Elder James J. Hamula, President of the Pacific Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands recently.
Elder Hamula was accompanied by President Larry E. Brewer and his wife, Maryanne Brewer. President Brewer presides over the Church's new Vanuatu Port Vila Mission, which includes the Solomon Islands.
This was the first time a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or a mission president of the Church visited Malaita. Malaita is the most populous island of the Solomon Islands, with more than a third of the Solomon Islands' population.
Elder Hamula and President and Sister Brewer flew to Auki, the provincial capital of Malaita, and then traveled to meet with Father Michael Irotoa, Priest of the Anglican congregation at Fauabu.
Following their visit, Father Michael led a tour of the Faubau Malaita Medical Clinic.
The building was refurbished in December 2011 in a very successful joint humanitarian effort involving the combined Fauabu congregations of the Melanesian Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
After visiting the clinic, Elder Hamula and President and Sister Brewer were greeted at the nearby Latter-day Saint Chapel. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other local residents, dressed in full cultural costumes, welcomed the honoured guests.
The visitors were ceremoniously escorted to a viewing stand where dances were performed and a program was presented in their honour.
Following the program, Elder Hamula presided over a religious meeting. He and President and Sister Brewer spoke to the gathered members and commended them for their faithfulness and diligence.
Elder Hamula promised the members that the Church would grow in Malaita as they lived the principles of the gospel faithfully. He also urged them to continue to follow the example and live the teachings of the Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Fauabu Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by Nathan Bata as President. His first counsellor is Barnabus Iro and his second counsellor is Hudson Kwale.
The Branch consists of 60 baptized members. They meet each Sunday morning at 10am to worship. Visitors are always welcome.