For hundreds of French Polynesian teenagers, learning about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and prophets of God is a way to build a solid foundation for the rest of their lives.
These French Polynesian youth — all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — attend a regular scripture study class, called 'Seminary.'
Yesta Huea is a teacher of one of these seminary classes. She says that her students "foresee a bright future before them because they know where they are going and how they will get there. They are preparing to become leaders by the choices they are making now and the goals they are setting."
One Tahitian seminary student, Kane Tuhoe-Touatini, explains his approach to life. "I try to pay close attention to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit," he says. "This strengthens my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in God the Father."
"To be a young man or young woman, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not easy," says Yesta Huea. "They are exposed to all of the ills of the world. Young people must learn to live surrounded by everything that would make them fall if they don't hold fast to the scriptures and to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If they follow the teachings of the prophets and their loving leaders, they will live more peacefully."
According to this dedicated volunteer teacher, her students are doing just that. "They are confident that by living gospel standards and choosing worthy activities and goals, they will grow closer to their Saviour," she says. "And this is bringing them great happiness."
Addressing the connection between individual choice and happiness, Latter-day Saint Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland wrote: "Our happiness will come in living our lives the right way for the right reasons – reasons that are eternal, reasons that matter in this life and in the next."
The Latter-day Saint seminary program is marking its 100 year anniversary this year.