President Johnson Concludes Pacific Ministry in New Zealand

“The Lord is aware of His children on the isles of the sea,” said Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who ministered in four countries in the South Pacific in September 2025. The leader of the faith’s global organization for women visited Australia, Vanuatu, Samoa and New Zealand. She was accompanied by her husband, Douglas, and members of the Pacific Area Presidency and their wives.

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President Johnson concluded her 10-day visit in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

She started her ministry in Sydney, Australia, where she was joined by Sister Tamara W. Runia of the Young Women General Presidency for meetings with Latter-day Saints.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be with the sisters who are leading here in Australia, Vanuatu, Samoa and New Zealand,” said President Johnson, who leads the more than 8 million women of the Church.

Newsroom President Johnson and Sister Runia Visit the Saints in Australia

“They lift and strengthen me because they are focused on addressing the needs of their sisters and brothers in the way the Savior would. I was happy to tell them in person how much I appreciate their efforts and how very much I love them.”

Humanitarian Efforts in Vanuatu

President Johnson traveled to Port Vila, Vanuatu, during her ministry in the South Pacific to meet mothers participating in the Church’s child nutrition program, which is part of a Relief Society-led global initiative to improve the well-being of women and children.

“We were in a dense jungle, and it was beautiful and lush. And while it looked idyllic to me, I know that their lives aren’t easy,” she said.

“Each of the children we saw that day had noted improvement in their weight and height,” President Johnson said. “I was happy that we could be there to give those mothers encouragement and additional information and resources to help them as they care for their precious children.”

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President Johnson also met with the Vanuatu Society for People with Disability.

“These people who benefited from the Church’s contribution of wheelchairs and other adaptive devices were joyful,” she said. “They expressed their appreciation for the help the Church had provided, which gave them the opportunity to be mobile and participate in activities that were otherwise challenging for them.”

Latter-day Saints in Port Vila await the completion of a new temple under construction.

Church School, Government Visits in Samoa

“My heart is overflowing with joy and love for the good people of Samoa,” said President Johnson. Her journey included devotionals with women, young adults, missionaries, and visits to two Church schools and a government visit in the island nation of Samoa.

Johnson met with the Chief Executive Officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development, Loau Donina Tili Vaa, in Apia, Samoa, on Thursday, September 18.

President Johnson and Loau Donina Tili Vaa discussed ways to collaborate on strengthening families, improving child nutrition and supporting communities in Samoa.

“We shared common objectives. I told her about the Church’s global initiative to improve the well-being of women and children, and the four pillars that we focus on: maternal care, child nutrition, literacy and immunizations,” said the Relief Society leader. “She shares the same focus. She’s working village by village to empower people, women and families, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable in Samoa.”

This was the Johnsons’ second visit to Samoa. Their son, Austin, served as a missionary in the country from 2009 to 2011, and they were able to travel there to pick him up at the end of his service.

“My heart has been in Samoa since 2009, and it was a touching opportunity for us to return and express gratitude to the dear Saints, whom I love so very much,” said President Johnson. “These are people who I have prayed for by name. Their warmth and love have blessed my family."

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The Johnsons also traveled to Savai’i, Samoa’s largest island, by ferry for a devotional for Relief Society sisters.

“Being with the sisters, it was good for my soul,” President Johnson said.

Savai’i is preparing for a new temple, announced in October 2023 by President Russell M. Nelson.

“The beauties of nature in Samoa are rivaled only by the beauty of these covenant-keeping, Saints,” President Johnson shared.

“At every meeting we held, the buildings were filled to capacity. And when I looked out into … the grassy areas outside the chapel, there were people in chairs out there … listening through the open windows.”

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Spring in the Pacific

“It’s spring here in the Pacific,” said President Johnson during her last stop in Christchurch, New Zealand, known as the Garden City. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, in the heart of the city, are in full bloom with colorful blossoms and daffodils.

The Johnsons attended Sunday morning worship services and met with missionaries, Relief Society sisters, youth and young adults during their visit.

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“We had a beautiful day of meetings here in Christchurch, New Zealand. These Saints are faithful,” remarked President Johnson. “I felt the love of my Savior through the joyful Saints here in the Pacific. My cup was filled. I hope they felt the love of Jesus Christ, too.”

“These disciples of Jesus Christ are ready and are preparing themselves for the blessings of entering the house of the Lord. It is a time of renewal here in the Pacific. It was a glorious privilege to be with these wonderful people who are committed to making Jesus Christ the focus of their lives,” she concluded.