President Nelson in Tonga

President Tuione asked the missionaries to line the entrance to Liahona for the Prophet's arrival. This picture shows only some of the missionaries.  Most of the sister missionaries are the other direction from the couples.

As you can tell with the umbrellas, it was raining but everyone was so excited for the Prophet to be in Tonga.

The missionaries sang as we waited and then again as we entered the venue with President Tuione leading the way.


Senior Missionaries got VIP seating. We sat under the tent. We were not that close but again not that far either. We felt it a joy to be this close and to listen to our prophet's message in Tonga.

"I have reflected on God’s love and His great promises to the isles of the sea. It is truly a blessing for us to hear a prophet of God—the Lord’s representative on earth—on our very own Tongan soil...It is important to remember amidst the excitement, that we will not be saved by simply trying to shake hands with the Prophet or being in close proximity to him, as memorable as that may be. But we will be saved when we stay true our covenants and keep the commandments of God." -- Mateo Lautaimi, Former Ma'u Stake President


Many members came early and sat in the rain to get good seats near the stage. They did not care if they were in the wind and the rain. They were waiting to hear from the Prophet and learn from him. 

 






One of our friends sat in the rain from 1 o'clock to have front row seats. They snapped this picture of the prophet pointing to the dear Tongan Saints.

President Nelson told the people that they have learned to live with both the blessings and hazards of water. “You know what it is to be in deep water and rough water. As you go through rough water and face challenges of life, hold on to the iron rod of the gospel.”

President Nelson said our Heavenly Father wants us to have JOY in this mortal experience. He asked the people to read the Book of Mormon, attend the temple, share the Gospel with others. He reiterated the the family is a sacred institution and that our families can be together forever.  He also stated that death is a part of life; it is not the end. Death is the gateway to life after death. We will all be resurrected and become immortal beings. If faithful we will have eternal life.

We love our Prophet. We know he is the Lord's mouthpiece on the earth today. We feel it an honor to have been in Tonga when he came to visit the islands of the sea.

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice, And Hear the Word of God    Hymn #21