New leaders were announced for the Tarawa Kiribati East Stake and Tarawa Kiribati West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at two separate conferences convened on Sunday, 28 August 2016.
Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Pacific Area Presidency presided at both conferences assisted by Elder Adolf J. Johansson of the Seventy.
Caption: Elder Craig A. Cardon (right) and Elder Adolf J. Johansson (left) greet members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kiribati on 28 August 2016.
The conferences were attended by members of the Church and special guests interested in the Church.
Elder Cardon stated: "Just as the scriptures say that Aaron was called of God (Hebrews 5:4), so were these new stake leaders called of God, through inspiration and the influence of the Holy Spirit."
A stake is a group of Latter-day Saint congregations comprised several thousand members in a geographical area, similar to a diocese in some other churches.
Banririe B. Nenebwati was called as president of the Tarawa Kiribati East Stake and Penisula Mwemwenikeaki was called as president of the Tarawa Kiribati West Stake.
- President Penisula T. Mwemwenikeaki President of the Tarawa Kiribati West Stake.
- President Banririe B. Nenebwati, Tarawa Kiribati East Stake.
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Each leader will be supported by two counsellors who, like the new presidents, are also local Latter-day Saints who voluntarliy contribute their time to lead and support the people in their respective stakes.
The Tarawa Kiribati East Stake Presidency counsellors are Lefu V. Kelese and Euta Kautoa. Counsellors in the Tarawa Kiribati West Stake are Salona I. Resture and Booata Tekaai Kaewaka.
Latter-day Saint stake presidents and their counsellors are lay ministers who also have full-time jobs and family responsibilities.
In addition to their full-time employment by which they sustain their families, with the loving support of their wives and families they also devote many hours each week teaching other local leaders and members the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Their service includes counselling with individuals, couples and families to offer love and support according to personal needs and circumstances.
Read more about the roles and ministeries of Latter-day Saint stake presidents and bishops.