Suva, Fiji Temple Rededication in spite of Cyclone Winston

The rededication of the Suva, Fiji Temple was scheduled for last weekend, February 20-21, 2016. Many members have worked for months (and years) to get ready for this glorious occasion. As the weekend approached, weather reports spoke of Cyclone Winston which was headed for the islands of Tonga and Fiji. As the cyclone approached, it was upgraded to a Category 5, the strongest cyclone to ever hit the Pacific Islands and it was scheduled to hit landfall on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday was the Youth Cultural Celebration that our youth from several islands have been rehearsing for for many months. As they gathered in Suva, coming by boat and bus, for final rehearsals, the storms began. Church leaders decided to move up the start time for the celebration as the storm was to hit in the early evening and there was an imposed government curfew to have everyone in their homes or safe places by 5:00 pm. Not only did they move up the start time, but they had to eliminate several of the numbers and go straight to the finale as the storm raged and drew closer. On Monday after the rededication, two of our Area Presidency members and their wives went over to the school where the youth were housed to have them perform the missed numbers. Pres. Eyring, Elder & Sister Cook and Elder Pearson can be seen in the picture below thanking the youth for their participation in such a marvelous event.

After a night that brought winds of up to 185 miles per hour at the center of the storm, the morning brought a slight reprieve allowing the three rededication sessions to go forth as planned. Since communication had been interrupted, some of the broadcasts of the first session could not happen, but the saints still gathered to give thanks to God for turning the eye of the cyclone away from Suva and saving their beautiful temple and all those gathered there. 

Unfortunately, the cyclone hit some of the outlying areas and islands and caused great damage.

The homes are made of pieces of wood, corrugated aluminum, bricks, and anything else that they can find so they are more easily destroyed, especially with winds of the strength of Cyclone Winston.

This young man is trying to salvage anything of value or importance.

All missionaries and members of the church have been accounted for and are safe. Many lost their homes, both in Fiji and in Vava'u Tonga. Many are temporarily living in church meetinghouses, The church and the government are sending in aid and hygiene supplies as quickly as possible. Right now, we have many missionaries there, some senior couples, assessing the damage and the needs.

There are so many stories of miracles and tender mercies that happened last weekend in Fiji. Everyone that attended felt the Lord's hand in all that happened and felt peace knowing He was in charge. It was a spiritual experience for all involved. It continues to be a wonderful experience to be a part of this Pacific Area and we love serving here.