New Children’s Church History Book ‘Faith, Hope and Miracles’ Launched in American Samoa

“Faatuatua, Faamoemoe ma Vavega,” or “Faith, Hope and Miracles” was launched in a special event held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ meetinghouse on the island of Aunu’u, American Samoa on Saturday, 10 June 2023.

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Elder K. Brett Nattress, General Authority Seventy and Pacific Area President of the Church, presided at the meeting.

Elder Nattress was accompanied by his wife, Shawna Nattress; Elder Faapito Auapaau, Area Seventy; and President M. Fred Purcell and Sister Kylene Purcell of the Church’s Samoa Apia Mission.

Written especially for children, “Faatuatua, Faamoemoe ma Vavega,” or “Faith, Hope and Miracles” is a book that recounts true stories from Samoan Church history.

The book is produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific Area. The text is in both the Samoan and English languages.

The book includes a message from the Pacific Area Presidency:

In 1863, the first missionaries came to the islands of Samoa. Since then, the membership and the influence of the Church has continued to grow.

American Samoa has seen many miracles occur in the lives of the members here, especially as they have demonstrated faith in following the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is important that stories of these devoted Saints are shared with the generation that needs them most ¾ our young children.

Simple faith promoting stories of real people that children can understand and relate to are key to helping them develop their testimony of Jesus Christ and a sense of belonging as members of the Church.

We love you,

Pacific Area Presidency

Elder K. Brett Nattress (President)

Elder Peter F. Meurs

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo:

Also attending the event were Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch, Church History Manager for the Pacific Area; Elder O. Vincent Haleck, Emeritus General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Sister Peggy Haleck.

A child, Lewis Elisara Lotoā, read aloud from the book the story of the miracle of the sand, which took place in Aunu’u in 1986.

Aunu’u is situated southeast of Tutuila, the territory’s main island. It has a population of approximately 400 people.