Linda Moran grew up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Papua New Guinea.
Abandoned at birth, Linda was adopted as an infant in 1965 by Robert and Iris Tebble, who were early members of the Church in Port Moresby.
Iris and Robert Tebble with adopted daughter, Linda Tebble Moran, PNG, 1965 at Ninoa Place, Boroko, Port Moresby
Iris and Robert Tebble with adopted daughter, Linda, at Ninoa Place, Boroko in 1965© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Robert Tebble served as the branch president (local leader) of the Church in Port Moresby for over 15 years, until 1976.
“We had Sacrament, Sunday School, and Relief Society meetings in our home, and hosted visiting Church leaders and mission presidents,” Linda said. "It was wonderful to have visitors attend meetings in our home in Boroko."
She shared how missionaries would often visit their home, and assist with sharing the gospel, adding, "For many years, we welcomed the community to learn about the gospel in our home.”
Linda recalled hearing the Church has had members in Port Moresby since 1959, although records of the history of the Papua New Guinea Branch are scarse.
Moasope McCarthy, president of the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Stake, said, "As a leader in the Church it is wonderful to learn about the stories of faith that set the foundations for the Church and the resultant blessings we now enjoy, such as the announcement of and preparations for the temple. It also reminds us how our efforts today will lay foundations for generations of blessings to come."