Fourteen Young People from Same Remote Congregation All Decide to Serve as Missionaries

A group of fourteen young adults from the remote village of Kuriva in Papua New Guinea are part of the all-time high 88,500+ missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide. They have been assigned to serve in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Philippines, Tonga, New Zealand and Ghana. Missionaries volunteer for 18 to 24 months and are assigned to labour in one of over 500 missions globally.

Approximately 285 members of the Kuriva Branch (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are helping a generation of young men and women prepare to serve our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Local church leader, John Morola, stated, “I thank the faithful parents for allowing their sons and daughters to choose to labour in the vineyard of God.” 

Kuriva young adults also encourage each other. “I’m the first in my family to serve a mission,” shared Elder Kimson Kim serving in the Papua New Guinea Lae Mission. “Now I want all the others to be like us and serve the Lord first.” 

Church members readily lend support to one another. “We are not only helping our own children, we help everyone,” explained Imelda Oroa, mother of two current missionaries. 

The members of the Relief Society group of Kuriva Branch, a Church organisation for women, unanimously agreed.  “Yes! We help everyone!” 

Widows raising children alone or children orphaned at a young age are especially remembered. These families know they can depend on members of their extended family and church members for support, if needed.

The support needed comes in various forms. The marketing of garden produce is one way to financially help with school or mission expenses. “When they are short kina (PNG currency) for their needs, we help,”  explained Imelda.

Another way they help is by simply following up. “We ask our young adults, ‘What’s the next thing? How can we help?’” said Imelda, who has a daughter serving a mission in Suva, Fiji, a son serving in Lae, Papua New Guinea and a daughter preparing to serve a mission. “This keeps them from giving up when challenges come along,” noted Imelda.

This support system, advocated by members of the Kuriva Branch, motivates and inspires their young adults as they prepare to invite and help others learn more of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.