Bishopric Changes Within the Hurst Texas Stake

The Hurst Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has had some recent leadership changes in two of their congregations on the same day! New men were called from their respective congregations to become the new Bishops for their respective wards. 

In the church, members within a congregation are called or asked to serve in all capacities. Whether it’s in leadership, teaching, or supporting other leaders, serving in the church is strictly by volunteering when there is a need to serve. There is no petitioning for positions. It’s done in the Lord’s way—leadership follows the guidance of the Holy Spirit to select members to serve in various duties. 

Men are called to serve as Bishops (Pastors) from within their own congregation, serving typically for 5 years. He chooses two other men from the same congregation to serve as his counselors to form a Bishopric. The counselors assist the Bishop in administrative duties, but the Bishop has the final decision of authority in the ward. He is the spiritual leader of his congregation. Bishops come from all walks of life and backgrounds with a common characteristic of faith and devotion for the Lord’s work. A stake is a group of wards within a close geographical area led by a Stake President who is the spiritual leader for all the collective wards of that stake.

New Bishopric Called to Serve in the Bedford 1st Ward

Congratulations to the new Bishopric called to serve in the Bedford 1st Ward.

Bishop Randy Sikipio Fonua was selected as the new Bishop of the Bedford 1st Ward on Sunday, February 6th. Other bishopric changes were James Horton as 1st counselor and Sam Walton as 2nd counselor. Brother Marc Bartnick was honorably released as the Bishop and Brother Martin Pulido was released as the 2nd counselor. Brother Horton remained as the 1st counselor.

Left to right: 1st Counselor James Horton, Bishop Randy Sikipio Fonua and 2nd Counselor Sam Walton

Bishop Fonua was born in Alameda, CA. His mission was in 1994-96, as he served in the Arizona Tempe Mission.

He moved to Texas in November 1997. At the Euless 3rd Tongan Ward he met and married his wife, Ineti Alai. They moved into the Euless 1st Ward in 2004. With the boundary changes in March 2019, the family became part of the Bedford 1st Ward.

The Bishop and Ineti Alai are the proud parents of six (6) children:

Blaze Fonua age 22, Zion Fonua 20, Hex Fonua 18, Pippen Fonua 14, Faleaka Fonua 12, Nirvana Fonua 10 and Fine Fonua 5.  Ineti is the new Nursery Leader for the Ward. They reside in Euless, Texas.  

Bishop Fonua states: 

“I’m humbled and honored to serve my ward. I’m excited for the opportunity to learn and grow while serving the members.”

James Horton and his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) are the parents of five (5) children: Isaac, Jana, Emily, Adeline and Gideon. Elizabeth is the primary pianist.

Sam Walton and his wife, Marieta are the parents of three 3 boys: Kenneth, Rokovi and Sam.

The Bedford 1st Ward meets Sunday at 10:30 in the Bransford Building in Colleyville. Visit the link here for more information.

Young Single Adults in the HEB Area Receive New Bishopric

A new bishopric has been called to serve with the Young Single Adults congregation in the Hurst Texas Stake. The new Bishop, David Rex, and his two counselors, Garrett Juergens and Duke Davis, serve under the direction of Stake President Chandler Growald. Bishop Ken Walton and his two counselors, Robert Honstein and Tevita Langi were honorably released.  

Left to right: 1st Counselor Garrett Jurgens, Bishop David Rex and 2nd Counselor Duke Davis

The Young Single Adults congregation (commonly referred to as a ward), is comprised of young adults between the ages of 18-30 living in Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Watauga, Richland Hills and surrounding areas. 

Bishop Rex and his wife, Kathy Rex, moved to North Richland Hills, Texas in 2019 after living in Riverside, California for over 30 years. They have three grown children and three granddaughters. Bishop Rex is an engineer and Kathy Rex is a nurse. They enjoy spending time with their kids, exploring new areas of Texas and swimming in their pool in the summer. 

“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve this rising generation. I have a great love for them. They have such faith,” said Bishop Rex. “The great gathering prophesied by ancient and modern prophets is happening now, and our young single adults are an important part of it.”

The Young Single Adult Ward Bishopric with their families.

The Young Single Adult Ward meets Sunday at noon in the Bransford Building in Colleyville. Visit the link here for more information.

Article by Shane Keil, Debby Adair and Jesica Eastman