Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Pa'alang's in Tonga

A Pa'alangi is a non-Polynesian and there are many in Tonga. The richest man in Tonga is Ross Chapman, a Pa'alangi from Sydney with whom we have developed a good friendship. From the left is Elder Condie, President and Sister McMurray (Mission President beginning July 1, 2007) and Wendy and Elder Russell M. Nelson. President McMurray served as a young Elder in Tonga and then after marrying and getting his college degree, they returned to Tonga where he taught in the Church High School on the island of Vavau. They are the parents of 11 children and three are with them in Tonga. He is an attorney and most of his legal work in Salt Lake was with the Tongan members there. He is totally fluent in Tongan and is loved and respected by the missionaries, members and the non-members.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is clear that the "authority" was the focus of the Church.

From naming the richest man in Tonga a Palangi, to picture with the queen, to wife of prime minister, no where do I see a sign of being with the poor.

If you understood tonga as for what it is, all of the people you post on the blog did such a dis service to the Mormon, because these are people that despise by the people of Tonga.

However, I understand, we have a need to attached to power and those who have it; a little bit different approach from the Saviors.

Next time, spend time with the needy in tonga so one can enjoy tonga for what it.

Courtney.Jean.Photography said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Courtney.Jean.Photography said...

What a horrible thing to assume, that they did a dis service to the people of Tonga. If you only understood what these people really did, sacrificing their time and talents for the betterment of the people they willingly volunteered to serve. And if they were to publish pictures with royalty and such is just a way of showing where and what lengths their influence went to.

Maybe if you really thought about it, the rest of the people of Tonga are the ones that were the willing in heart excepted the services provided and the message that came with it, dont forget the savior also taught that we should also go to the learned and the leaders and to also influence them, why do you think the savior made his last appearances in front of Judges and Rulers before parting.

They did just as the savior did they served the people and that influence gave them the opportunity to mingle the with greater status and also have the chance to influence them.

Please do not patronize mere comments, and do not put a spin on a mere phrase.

Tuku mu'a ke tau tauhi vaha'a kae tuku e tau fakavahvaha'a koe ngaahi me'a kotoa pe oku si'i fai e kakaini oku si'i inasi ai ehe kakai Tonga kotoa.

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- Daniel

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