Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members celebrate diversity of culture, marking 70th Anniversary

Hundreds of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together at the FMF Gymnasium last night to celebrate the different cultures within the Church, marking the 70th anniversary of the Church in Fiji.

Program Organising Committee member Mosese Colata shared that in the Church young single adults are defined as teenagers at the age of 18 to 35 years, and they are basically leaders of the Church.

He adds that these young men and women hold big responsibilities in the church and play a huge role in planning and organizing programs such as this.

He highlighted that the feeling of having this young single adult participating as ushers, media, and escorts in such events is just amazing.

Colata adds that the culture night event is to commemorate the sacrifice of pioneers and their efforts in building the Church in the Pacific.

Youth member and 11-year-old Mereoni Rose Waqavotuwale was excited to be part of the event as it was her first time performing the Fijian meke.

She says she is so happy serving God. Eliki Delai, a pioneer of the church since 1973 and now resides in the United States, says he made arrangements to come to Fiji for this event to meet old friends and members.

Delai served in missions from 1974 to 1976.

He adds that he has seen tremendous changes in the church.

Tomasi Tuiburotu, a return missionary of the Church, felt the joy of being part of the dance group and echoed the voices of the pioneers of the Church.

He mentioned that after returning from serving his mission, the church is training young people to leadership roles and helping them exercise faith in Jesus Christ.

Elder and Sister Ratukalou are serving as service missionaries for the Church in the Fiji Suva Mission.

They mentioned that serving on a mission is a great opportunity for them to meet new people and make new friends.

Elder Ratukalou mentioned that their purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ, and this type of event is a great chance for them to do that.

Today, the Church will hold a Sports Day from 9am (this morning) to 2pm at Tamavua Church College Fiji.

Tomorrow is a Fireside Devotion Service at the Vodafone Arena from 3pm to 5.30pm.