As a young man and new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gerard Mou Tham left his home in French Polynesia with his father to work in a nickel mine in New Caledonia, 4,800 km away. The reason? To save enough money to go with his parents and nine siblings to Hamilton New Zealand, where the nearest Latter-day Saint temple was located.
In a new 'Mormon Messages' video found at lds.org and on YouTube, President Thomas S. Monson tells of the great faith shown and sacrifice made by the Mou Tham family as they saved their money and then traveled over 4,000 km from their home in French Polynesia to New Zealand.
"Temples are a beacon!" President Monson says. "They're filled with faith and fasting. They're built on trials and testimonies. They're sanctified by sacrifice and service."
Watch this video to learn more about the Mou Thams' journey to the temple.
This video explains why Mormons build temples and the centrality of the teachings of Jesus Christ in temple worship.
Gerard Mou Tham currently serves as the president of the Church's Noumea New Caledonia District.