Visiting LDS leaders meet Vanuatu journalists

Leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with news media professionals in Port Vila during their visit to the country.

Elder Ian S. Ardern of the Seventy and First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency was joined by Elder Adolf Johansson, Area Seventy; Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President; and Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President.

Also in attendance was Yvon Basil, president of the Port Vila Vanuatu Stake of the Church, as well as Derek Cordon and Robert Jones, who are travelling with their wives.

The meeting was arranged to give local news media the chance to learn about the work of the Church in Vanuatu, and worldwide, to alleviate suffering, increase personal and family self-reliance, and strengthen individuals, families and communities through living, learning and teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Elder Ardern introduced Sister Jones and Sister Cordon, explaining that they lead approximately 1.2 million children and 600,000 young women, respectively, around the world.

He also described the roles of President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other worldwide and local Church leaders.

While replying to a question about what members of the Church do for the people of Vanuatu, Sister Cordon stated: "It is critical that young people have a voice."

She said the general auxiliary leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have "full confidence in our young people." 

“Our young women can look outward,” she added, “and try to bless the lives of those around them. Their works have a ripple effect throughout the communities in which they live."

Sister Jones said that “young Latter-day Saints also bring courage, hope and love to people as they live more as the Lord lives.”

Elder Adolf Johansson provided several examples of how the Church has helped the people of Vanuatu in recent years. He gave details of the Church’s efforts to help the island nation recover after cyclones. He spoke of the Church's current efforts to reduce the incidence and impact of diabetes, as well as self-reliance, education and community development initiatives.

 

Photo supplied Caption: LDS leaders during a press conference

 

 

     

Author: 
Tensly Sumbe