‘Jesus Is the Way’: What the new hymnbook’s Tongan hymn means to Tongan Latter-day Saints

‘“Folofola Mai ‘a Sīsū” is a beloved hymn that holds a special place in our hearts’

Published: Nov 13, 2025, 4:26 p.m. MST

Salome and Shayne Strom pose for a picture wearing Tongan traditional costume with the waist mat or ta’ovala in Wellington, New Zealand, in August 2025. Provided by Salome Strom

Salome Strom was born and raised in Ha’alaufuli, Vava’u, within the Kingdom of Tonga. She grew up singing “Folofola Mai ‘a Sīsū” (“Jesus Is the Way”) in the Tongan hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When she heard a multicultural choir sing the hymn during October 2025 general conference, she cried.

“Honestly, I was among the numerous Tongans who were astonished and [shed] tears of joy when the choir performed the Tongan song in English,” she said. “The English translation and the sounds are impeccably aligned with the vocals throughout the chorus.”

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