon Helping Hands." This program provides opportunities for Church members, and others, to give their time and talents to individuals in need.
It also gives members the opportunity to beautify communities, parks, schools, hospital grounds, stream banks, pathways, recreational areas, and other places.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a worldwide membership approaching 16 million people. There are 166 congregations of Latter-day Saints throughout the islands of Tonga.
