Elder Kevin W. Pearson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Pacific Area and Area Seventy, Elder Johnny L. Leota, met with the Samoa Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and the Honourable Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi this week in Apia.
On Monday 15 June the Church leaders discussed with the Head of State contributions being made by Samoan Latter-day Saints in the areas of humanitarian, welfare and community service.
- Samoa Head of State Elder Pearson Elder Leota 15 June 2015 Apia Brighter Version
- Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi 15 June 2015
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They also discussed other matters including the role of faith and religious freedom in society; strengthening families; and helping children and youth become educated and strong citizens.
His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi has been Head of State since 2007. His distinguished career of public service includes two terms as Prime Minister, from 1976 to 1982.
His Highness and his wife, Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese, visited Utah, United States in 2011. During their visit they toured the Latter-day Saints’ Humanitarian Center and Welfare Square. Read a media report of their 2011 visit to Salt Lake City.
Elder Pearson and Elder Leota also met on Monday with the Honourable Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi. The Latter-day Saint leaders provided the Prime Minister with an update on the Church in Samoa and worldwide.
Prime Minister Malielegaoi has also visited the Church's headquarters in Salt Lake City.
After their meetings Elder Pearson said: “His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese, and the Honourable Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi certainly love the nation and people of Samoa. We are very grateful for their service and leadership.”
“Our desire is to continue to work with these and other government, faith and community leaders in Samoa to bless the lives of children, youth, young adults, singles, families, the elderly, and the poor and needy.”
“As followers of Christ,” he said, “we feel a deep responsibility to do all we can, with others, to alleviate suffering, to help people become educated, gainfully employed and to raise strong, faithful, prosperous families.”