Latter-day Saint Leader Meets Marshall Islands President

Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with Mr Christopher J. Loeak, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands recently.

Elder Pearson visited the Marshall Islands from the 15 to 21 June 2013. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister June Pearson on the trip. 

Elder and Sister Pearson, and local Latter-day Saint leaders, joined President Loeak and his wife, First Lady Anono Lieom Loeak for lunch.

President Loeak told the visitors that he studied at Brigham Young University-Hawaii earlier in his life, giving him the opportunity to meet many Latter-day Saints.  Brigham Young University-Hawaii is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He also shared that some members of his extended family are members of the Church.

The government and church leaders discussed areas of joint concern regarding the welfare of the people of the Marshall Islands.

During Elder Pearson’s time in the Marshall Islands, he was impressed with the strength and faithfulness of the members of the Church.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is blessing families and individuals throughout the Marshall Islands," he said. "Everywhere we went we found beautiful children, young men and young women with the light of the gospel in their eyes. These young people are the future of this island nation."

"Learning and living the principles of the gospel is strengthening their testimonies and helping them develop personal faith in the Savior, and confidence in themselves. The future is very bright for the Church in the Marshall Islands."

Over 6,000 Marshallese are Latter-day Saints or about 8% of the general population.