By Bob Krauss
Advertiser Columnist

Heather Racine won't be quite as nervous on her way to church today as she was last Sunday, when she had to get up and make a welcome speech to the King of Tonga.

His Royal Highness Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Her Majesty Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho dropped by the New Hope Christian Fellowship on Sand Island Road for the service and lunch, a bodyguard and the U.S. Secret Service in attendance.

Technically, the service itself wasn't on Sand Island Road, because New Hope doesn't have the facilities there to cope with the 9,000 believers who attend seven services over the weekend.

Pastor Wayne Cordeiro preaches in the Farrington High School auditorium.

Racine, who landed her first job at New Hope after graduating from college, ended up squarely in the middle of the big event because she grew up in Tonga, where her father started the first television station. She is coordinator for New Hope International's South Pacific outreach.

"I went to school with His Majesty's granddaughter," she explained. "Our first focus is on Tonga. Pastor Wayne traveled there and met the king.

"When he learned that His Majesty planned a trip to California for a medical checkup, Pastor Wayne extended an invitation to visit New Hope and get acquainted with our Christian programs. His Majesty accepted."

The preparations for a royal visit began. Understand that nobody may turn his back on His Majesty. Also, no one is allowed to tower above him. So a riser had to be installed in the auditorium so His Royal Highness would sit higher than everybody else. A ramp led to the platform because the 85-year-old king is in a wheelchair.

"We took out three rows of seats for the platform and ramp," Racine explained. "The first six rows were blocked off so nobody would sit with his back to His Majesty."

She said Pastor Wayne didn't announced the royal visit until five minutes before the royal couple arrived at the auditorium. He explained that the congregation should stand and be silent as the king and queen made their entrance.

Racine said it was very impressive. There were 2 1/2 minutes of total silence while the royal couple made their way from the curb into the auditorium. And only a small percentage of the congregation is Tongan.

Her Majesty Queen Mata'aho didn't obey the rules, however. She spotted Heather and whispered in a scolding tone, "You cut your hair." Racine admitted that the queen is a riot.

A motorcade brought the royal party to the New Hope complex on Sand Island Road, where the basement ballroom was fitted out as a dining hall, the tables positioned so nobody's back faced the king. He ate everything on his plate and received a 45-second ovation as he left the hall.

Reach Bob Krauss at 525-8073.