Mormon Missionaries, known for their clean lives and look – short haircuts, white shirts, ties and slacks – got down and dirty last week at a community clean-up of Porirua Harbour.
The missionaries and other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, working alongside Porirua Mayor Mike Tana, joined over 60 other volunteers.
“Harbour clean-up projects are held regularly and it is always astounding what is found,” said Tania Torea who volunteered along with her husband Daniel Torea.
This time, at low tide, volunteers who pulled on their wellies and trudged into the exposed mudflats collected 65 car tyres, 37 cones, bags and bags of miscellaneous rubbish, 4 chairs and 2 trollies. A bowling ball was perhaps the most unique find dug from the mud.
Sharli Jo Solomon, member of the Takapuwahia Village Planning Committee, organised the event with the support of Porirua City Council.
“It was great to have the missionaries participate,” she said. "If it wasn't for them we wouldn't have been able to dig up the large items and get them to the shore."
"It’s hard physical work and they did it with a smile,” added Torea.
The young missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints volunteer for 18 to 24 months at their own expense to share the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and deed. Part of their weekly schedule includes service to the community or individuals in need. While many people are familiar with young male missionaries, many young women also serve missions.
