Young people from the Lotofale’ia Methodist church in Mangere were out in force in Queen Street last Friday evening, making a real demonstration of loving their neighbour.
They were responding to a call from church leader Teisina Falala to share their love with the homeless in a simple way.
Falala said he had been searching for a long time for a way for the youth to share their love.
About 20 of the church youth had prepared sandwiches and gifts to give to homeless people living in the centre of Auckland.
According to the young people the response from those they fed was: “Thank you so much and God bless.”
Apart from fulfilling the command to love one another, the purpose of the evening was to help the young people value what they had, like clothes, foods, shelter and parents.
Tonga has core cultural values known as the four golden pillars (Faaʻi Kavei Koula) of the Tongan culture. They are: Faka’apa’apa (respect), Tauhi-vaha’a (maintaining good relationship), Mamahi’i-me’a (devotion), and Lototō (willing to accept something especially when someone is asked to do or take).
These values connect the six pillars that hold the well-being of individuals; the life of the Mind, Body, Soul, Economy, History/Traditional and Environment.
Tevita ‘Ahoafi said his personal experiences of living a humble life had led him appreciate everything he possessed. He said people should not forget that the house they were living in was a palace to the homeless and any food they had was a beautiful fast to the hungry.
“We are all part of a whole and we are all branches of one tree and waves of one ocean,” he said.
Giving food and gifts to the homeless was a way of reminding the young people of the commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” Teisina said.
They also learned that loving their neighbour meant not just the people living next door, but every member of the greater family of the human race.
Youth leaders
The church recently elected Loketi and Paea Hausia as Guardians of its youth, and Tupou Pine and Maliumoeao Tufui as their assistants.
Teisina Falala has been appointed leader of the boys and his assistant is Siupeli ‘Ahoafi. Siueli Lafo’ou ‘is the leader for girls and her assistant is Temaleti Hausia.
According to Tevita ‘Ahoafi, the church has divided this year into sections and committees have been elected to implement their activities on Friday nights.
The main points
- Young people from the Loto Fale’ia Methodist Church in Mangere were out in force in Queen Street last Friday evening, making a real demonstration of loving their neighbour.
- About 20 of the church youth had prepared sandwiches and gifts to give to homeless people living in the centre of Auckland.
- Apart from fulfilling the command to love one another, the purpose of the evening was to help the young people value what they had, like clothes, foods, shelter and parents.
- They also learned that loving their neighbour meant not just the people living next door, but every member of the greater family of the human race.
