Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Caledonia recently had opportunity to offer something for everyone during a day-long open house at their local church building in Noumea.
A wide variety of activities and workshops were enjoyed by visitors. Sonia Hotere, National Director of Public Affairs for the Church in New Caledonia said, “The day was filled with many workshops that proved to be lively and interestingly different than what would be expected at a traditional open house.”
The five workshops included a hands-on family history presentation equipped with three computers used in hands-on training for people interested in finding information about their ancestors.
A humanitarian aid workshop used short videos and posters to depict the Church’s involvement in worldwide relief efforts as well as local community service projects provided by “Mormon Helping Hands” volunteers. In addition, a service project component was included with a goal to collect hygiene kits and seed packets for families in Vanuatu who lost their homes and gardens during the recent cyclone.
“Many people came and stayed the day,” said Sonia. “Many of them came to check it out and were surprisingly happy with the overall atmosphere.”
“A children’s jumping castle was made available all day,” she continued. “The parents loved that idea as their children had somewhere to play while they enjoyed the workshops and special guest entertainers.”
Additional workshops included: “Who are the Missionaries?” – An introduction to the Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in New Caledonia from countries around the world and a photo display of New Caledonian young men and women serving as missionaries in other countries throughout the world; “How to Find Accurate Information about the Church” – A video presentation on how to use applications the Church has made available to the world through Internet and social media; “I’m a Mormon” – A poster display depicting Latter-day Saint members from many different ethnicities, social backgrounds and professions—including ways to serve in the Church.
Throughout the day there were additional activities and performances by Church members including: an accomplished pianist; an award-winning poet; a well-known New Caledonian carver; a cultural dance group; a notable children’s book author; a free car wash; and a screening of the feature-length movie “Meet the Mormons.”
Sonia explained that all presenters and performer are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and “were happy to share their talents and professions. The visitors got to know them and were amazed at what the presenters have been able to accomplish.”
She added, “It was our local ‘Meet the Mormons’ live!”