Pray for Tonga

In Tonga, Sunday is legally a day of total rest, forcing businesses, public transit, and even planes to completely shut down in accordance with the nation’s strict constitution. This South Pacific nation is a cluster of 171 coral and volcanic islands, where 108,000 people are spread across just 36 of the islands. Tonga is unique among Pacific nations in that it never completely lost its native governance. It was a British protected state from 1900–1970 and later became fully independent. It remains the only monarchy in the Pacific, though it has moved somewhat toward democracy. The first Prime Minister not from the royal family or nobility was appointed in 2006. The nation’s first democratic elections for the general legislative assembly were held in 2010.

The number of Tongans living in other nations is now higher than the population of Tonga itself. Driven abroad by a severe lack of jobs and high costs at home, locals leave to find steady work that can support their families. Because of this massive diaspora, the economy relies heavily on money sent home by overseas workers, followed by tourism. Most of Tonga’s food must be imported. New Zealand is a main source of imports and is also home to many Tongan expatriates. High youth unemployment remains a major issue, which the government hopes to fix by upgrading farming, finance, health, and local transportation. Developing the island’s communication and transportation systems could provide help in this area.

Tonga’s red flag includes a bold red cross on top of a white rectangle; the cross represents the nation’s deep-rooted Christianity. Though this rich Christian heritage is a blessing, as reflected by their national song (which calls God their defense and praises His love for them), it has reached the point of oversaturation, and nominalism plays a large role. The variance in denominations creates competition among churches, and believers are pulled away, often seeking the church they believe will benefit them the most rather than looking for the part they can play in God’s kingdom. Many believers look for value in good works rather than God and the Bible. Tonga has the highest percentage of Mormons of any nation, though active membership in Mormon congregations is much lower. May the Tongan people find freedom in Christ and reclaim the dynamic faith of their forefathers, as they see the prayer for protection from their national song answered by God.