Six couples started their service as leaders in missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the South Pacific this month.
Each couple was called by the highest governing body of the Church, the First Presidency.
There are over 400 Latter-day Saint missions in the world, with around 65,000 missionaries currently serving.
These young and senior volunteers serve from 18 to 24 months for no pay and at their own cost, or supported by family and friends.
They teach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to interested individuals and families, and give regular community service.
The couples called to lead South Pacific missions are:
- J. Kevin and Debbie Ence, Australia Brisbane Mission
- Hakeai V. and Ana Seini Folau Piutau, Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission
- Michael J. and Tamara Houghton, Australia Melbourne Mission
- Boyd S. and Laurie Foster, Marshall Islands/Kiribati Mission
- Jeffrey D. and Tina Erekson, New Zealand Hamilton Mission
- ‘Isileli T. and Milika M. Fatani, Papua New Guinea Lae Mission
Read more about these couples here.
Mission presidents and their companions are called to serve for a period of three years. They receive training and orientation at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, USA.
Read about the mission leadership seminar in Provo, Utah last month.
Mission presidents and companions lead and supervise around 150 to 200 missionaries in a set geographical area.