Graduating high school students in Samoa received words of guidance and counsel from Elder Peter F. Meurs, General Authority Seventy and Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at ceremonies held at Vaiola and Pesega High Schools recently.
Elder Meurs at Pasega Samoa Graduation 1
A young man receives congratulations from Elder Peter F. Meurs, General Authority Seventy and President of the Church's Pacific Area, during graduation ceremonies at Church College Pesega in Apia, Samoa.© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Meurs encouraged the graduates to, “never forget the experiences you have had here. The friendships that you have developed and the foundation of faith that you have received.”
He reminded them of the privilege it is to study at a school that has been dedicated by and is guided by Prophets of God and Apostles of Jesus Christ.
He also spoke to the graduates about the importance of applying gospel principles in careers and the need for additional education.
He invited the graduates to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover; enroll in Institute (a religion class for young adults); receive temple ordinances; and serve as missionaries.
Elder Meurs spoke of his own experience developing faith in Jesus Christ. He recounted his experience of serving a mission, getting married, and completing a university degree as a husband and father of two children.
He said, “I had to have faith in the Lord not knowing what the future would bring.”
He emphasized to the students the teachings of Church President Russell M. Nelson regarding their own identity. Elder Meurs quoted President Nelson, who has said to young members of the Church, “You are a child of God; you are a child of the covenant; and you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
