Auckland couple Adolf and Martha Johansson say they are thrilled to be moving with their family of six to Suva, Fiji later this month, as Mr Johansson takes up two new positions with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mr Johansson will be the Church’s new Service Centre Manager for Fiji from 13 June. In this role he will oversee the Church’s construction, humanitarian and other temporal affairs programs in that country.
In addition to his full-time employment as the Church’s Fiji Service Centre Manager, Mr Johansson has also recently been called as an Area Seventy in the Church.
Area Seventies are senior leaders in the Church and are referred to as “Elder.” They receive assignments from the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to visit with various congregations as they hold semi-annual conferences.
Elder Johansson will also receive assignments from the Church’s Pacific Area Presidency ― based in Auckland ― to support the mission of the Church throughout the South Pacific. The Pacific Area Presidency leads the Church in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Area Seventies give of their time freely ― in the evening and on week-ends ― to visit with Latter-day Saint congregations; teaching and supporting local members and leaders. They also meet with leaders of governments, other churches and community groups ― to identify ways to work together to strengthen individuals, families and nations.
Elder Johansson will assist Church leaders in Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands in his ecclesiastical position.
“I look forward to serving alongside local Church leaders in bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who would hear His message. I look forward to being with the Latter-day Saints and doing all we can to help them in their efforts to live the gospel.”
He says he is most looking forward to the opportunities he will have “to bear witness of the Lord Jesus Christ to all people.”
“My Family are so excited to be given the opportunity to serve with the people of Fiji,” Elder Johansson says. “We love the people and look forward to being in their service.”