Self-Reliance is based on the basic principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Bishop Gérald Caussé told news media, members and friends of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during his recent visit to the Fariipiti Self-Reliance Centre in French Polynesia.
“We believe there is a direct, interconnected link between our spiritual lives and our material lives, and this is centred in the life of the family,” Bishop Caussé said. “Our Church is a practical religion. When we have our needs met we can then help meet the needs of others.”
Bishop Caussé, who is the presiding bishop of the Church and a native of France, spoke during a press conference Saturday, February 25, in the territory capital of Papeete.
Bishop Caussé was joined during the event by three local Tahitian members who had completed at least one of the self-reliance group programs. The participants, Faimano Pambrun, Samuel Flores, and Robert Maraetefau, each shared how the self-reliance groups had changed their lives.
Robert explained that he had dropped out of school at 13 and later in life struggled to provide adequately for his family. Now in his 50s, he participated last year in a self-reliance group that focuses on helping students learn to start and operate their own small business. He now operates a successful and profitable gardening service with a growing number of clients.
“I was scared because my education level was not high,” he said. “But I prayed to my Heavenly Father to help me. It [the self-reliance program] has raised the level of my family’s spirituality and has helped us temporally.”
“I have never received a diploma. But now I have the diploma of our Heavenly Father,” he added.
Following the press event, Bishop Caussé visited with a self-reliance class, where he told the students that “all mothers and fathers should follow this program.”
He also visited a Tahitian language class and met with the staff at the Fariipiti Self-Reliance and Family History centres.
“The Church is very mature here,” Bishop Caussé said. “Even if some of these programs are relatively new to Tahiti, they function very well here. The Church is grateful for your work.”
Faimano Pambrun, who has participated in the self-reliance groups and is now enrolled in the Pathway Worldwide program said she is pleased to be setting a positive example for her children to follow.
“The self-reliance program makes us better servants of the Lord. With the Saviour’s help, we can do this,” she said.
Samuel Flores, another self-reliance graduate, now operates an ice cream shop near the beach just outside of Papeete.
“I set a goal to ask the Lord to help me determine what type of business would be best for me,” he said. “I know that the Saviour inspires how to best use our talents.”
Last year 61 self-reliance groups met weekly through the territory of French Polynesia. The manuals, prepared by the Church, help participants determine the best course of action by drawing upon basic Gospel principles.
The groups provide a sounding board for participants seeking encouragement and advice. The groups focus on exploring educational opportunities, job search strategies, and developing ideas and plans to start a small business.
