A group of men trekked almost 100 kilometres over three days through rugged and mountainous terrain to attend a groundbreaking service for a temple which is about to be constructed.
DOWNLOADThe group of 17 comprised young adults and leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Popondetta region.
The temple groundbreaking event took place on 22 April.
The single-file, challenging Kokoda Track runs through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.
It was the location of 1942 WWII battles between Japanese and Australian forces in what was then Australian territory.
The track runs across the highlands and normally takes between five and twelve days, but these men took three days, walking day and night.
The Kokoda Track is known for heavy mud due to high levels of rainfall, long steep sections, and frequent river crossings.
Hansel Kunda, a lay leader from Popondetta, said, “After walking the Kokoda Trail for the Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony, I’m happy to be here. We endured hardships and trials to the faith. At last, I made it.”
DOWNLOADMembers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Papua New Guinea look forward to the completion of construction of the Port Moresby Temple.
There are 315 temples in operation, under construction, or announced around the world.
Temples are considered “Houses of the Lord,” where worshippers draw closer to God through participation in ordinances (or sacraments) based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Family relationships are strengthened in temples, for this life and the next.
When temples are completed they are open to the public for walking tours of the interior, after which they are dedicated to the Lord for worship purposes.