The Reverend Liufau Vailea Saulala of the Tokaikolo Church offered a special prayer at the Free Wesleyan Chuch of Tuingapapai in Mangere on Sunday evening to mark the opening of the Tonga Research Association (TRA) conference 2013.

Hundreds of church members from various denominations attended the service including Free Weslyan Church of Tuingapapai, Seventh Days Adventists of Misipa and United Church of Lototonga.

A celebration of songs of praise was performed by various choirs and key note speakers from the communities and academia including Dr Melenaite Taumoefolau from University of Auckland, Reverend Paula Onoafe Latu, Reverend ‘Ilomaisini Lea, Reverend Lopini Filise and Professor Sitaleki Finau ‘Ata’ata the president of the TRA.

Reverend Saulala formally declared that he has opened the TRA's 15th conference which received an applaud from the congregation followed by a speech of thank from Professor Finau.