As Christians around the world celebrate Easter, we remember the sacred promise of new life and hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. His rising on the third day offers not only spiritual renewal but also the invitation to rise with Him emotionally, mentally, and temporally.
This message is at the heart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Self-Reliance Program. Inspired by the Saviour’s example, this initiative empowers individuals and families to grow in faith, improve their circumstances, and walk a more self-reliant path, side by side with the Lord.
There is a well-known saying: “Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he never goes hungry.” That principle is at the core of the Self-Reliance initiative of the Church of Jesus Christ. It is not just about temporary relief but lasting transformation by learning, working, growing, and relying on the Lord every step of the way.
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, two Self-Reliance groups graduated in the Liahona Stake (a group of congregations), Education for Better Work and Finding Strength in the Lord and Emotional Resilience. This marked a special occasion, as the Emotional Resilience group is the first in all of Tonga to complete this course.
Emotional Resilience
Front Row: Welfare Self Reliance Manger – Sister Lutimila Tuakalau, Liahona Stake Presidency – President Saia Fili, President Fifita Taufa, President Viliami Harris, and Liahona Stake High Council Brother Tevita Tuipulotu. Back Row: Malia Tu’akoi, Adi Paeahelotu, Lavinia Lino, Viola Fotu, MIlise Atoa, Luseane Leaaetoa, Tapaita Tupou, Siosiana Latavao, Lavinia Fotuaika, Liahona Stake Self Reliance Specialist: Sister Moana Kupu, Lu’isa Tu’ifua, Facilitaor Sister Sepa Napa’a. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.President Taufa, Liahona Stake President, addressed the graduates and quoted Elder Ronald A. Rasband from the recent General Conference, “Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time—not spare time—to the Lord.”
He emphasized that taking Self-Reliance classes is one powerful way we can give time to the Lord in our lives.
Sister Moana Kupu, facilitator of the Emotional Resilience class, shared from the Doctrine and Covenants Section 29, and emphasized that, “The Lord makes no distinction between the temporal and the spiritual.” She reminded participants that when we work on our mental, emotional, and temporal well-being, we are also engaging in spiritual growth.
Also present was Sister Lutimila Tuakalau, the Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager for Tonga. She encouraged all members to consider participating in these life-changing courses saying, “Self-Reliance courses are for everyone.”
She also educated attendees on the Perpetual Education Fund, a financial resource made available through the Church to help students pursue higher education at local institutions such as the University of the South Pacific, Tonga Tertiary Institute, Tonga National University, and Ahopanilolo Technical Institute.
The workbook used in these courses includes a message from the First Presidency, “The Lord has declared, ‘It is my purpose to provide for my saints’ (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15). This revelation is a promise from the Lord that He will provide blessings and open the door of self-reliance, which is the ability for us to provide the necessities of life for ourselves and our family members.”
Self-Reliance classes are now being offered in stakes across Tonga and are open to all. Whether someone is seeking a better job, healing from emotional burdens, pursuing education, or simply desiring to walk closer with Christ, these classes offer practical tools grounded in faith.
As we reflect on the power of Easter, we are reminded that the Saviour rose from the tomb, and through His grace, we too can rise stronger, wiser, and more self-reliant in Him.
To learn more or join a Self-Reliance group in your area, please contact your local stake leaders.
