A history of the arrival of the first missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints and the pioneers who helped spread the LDS faith in American Samoa are in a book for children called “Faatuatua, Faamoemoe ma Vavega,” or “Faith, Hope and Miracles”. It was launched in a special event held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ meeting house on Aunu’u Island, on June 10.
Written especially for children, the book, produced by the Pacific Area of the LDS Church, recounts true stories from Samoan Church history.
Its in both Samoan and English languages. A child, Lewis Elisara Lotoā, read aloud from the book the story of the miracle of the sand, which took place in Aunu’u in 1986.
A message from the Pacific Area Presidency says: “In 1863, the first missionaries came to the islands of Samoa. Since then, the membership and the influence of the Church has continued to grow.
“American Samoa has seen many miracles occur in the lives of the members here, especially as they have demonstrated faith in following the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is important that stories of these devoted Saints are shared with the generation that needs them most our young children.
“Simple faith promoting stories of real people that children can understand and relate to are key to helping them develop their testimony of Jesus Christ and a sense of belonging as members of the Church.”
Elder K. Brett Nattress, General Authority Seventy and Pacific Area President of the Church, presided at the meeting.
Elder Nattress was accompanied by his wife, Shawna Nattress; Elder Faapito Auapaau, Area Seventy; President M. Fred Purcell and Sister Kylene Purcell of the Church’s Samoa Apia Mission. Also attending the event were Dr. Melanie Riwai-Couch, Church History Manager for the Pacific Area; Elder O. Vincent Haleck, Emeritus General Authority Seventy, his wife, and Sister Peggy Haleck.
