On July 16, the first Tongan-speaking company within the Nevada-Utah Conference was formed. Thirty-five Tongan-speaking members of the Sparks church stepped out in faith and formed the new company. Nine of these individuals have been members of the Adventist Church for less than three years.

To help celebrate the occasion, Dr. Bradford C. Newton, conference president, gave the “charge” to the new company members to “Go out into the Tongan-speaking community and share the gospel of Christ and the Seventh-day Adventist message.”

Two previous pastors, Harvey Williams and E.J. Collins, attended the service. “It is a privilege to be here for this special occasion," said Williams. "For many years the members of the Sparks church have all prayed for this day, and it is wonderful to see the hands of the Almighty leading."

For nearly 30 years, Tongan-speaking members worshipped in the English-speaking Sparks church. “The gospel commission in Matthew 28 states, ‘Go ye therefore and teach all nations…’ and that includes many non-English-speaking Tongans in our community," said Pastor Tui Finau. "These individuals need a place to gather and worship in their mother tongue."

“After many years of trial and error, our group has learned that without a Tongan-speaking church many will accept the Advent message, but few will remain because of the language barrier,” added Tevita Tameifuna, head elder.

Many Adventist Tongans from throughout the Pacific Union joined the Sea of Glass Tongan Company to celebrate. Remaining true to the Tongan love affair with music, there was plenty of music throughout the day. There were singing groups from Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Stockton, Simi Valley and Los Angeles.

“I have waited nearly 30 years for this day, and now that it is finally here, I cannot express the happiness and sadness I feel in my heart," said Moli Tameifuna, a charter member. "I am happy that a Tongan company is being formed to ‘feed’ Tongan-speaking individuals who need to hear the good news of Christ's love, but I am saddened that I will be leaving the fellowship of my Sparks brothers and sisters after so many years.”

The need for a Tongan-speaking church is a reality, but the Tongan group struggled with what impact the transition might have on their English-speaking children. So, the new company and the Sparks church have agreed to continue to work and fellowship together in as many programs possible. A few of the English-speaking children have remained members at the Sparks church, and programs including AY and the youth choir will remain a joint effort.