News Story

COVID-19 Sunday Worship for a Family in Brisbane

As many places across the South Pacific region are in “lockdown” due to COVID-19, local worship services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being held virtually.

Tai Makai recently shared in photos how her family worships on Sundays in Ipswich, Australia.

Her Church congregation holds their weekly worship service, called sacrament meeting, online first, then offers break outs for different classes.

The Makai family gathers in the lounge to worship, then everyone finds a quiet space for the several breakouts.

Tai is a children’s Primary leader and teaches a class that her son, Jeremiah, and grandchildren, Heavenly, Levi, attend from the lounge.

Her married daughter, Tiana, watches Primary and views the link study later of the women’s Relief Society, an organisation supporting faith, family and serving others.

Her sons, Javarn and Johnny-Mack join virtually in classes for Young Men. Javarn connects in the dining room and Johnny-Mack is online in the retreat room.  They discuss and plan ways to live and share the gospel, serve others and fortify families.

Tai's husband, Jason, is a FIFO (fly in fly out) worker in a remote part of Queensland, where internet reception is scarce. Tai says, “At times when my husband can get good internet reception, he watches us via video link during our Family Home Evening lesson, offering prayers and always leading our family council.”

Reflecting on her feelings about worshipping at home during COVID, Tai said, “I make sure the breakout rooms and technology is there for our family to use, no one is forced to go online, but how can we not use this great opportunity? We have amazing leaders in our ward. My children love going to classes and enjoy seeing everyone in sacrament [meeting]. That honestly makes my job easier.”

Tai continued, “Technology has played a major role in keeping us strong as a family. I can't tell you how blessed and grateful we are to have Come, Follow Me home-based studies, and being prepared before Covid hit us. Opportunities to learn and practice at home are times we can draw closer to our Saviour.

“Although I was not raised a member of the Church, I did go to church with my parents. I always remember my dad saying to our family, ‘If you put the Lord first, everything will fall into place."’

Tai realises her situation is not unique in the Church, and, living in faith, she says she simply “adjusts to whatever changes need to be done… We have been abundantly blessed through our stormy days.”

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.