“… Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

We are watching the news reports from Tonga with great care and concern for the people of Tonga.  The eruptions of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai have caused considerable harm and we are only beginning to see the extent of the damage.  So far we know three people have lost their lives. Acid rain, ash and other debris cover the land and sea.  Water supplies, food crops, homes and infrastructure have been damaged and destroyed.  Many are worried and anxious but people are looking after each other. They are praying, singing and cleaning up – as they do after every disaster.

In Aotearoa New Zealand and in many places, people with family in Tonga are anxiously awaiting news.  Our prayers are also for you and for the speedy restoration of full communications.

We know the people of Tonga will need help to get through this period, to recover and rebuild their lives and livelihoods.  If you can make a donation, please give generously to Appeal for Tonga supported by the: Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia (Anglican Missions), Methodist Church of New Zealand, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Baptist Churches of New Zealand, and Christian World Service. 

Donations will be distributed to local Tongans so they can address the most immediate needs and then used as part of the longer term recovery.

Your prayers, consideration and support of those affected by the eruptions, tsunami and their aftermath are so important and we thank you for showing your compassion to the people of Tonga at this time.

In our common appeal, we commend the following alternative avenues through which to make a donation:

Christian World Service
Phone: 0800 74 73 72
P O Box 22 652
Christchurch 8140

Anglican Missions
Phone: 04 473 5172
P O Box 12 012
Thorndon
Wellington 6144

 

Hamish Galloway
Moderator
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Andrew Doubleday
President
Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa

Philip Richardson
Archbishop and Primate / Te Pihopa Matamua
Anglican Missions Board

Don Tamihere
Archbishop and Primate / Te Pihopa o Aotearoa
Anglican Missions Board

Charles Hewlett
National Leader
Baptist Churches of New Zealand

Anne and Alistair Hall
Yearly Meeting Co-Clerks
Religious Society of Friends, Te Hāhi Tūhauwiri Aotearoa New Zealand

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January 27, 2022

Thanks to Marian Kupu, Broadcom Broadcasting for the images.