On Sunday October 7th, 2018 President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave an address during the faith's semi-annual general conference titled, “The Correct Name of the Church.”
In that address, President Nelson said, “If someone should ask, 'Are you a Mormon?' you could reply, 'If you are asking if I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, yes, I am!”'
Listening to that talk, far across the sea in Tahiti, was 10-year-old Iriura Jean. She heard President Nelson’s words and resolved to follow the counsel of the leader of her faith. She decided then and there to use the correct name of the Church at all times.
A few days later, Iriura’s resolve was tested. In her school class they discussed their weekend activities and Iriura talked about activities at her church.
Her teacher, Vaite Pifao, said, “Oh, so you are a Mormon?”
Iriura stated boldly, “No teacher, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”
Her teacher replied “Yes, so you are a Mormon.”
Iriura insisted, “No teacher, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!”
Ms. Pifao was amazed at Iriura’s conviction and wondered why she was so insistent on using this long name of her church.
"I could have been annoyed, but I wasn't because I knew that she was a very intelligent girl," said Ms. Pifao.
"So if she was insisting on the fact that it was not 'Mormon,' but 'member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,' that very long name, it was for a good reason and from that time I really wanted to know why."
Ms. Pifao said she thought about this interaction for many days.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The friend was impressed with Iriura’s declaration, telling Ms. Pifao that it had only recently been emphasized about the usage of the name of the Church.
The conversation and the feelings Ms. Pifao experienced stayed with her for some time.
Later, Ms. Pifao and her daughter were invited to a Latter-day Saint youth activity and eventually to worship services.
These invitations felt like invitations from God to Ms. Pifao. She soon met with missionaries to learn more.
Vaite Pifao was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 1st, 2019.
Just three months after her baptism Ms. Pifao was asked to assist during a reception for President Russell M. Nelson with local dignitaries, when he visited Tahiti earlier this year.
She says she is grateful that Iriura heeded the counsel of President Nelson, leading her to want to learn more about the Church and ultimately deciding to become a member.