The youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in French Polynesia decided that this Christmas they would do service to help others in need.
They felt inspired by the invitation of Church President Russell M. Nelson: “We invite everyone to seek and communicate the true Christmas spirit, listening to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace and the Light of the World."
- -Tina-Tehaamoana-and-the-young-women-from-the-Vaitape-ward-work-on-a-service-project-to-clean-up-a-neighbours-property.-French-Polynesia,-December-2021
- A-retired-farmer-in-Bora-Bora-with-grandsons.-French-Polynesia,-January-2021
- The-young-men-mowed-the-weeds-on-the-slope-of-the-land-as-the-owners-are-getting-old-and-not-able-to-do-so.-French-Polynesia,-January-2021-
- Tina-Tehaamoan-(far-left)-with-the-Young-Women-who-volunteered-for-this-Light-the-World-project-in-Vaitape,-Bora-Bora.--French-Polynesia,--December-2020
- Light-the-World-the-youth-of-the-Vaitape-Ward-cleaned-the-property-of-an-older-farming-couple-who-work-alone-on-their-land.-December-2020
- Mowing-the-weeds-is-not-easy-when-they-have-grown-so-high-and-when-you-are-working-on-a-slope.--French-Polynesia,-December-2020
- Teams-of-Young-Adults-were-in-charge-of-different-departments-such-as-gift-wrapping,-clothing,-toys,-and-food.--French-Polynesia,-December-2020
- -The-missionaries-also-helped-with-the-Light-the-World-donation-project.--French-Polynesia,-December-2020
- After-sorting-all-clothes,-the-volunteers-waiting-for-the-list-of-families-in-need.-French-Polynesia,-December-2020
- YSA-worked-in-unison-and-with-dedication-to-light-the-world-through-this-project.-.JPG
- Kuhio-Maraerefau,-a-young-man-in-the-ward,-helped-others-learn-how-to-use-FamilySearch.-French-Polynesia,-December-2020
- Puurai-Ward-family-history-committee-visiting-the-Mahuta-Family-to-support-them-in-finding-names-for-their-family-tree.--French-Polynesia,-December-2020-
- -Sami-and-Tanao-visited-the-Peyrolle-family-to-help-set-up-a-FamilySearch-account.-French-Polynesia,-December-2020
- FamilySearch-is-an-opportunity-for-the-Arhan-family-to-find-their-ancestors-and-unite-their-family.--French-Polynesia,-December-2020-
-with-the-YW-who-volunteered-for-this-Light-the-world-project-in-Vaitape,-Bora-Bora.jpg){kind=link}
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One group, based on the island of Bora Bora, decided to provide assistance to an older couple trying to raise two young grandsons on a rural farm in a remote area of the island.
Fifteen young people from the Bora Bora Stake worked tirelessly to clean up and take out weeds on the large estate. They cleared, cut, swept, raked and worked all morning in good humor.
The boys worked under the supervision of the bishop and used the brush cutters while the girls cleaned and removed dirt and fallen leaves with their youth leaders.
Tina Teha’amoana, a youth leader, explained, "We wanted to tell this lovely couple that we are thinking of them, that the Lord has not forgotten them and that they are of great value in the sight of God."
The grandparents were moved and amazed at the end of the project as they usually have to clean up the lot by themselves.
“We thank all these young people who came to help and do this in such a short time. We've never seen such a thing."
While not Church members, they attended services with their grandsons the following Sunday to express their thanks.
Food-kits-ready-to-be-donated-to-selected-families-identified-by-wards-in-Punaauia,-French-Polynesia.--December-2020
Food kits ready to be donated to selected families identified by wards in Puna’auia, French Polynesia. December 2020© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In Puna’auia on the island of Tahiti, young Latter-day Saints wanted to “Light the World” also, so they organized a collection of food, clothes, books and toys for needy families in their community.
Hereiti Pizzo, co-organizer of the donation day, said: "The young adults of our area spared no effort to advertise and mobilize the project. They really wanted to spread the Christmas spirit through this project."
Donations flowed in from all areas of Tahiti and participants gave generously. They had hoped to create 50 Christmas baskets but with the added gifts, more than 100 baskets were put together and distributed.
Narii Pou, the project manager said: “Church members as well as friends of other faiths were very generous and thanked us for organizing this wonderful project. We were so involved that we forgot to eat lunch, but didn’t care. It was such a beautiful and exceptional adventure and is a tradition to be renewed in the years to come.”
Nui-Sing-Ching-Soy-is-the-oldest-member-who-opened-a-new-account-on-FamilySearch-and-received-training-during-the-Puurai-Ward's-push-to-have-every-member-working-on-their-family-history.--French-Polynesia,-December-2020
Nui Sing Ching Soy is the oldest member who opened a new account on FamilySearch and received training during the Puurai Ward's push to have every member working on their family history. French Polynesia, December 2020© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The youth of the Puurai Ward (congragation) family history committee decided to help every member of the ward be able to do their own family history.
Committee members visited all the families of the ward, one by one, helped everyone open a FamilySearch account, and showed how to upload photos and memories to their account.
Mihiau Jean, 15, is proud of what has been done. She said, “My great-grandfather, Nui Sing Ching Soy, 87, was the oldest of the ward receiving training to open his Church online account and be registered on FamilySearch. It is so cool he is logged into Church applications!"
Sami Ben Lagha said: “We know that doing genealogy, sharing our memories and anecdotes on FamilySearch is a way of showing love for our ancestors.”
Bishop Louis Sandford expressed thanks to the family history consultants, and to the youth who went out to meet the ward members to provide training "one person at a time, just as Christ did."