The Kingdom of Tonga is a sovereign nation located in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 500 miles southeast of Fiji. Tonga is an archipelago consisting of 176 islands spread across 270,000 square miles. Despite the vast dispersal and large number of islands, only 52 are inhabited. Tongans are composed of Polynesians and Europeans.
Settled as early as 1500 BC, Tonga never completely lost its indigenous governance. This fact makes it unique among the Pacific islands. Nicknamed "The Friendly Islands", Tonga was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845, became a constitutional monarchy in 1875, and became a British protectorate in 1900. In 1970, Tonga withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations. Today, Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
A large number of Tongans have migrated to English-speaking countries of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand for work. Migration to New Zealand, Australia, and the United States in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in a reduction in growth in Tonga. A small number of Tongans live in American Samoa and Fiji.
Tongans shake hands when they meet, and relatives kiss by pressing each other's noses against their faces and soundly inhaling through the nose. The men who prepare the roasted meat for a feast do not eat with the guests and are allowed at the table only when the first round of people has finished eating. Most food is consumed with the hands, although silverware is also used, especially in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. It is customary to wash one's hands at the beginning and end of a meal.
The gesture of raising the eyebrows in conversation expresses one's understanding of the conversation and serves as an invitation to continue. It is difficult for people to admit failure to understand or to respond negatively to requests.
Choral singing is done in churches and social clubs. Singing is part of the more holistic traditional art of blending of dance, music, and poetry. The punake (master poet) composes pieces that combine music, text, and body movements. Traditional dances include the Me 'etu 'upaki (paddle dance), the Tau 'olunga (solo dance), and the Lakalaka (line dance).
Almost all Tongans in American Samoa identify as Christian, and there is a complete Bible in Tongan. They have tremendous potential to be Christ's ambassadors to the lost.
Like other Christians in the developing world, Tongans seldom understand how much God can use them to spread the word of God to the nations. They need to be mobilized for the cause of Christ.
Pray for God to invigorate the Tongan people to accomplish his work among the nations.
Pray for the opportunity to reach out to other nations, and for others to be open to them.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among Tongan families and churches in American Samoa.
Scripture Prayers for the Tongan in American Samoa.
Wallace Revels
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
