Napoleon and Elva Jean, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from Faa'a, Tahiti, are the first couple to begin missionary service in French Polynesia since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.
They began their volunteer service on Monday 3 August 2020, and say they are eager to serve in their homeland.
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In the midst of uncertainty, Elva Jean is staying positive: “Even with the pandemic, we felt the need to go and serve the Lord.”
In March, most of the full-time missionaries in French Polynesia returned home because of COVID-19. The number of missionaries in French Polynesia has been steadily climbing since then, with 50 now serving. The Jeans are happy to be in that group.
After volunteering to serve a mission twice in the past, they are looking to the future with inspiration and determination.
“We are going on a mission again because we are so grateful for the blessings we have received in our life,” Napoleon said.
“Serving a mission is very special. We really feel the presence of our Heavenly Father. Our first two missions really brought us closer to our Heavenly Father. Through prayer and fasting, we were able to solve many problems during our two missions and our families were blessed as well.”
Elva added, “I know that in serving a mission, there are blessings raining down on our family, our children, our grandchildren, and on our friends. Thanks to this, most of our family have become members of the Church.”
Elva has a message for their peers: “Dear couples, we need you, we invite you to go on a mission. I know there will be a shower of blessings on you, your families and children.”
Napoleon Jean encourages future couples to stay confident: “I know you have various issues that deter you from going on a mission. I promise you, I testify to you, that by serving in the Lord's vineyard, your problems will be solved. Let's do our part and He will do His part.”
President Frederic Riemer of the Tahiti Papeete Mission said, “I hope more senior couples will volunteer to serve in French Polynesia. There is an outright need for seasoned leaders here.”
Stake President Harold Teivao, grateful for the Jeans’ decision, concluded: “My invitation for senior couples is to come and serve the Lord and represent Him in his vineyard.”