Week 64

Tonga's HS Graduation & YSA Baptism

9 November 2025

We hope all is well at home.  It is odd again to have the days becoming warmer and we are starting to hear Christmas music played in stores.  I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas takes on a whole new meaning in New Zealand.

The YSA ward we serve in has two sister missionaries assigned.  We took them to dinner on Tuesday.  Since they serve in the YSA ward, they don't often get meals during the week. They both were so happy for what they called, "real food."  They are great sisters and have a baptism planned for today after Church and another one on date for next week.  They are doing a great job.

Meet El Alomine, the newest member of the Church here in Takapuna. Working in a Church office building, we don't get the chance to be apart of many baptisms. El and his twin, Duane, just joined the Church and it has been great to see their excitement and ward's support. The young adults have been very supportive. 

Sister missionaries wear matchie clothes for important occasions here.

Had to put this picture in because this is the pose of a church employee tasked with reviewing 8 hours of a podcast filmed for Light the World. There technical knowledge and skill is pretty amazing and they do wonderful work.

That is a Rolex watch purchased for $150 US Dollars. The director of our department made a trip to China and came back with the Rolex.  He is pretty proud of the knock-off watch.  What is amazing is how integrated China is in the Pacific.   They provide significant humanitarian aid, build buildings, and subsidize many of the island countries because they want access to the abundant resources and valuable geography. Many of the island nations rely heavily on China.

This is our intern Chiara and her parents.  If you want to know how small the world is, Braiden served in Sacramento and had dinner at their home many times.  They recognized our last name and made the connection. Chiara does a great job as one of our interns.

I know this is a weird picture but you have to admire this guy.  It is a pastor in Tonga and every week he records his sermon he is going to give on Sunday and then submits it to our Church News Facebook page for the Pacific.  He assumes his sermon is news we will cover for the entire Pacific.  I have to admire his persistence and tenacity.  Unfortunately we have to turn the post down every week, but it doesn't stop him from continuing to try and share his beliefs. I love this.

Culture night for the Zone. The sisters learned how to do the Poi balls.  It was obvious that some have skills and others, not so much. Fun to watch and we are grateful for the Maori members who came and shared about their culture.

The Haka has deep cultural meaning for the Maori people.  It is more than just a sign of strength or to intimidate the enemy. Families create hakas for many occasions. There is even a funeral haka.  Again a great time had by everyone at cultural night.

Launette wrote a story about Tonga's High School Graduation. It's a Church owned school.  They sure know how to celebrate and honor their graduating seniors.  If you look closely you will notice the candy "lollie" lei's they put on the students.  It is amazing.  It is such a huge event for them.  The Church owned schools in Tonga, Samoa, Kiribati, and Fiji make a major impact on the countries.  They provide the best education and opportunities for the students.  It is a great program.

Her crown and gown are made out of chocolate bars. Crazy!

Temple night with the YSA.  It is always so good to be with them.  What was so impressive is that some come to do endowments, some baptisms and some didn't have recommends and so they came to sit in the patron waiting room and study scriptures while they waited for the others to finish.  They just wanted to be in the temple.  They are inspiring.

I talked a little about missionary work above. We don't get the opportunity to knock on doors or do splits with junior missionaries, but Elder Shaw and I preach the gospel to young adults every Wednesday night at institute. I honestly feel like we are share new doctrine, explaining principles, and bearing testimony in our institute class every week. Many are coming back after taking their "holiday" from the Church. They want to do and be better. They have many regrets and want to know that Heavenly Father still loves them. One brother said "I know the Church will always be there so what is the hurry?" What do you say to a roomful of students that have all spent a time away from the gospel? It was an interesting discussion that night. I just want to talk to them at age 12 and say "Don't let go of the iron rod! You will miss out on so many blessings."

I feel very blessed to have covenant confidence. I am grateful for that covenant relationship. I need Him every day. We see the Lord's work in our lives daily.

We love and miss you!

Sister and Elder Shaw