We have been overwhelmed with number of groups coming from the South Pacific island nations to our Temple. This week we have 26 from Karibati and 24 from the island of Tanna in Vanuatu (Whitegrass Branch). I have received many papers from families and wards planning to come. Several of these have been or will be the first members from their islands to receive the Temple ordinances. They are symbolic of the Church growth in this region, as pioneers they sometimes arrive without some paperwork needed, but we usually find a way to get everything accomplished while they are here.
Right now from Tanna we have a sister with her son's family, she is 97 years old. Flying to Suva, or taking ships and ferries as will happen from Rotuma and Rabi island, is almost too much to take in for them. They arrive somewhat bewildered, picture the tired and huddled masses, yearning to be endowed with power from on high.
One of the White Grass Branch sisters had an experience that typifies the manner in which government power can be distorted in any country on earth. That power corrupts and dehumanizes becomes obvious. This sister, never having been off her own island, and away from her own village, flew for a one night layover in Port Vila on Vanuatu. The family shared some apples and she put one leftover apple in her bag. When she arrived in Fiji, with no ability to speak Fijian and little English, she failed to declare her apple, this resulted in a $400 fjd fine, and left her devastated thinking she would never be able to afford to pay the fine and return home again.
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The Bakatus, sealed with their children, also from Kiribati.
Mahonri Moriancumr is their sleeping two-year old |
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The Karowas, a returned missionary couple,
who came to be sealed from Karibati. |
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A Temple sealer, Brother Vakarewakobau and our
Temple Recorder, Bro Sakiusa Maiwiriwiri outside the Temple.
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Apenisa Seru baptized his father, Bro. Tuavali
at our Wailoku ward fount last weekend. |
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