Sister Kenidee Sylvester TONGA NUKU' ALOFA: Cyclone Gita

Feb ll, 2018 2:11 pm

Dear Parents / Guardians,

RE: CYCLONE GITA

Update in regards to your missionary:

As you are aware of the cyclone Gita coming our way and directly to Tonga and she is expected to arrive later this evening. We wish to inform you that we have contacted all our missionaries and couple missionaries in the Nuku’alofa Tonga Mission and have made necessary arrangements to ensure their safety. We have also given them instructions to:

1. Secure and lock their Mission Quarters and head out to the nearest Chapel

2. Take 72hr packs including medications, first aid kids, torches, enough food items and water and leave to the nearest chapel for shelter well ahead of time before the cyclone hits and remain there with other members/ non- members until further instructions.

3. Make sure their phones are charged and standby for further instructions.

As of right now they are preparing to leave to the nearest chapel and they are all safe. We will keep you informed of their safety for as long as the Internet and power is available.

We ask that you continue to pray for us and for our safety.

Kind Regards

President and Sister Tui’one

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Feb 13 2018 10:31 pm

Dear Parent/ Guardian,

We do apologize for the delay in communications, which were a result of a power outage and subsequent internet failure.

Cyclone Gita has been an experience to remember and something that we will be talking about for a very long time. For some of us it was the longest night of our lives. The Cyclone has left our Island Kingdom of Tonga, and although much foliage, many trees and various houses were destroyed, I’m please to let you know that all the missionaries in the Nuku’alofa Tonga Mission are accounted for. Each of them are safe, healthy and pleased to be serving the people of Tonga in this time of need.

It will be a very busy week and month for us as we will take part in the cleaning up and giving of service to others in need. This will also be an opportunity to build our love for the Lord and others. Due to the major destruction caused by Cyclone Gita, the power on the entire Island has been shut down so please expect some delay in communications for the time being.

We will do our best to keep you updated as long as we are connected to these services.

Kind Regards,

President and Sister Tui’one

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Feb 13, 10:26pm

Hello Family!!!!

Im writing you a quick email to let you know i'm okay and i'm alive :) All of the missionaries are okay and now we are just working hard to help all the families here in Tonga. Please keep Tonga in your prayers. I don't know when we’ll get power or water but i'm learning to live a life of sacrifice. The storm was scary and I have never seen or experienced something like that. Every house has been damaged and there is LOTS of work to do, but thats why we are here to serve others! I love you so much! I’ll talk to you when I can :)

Ofa atu!!

It was a long night riding out the storm