Church Honours Individuals and Groups for Outstanding Community Service

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for special devotional meetings in Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific on Sunday night (30 October) to recognise the service being given by individuals and groups in communities across the region.

The previous day, Saturday 29 October, Latter-day Saints joined with many others in community service activities that included helping refugees, painting schools, weeding community gardens, cleaning beaches and parks, and donating blood.

Some of the recipients of Latter-day Saint community service awards on Sunday evening were individuals, such as the first president of the Republic of Vanuatu, Ati George Sokomanu.

Other recipients were leaders of other churches, charities and community groups, who accepted awards on behalf of their organisations.

At one devotional, a video interview was shown featuring Garrett and Jessica Gee, also known as "The Bucket List Family." The couple spoke about ways they are focusing on serving others, as a family.