Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and Sister Tamara W. Runia of the Young Women General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched ministries to the South Pacific in early September, beginning in Sydney. The leaders are traveling with their husbands to four countries in the Church’s Pacific Area.
“We’re engaged in the Lord’s work, and it’s a glorious time and a glorious season to be members of the Relief Society,” said President Johnson, who oversees the more than 8 million women of the Church.
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The General Officers met with missionaries soon after they arrived in Sydney, the country’s largest city, on Friday, September 12, 2025. It was a homecoming for the Runias, who served as mission leaders in Sydney four years ago.
“I grew up in California. I live in Provo, Utah, but this feels like my home,” said Sister Runia.
The sisters shared messages of faith and hope during a series of special meetings with Latter-day Saint adults and youth during their visit to Australia.
This is the first time President Johnson has traveled to Australia.
“I was looking forward to seeing the iconic Opera House, the harbor and the bridge. It’s even more grand than I expected,” she said.
“I think that’s the case with respect to the temple,” President Johnson explained. “Our temple buildings are iconic, but it’s so much grander when we’re there.”
She encouraged the Saints to spend more time in the house of the Lord. “As President Nelson said, it will change your life.”
The Church has 11 temples in operation, with 11 more houses of the Lord under construction or announced in the South Pacific.
President Johnson and Sister Runia will also travel to several other countries in the Pacific during their ministries, which will include humanitarian outreach meetings. In Vanuatu, President Johnson will meet with recipients of the Church’s global initiative to improve nutrition for women and children in need and visit schools in Samoa. Sister Runia will travel to Tonga after stopping in the cities of Perth, Australia, and Hamilton, New Zealand. President Johnson concludes her journey in New Zealand.