Tongan Young Adults Gather for Special Devotional 

Hundreds of young adults gathered in Tonga at the Liahona High School Gymnasium on Sunday, 6 August, for a regional young adult devotional. 

The theme of the gathering was "Come unto Christ." The devotional featured Elder Sione F. Tuione, Area Seventy, who was accompanied by his wife, Sister Lupe Tuione. Sitita Vaenuku, who was recently crowned Miss Tonga, also shared her testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. 

Elder Tuione reminded those in attendance that while good things come through patience and long-suffering, the timing of events in our lives is important, as well. 

“Good things can be difficult to obtain,” he said. “But if we put the Lord first in our education, and come unto Christ and be perfected in Him, the Spirit of God will remain with us.” 

Elder Tuione encouraged his young adult audience to assess themselves and make the commitment to change the things that prevent them from feeling the Spirit. 

“This is a good time to make changes and follow the Lord Jesus Christ,” he counseled. “Learn to listen to your bishops and stake presidents (lay ministers), because they are the representatives of the Lord.” 

Sister Tuione told devotional goers that they should follow the Saviour and do the things which He did.   

“Our plans for our lives will be on the correct path when we give those plans to the Lord,” she added. “When our thoughts, behavior, dress, works and character are pure, our love for others will increase.” 

Vaenuku, who was crowned Miss Tonga on Friday, 7 July 2023, said though her life was hectic throughout the pageant process, it’s important to always to be available to serve the Lord.   

“Even though I was busy with the Miss Heilala programme, I always found time to go to the temple. I invite you to go to the temple as often as you can,” she said.