Sunday, October 28, 2012

Chapter 20 - Family History Open House


10/26/12 – Tonight we were able to be part of an open house for the Pago Stake.  The mission had 12 beautiful banners made up each telling a different faith promoting story about some of early church members and their experiences in the early days of the church in Samoa.  We have so many wonderful pioneer stories, but these islands have pioneer stories of their own.  The idea behind the open house was to encourage members and non-members alike to record the stories of their families that are such an important part of their heritage.  A video was also shown that explained in more detail the stories on the banners as well as additional stories and more details about the early history of the Church in Samoa.  There were about 500 people in attendance, including people from the media.  We were interviewed by the local newspaper, and were able to meet many dignitaries on the island.  The neat thing was after they went through the display and viewed the video many of them stayed around and asked questions about the Church.  It was a very successful evening.  We talked again to the gentleman that interviewed us from the newspaper and gave him copies of the Friend Magazine for his 3 little girls.  He expressed a real interest.  So for the two of us, we felt like we had maybe been a part of someone wanting to investigate the Church.  We were on our feet for 8 hours, and dog-tired when we fell into bed, but what a great experience!  It was worth being tired.  We are being touched everyday by the Spirit and are so blessed to be part of this great work.  Tomorrow and Sunday we will be at a stake conference with Elder and Sister Watson, a member of the area presidency.  We met them yesterday, and it was so great just to be in their presence.   

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