Ko e 'Otua mo Tonga ko hoku tofi'a - God and Tonga are my inheritance

Malo e lelei,

Our thoughts and hearts are with our Tongan students and alumni and all those who have been affected by the recent events in the island kingdom. Given the magnitude of just one of these natural disasters let alone two, it is a miracle that the number of confirmed fatalities is so low and we give thanks and praise to God alone for His great love and mercy for Tonga.

We are praying for you, your families and communities as many come to terms with the loss and devastating effects of last week’s underwater volcanic eruption and tsunami. It is encouraging to hear many people have regained communication with their loved ones in Tonga.

We ask you to join us in prayer for rain, wisdom for the newly appointed government to lead and manage effective relief and recovery efforts. Pray for a move of God’s Spirit that will cause Tonga to rise out of the ashes crowned with beauty, anointed with joy for mourning and clothed with a garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. May God’s righteousness be evident throughout the land as they rebuild, that He may be glorified (Isaiah 61:3).

Many individuals and families will be organising to send goods back to Tonga. #TAG TONGA is a direct donor option for those in NZ and abroad wanting to make a monetary donation to families and friends in Tonga. More information can be found using the following link https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/tagtonga2022

A word of encouragement from HRH Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu:

Siope 26:10-12 ‘Oku ne tohi ha seakale ki he funga vai, ‘O a’u ki he ngata’anga ‘o e maama mo e po’uli.  11’Oku tete ‘a e ngaahi pou ‘o Langi, ‘O nau tumu ‘I he valoki ‘a ‘Ene ‘Afio. 12 ‘Oku ne ue’i ‘a e tahi ‘aki hono māfimafi, ‘Oku ne laiki ‘a Lēhapi ‘aki ‘ene poto.

Job 26: 10 He sets a boundary for the ocean, yes, and a boundary for the day and for the night. 11 The pillars of heaven tremble at his rebuke. 12 And by his power the sea grows calm; he is skilled at crushing its pride!

“Praise the Lord our God is in control! As we look to God at this devastating time let us seek His mind as to what we should move on towards.”

‘Ofa atu

For Pastoral Care support please do not hesitate to contact any of the following people, Gina Siaosi (Pasifika Ambassador), Naylor Owen (Manukau Campus Coordinator & Student Support), Jenny Mackie (Student Dean) or Gill Pawson (Christchurch Campus Manager) they are more than happy to help you.

Ke tapuaki’i koe ‘e he ‘Otua

God bless you

Gina Siaosi & Lilomaiava Yvonne Timaloa

Pasifika Council Co-Chairs