Participants-at-a-cultural-celebration-in-French-Polynesia.-27-April-2024.
Participants at a cultural celebration in French Polynesia on April 27, 2024, part of the 180th anniversary events commemorating the arrival of missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Addison Pratt arrived in French Polynesia, April 30, 1844.2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Church members in the Pacific Area not only celebrate the arrival of the first pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 but they also have a rich heritage across the region.
Addison Pratt caught his first glimpse of the island of Tubuai, French Polynesia, on April 30, 1844. Pratt was the first missionary during the Restoration to preach the gospel in a language other than English.
In April, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled the 4,500 miles from Salt Lake City to participate in local events commemorating the 180th anniversary of that historic day.
Elder-Ulisses-Soares-speaks-to-members-and-friends-of-the-Church-on-the-island-of-Tubuia,-French-Polynesia.-24-April-2024.
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks to members and friends of the Church on the island of Tubuia, French Polynesia, on April 24, 2024.© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In reflecting on his visit, Elder Soares told the Church’s Pacific Newsroom, “The Lord loves the people of French Polynesia and the South Pacific. He sent His missionaries to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and brought His blessings to this region. We should share that love, joy and blessings with everyone.”
Visitors to the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand are able to view exhibits, watch videos and learn how the pioneer Latter-day Saints of the South Pacific lived their lives, strengthened their faith in Jesus Christ, and served others.
Over the last two years, Church History books for children have been published in several languages including English, French, Tahitian and Samoan. These books tell some of the stories of the early missionaries and members of the Church in the South Pacific.
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A young girl from Aunu'u Island in American Samoa reads her new children's Church history book titled "Faith, Hope, and Miracles." 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Watch the following videos to learn more about Pacific pioneers: