For Phillip Sarau, being baptised and becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a family affair.
He and his wife, Maina Sarau, and their four children come from the village of Eton. They were baptised on 23 July in Port Vila. Before joining the Church he was a minister in another denomination.
The family members were joined by 11 other individuals who also became Latter-day Saints in Port Vila on the same day.
Sharing his feelings at the baptismal service, Mr Sarau expressed gratitude to the young Latter-day Saint missionaries who taught him and his family about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, including the nature of eternal families.
He said the truths taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints answered questions he and his family have had for a long time.
“I’m grateful for all I have come to know,” he said. “It’s my personal goal to share these eternal truths with my brothers and sisters in Eton.”
Local Latter-day Saint leader, Thidjine E. Kalpoi, presided at the baptismal service.
“I have witnessed many baptisms and it is an indication of the efforts [sharing the gospel] by missionaries and members alike in our wards and branches,” he said.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vanuatu is growing significantly each month. The total Church membership is approaching 8,000.
Many members attended the baptismal service to welcome the Sarau Family and the other newly baptised members into the Church.
Director of public affairs for the Church in Vanuatu, James Tounguen, said that Latter-day Saints strive to “support and fellowship our new converts so they can stand up strong.”
Missionaries in Vanuatu and in many other countries around the world are available to teach anyone who has interest in the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitors are always welcome at the Church’s Sunday worship services and other activities, according to Tounguen.
“The gospel of Jesus Christ will strengthen your family, bring peace to your heart, and improve your life more than anything else,” he said.
Link to Mormon.org for basic beliefs of the Church.