New Chapel for Tonga

On January 15, 2016 we were honoured to go to a ground breaking ceremony for the new Fangaloto Chapel. These people have been attending church in a large house for nine years.  They all were so very happy for this day.  Elder Haleck, first councilor in the South Pacific Area Presidency, and Elder Tukuafu, the Area Seventy, were at this ceremony.  We had a special meeting with Elder Haleck after the ceremony concerning a new project.  This was a new experience for us to witness and was very interesting.  We hope that you enjoy the pictures of the day.

Here we have the dignitaries seated waiting for the ceremony to start.  They had a large tent set up and decorated very nice.

This is Garric Parr, the Service Center manager for Liahona.  He is from New Zealand and has only been here for a few weeks.  Standing next to him is Elder Tautua'a, he is translating for him.

This is Elder Haleck, with Elder Tautua'a translating for him.  He spoke to them as to what is required for them to have this building and that it was a witness of their hard work!

Here are all the dignitaries ready to dig the first shovel full of dirt!

One, two, three, dig!!

This is Elder Tukuafu waiting for Elder Haleck as he is being interviewed by the media.

Following the shovel ceremony we had some beautiful young ladies dance for us!

Elder Murdock fell in love with the little girl in the pink.  She was a cutie!

Elder and Sister Murdock in front of the design of the new Fangaloto Meeting House!

"Don't give up. Don't you quit. You keep walking.  You keep trying.  There is help and happiness ahead... You keep your chin up.  It will be all right in the end.  Trust God and believe in good things to come."   Jeffrey R. Holland