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Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, First Counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed attendees at the centenary celebration of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and the inauguration of a 600-bed medical facility in India. He began his remarks with greetings reflecting Fiji’s cultural diversity: “Bula, Namaste, and Salaam aleikum. Happy Fiji Day!”
During his visit, Elder Wakolo shared three main impressions: he cited a Māori proverb emphasizing the importance of people, discussed the power of love using an acronym from the German word for love (“L-I-E-B-E” for Lift, Inspire, Encourage, Bless, and set an Example), and acknowledged God’s love as described in Christian scripture.
Elder Wakolo highlighted collaboration between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Sai Prema Foundation in Fiji. He recounted visiting the Children’s Heart Hospital where families receive care at no cost: “When we first walked through the Children’s Heart Hospital, I asked what an operation costs,” Elder Wakolo said. “I was told families pay nothing — not even transportation. We knew immediately we wanted to collaborate.” The Church has contributed medical equipment, established a family travel fund, and most recently provided a GE Vivid 95 Ultrasound System.
He also shared experiences with families whose children benefited from surgeries at the hospital: “I visited two families whose children were operated on,” Elder Wakolo said. “An 8-year-old told me, ‘My brother never used to play with me, but now he can.’ The smiles of children and relieved parents are priceless reminders of what happens when we build bridges instead of barriers.”
Referring to John 9 from the Bible, Elder Wakolo encouraged others to prioritize helping those in need: “Jesus stopped to help a blind man even while fleeing for His safety. His own safety was secondary; attending to the need was primary. Who is your blind man today?”
He spoke about interfaith collaboration in Fiji as an example of unity within diversity: “Faith leaders join hands through shared celebrations, dialogue and humanitarian service to strengthen respect and help those in need,” he said.
“This year, different faiths commemorated the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday together. Monthly interfaith meetings promote religious freedom, while youth gatherings and conferences foster understanding. Iftar dinners, Diwali celebrations and shared meals have become symbols of hope. After disasters, communities pray side by side.”
He added that each such moment helps build another bridge among communities.
Elder Wakolo emphasized education as another form of bridge-building. Through programs like EnglishConnect and BYU-Pathway Worldwide sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, thousands in Fiji and India have access to affordable online education with support including laptops and internet access—efforts intended to keep families together and promote self-reliance.
The Church's humanitarian projects include rebuilding school dormitories in Fiji; constructing teachers’ quarters; installing clean water systems; delivering solar lights for students without reliable electricity; conducting life-skills workshops for hearing-impaired youth; providing water systems for villages; mobility aids; and disaster relief efforts in India.
“These are small but sincere efforts to lift the one,” Elder Wakolo said.
He also spoke about temples built by The Church as spiritual bridges: “We see temples as holy places — bridges connecting heaven and earth. Inside these sacred spaces...families are bound together for eternity.” He expressed gratitude toward Indian civic leaders permitting construction on a temple at Mahadevapura in Bengaluru (Karnataka) and invited all to attend its public open house before dedication.
Elder Wakolo concluded by underscoring why building bridges matters: “When we build bridges, conflict decreases, understanding grows, and peace becomes possible.” He urged listeners: “May we choose to Lift, Inspire, Encourage, Bless and set an Example.”
