Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for special devotional meetings in Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific on Sunday night (30 October) to recognise the service being given by individuals and groups in communities across the region.
The previous day, Saturday 29 October, Latter-day Saints joined with many others in community service activities that included helping refugees, painting schools, weeding community gardens, cleaning beaches and parks, and donating blood.
Some of the recipients of Latter-day Saint community service awards on Sunday evening were individuals, such as the first president of the Republic of Vanuatu, Ati George Sokomanu.
Other recipients were leaders of other churches, charities and community groups, who accepted awards on behalf of their organisations.
At one devotional, a video interview was shown featuring Garrett and Jessica Gee, also known as "The Bucket List Family." The couple spoke about ways they are focusing on serving others, as a family.
In Apia on 30 October 2016, the Hon. Lio Foleni (centre), Associate Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, was recognised by Elder Meliula Fata, on behalf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for his service to the people of Samoa. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mrs Su'a Julia Wallwork speaks to attendees at a special devotional in Apia on Sunday evening (30 October 2016) after receiving a community service award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mrs Wallwork, a leader with the Adventist Disaster Relief Agency Samoa, was honoured for her work and leadership in providing food, water, clothes, shelter and other necessities for the poor and the needy. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mrs Marina Grey receives a community service award from President Hans Jason Joseph of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 30 October 2016 in Apia, Samoa. Mrs Grey has been a leader in Samoa in the areas of community and charitable service for many years. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Mapasua Rudolf Keil is recognised by leaders of the Apia Samoa Central Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 30 2016 for his service to Samoa over many years. One way Mr Keil has served the people of Samoa has been through showing values-based and family-friendly programs on his television station. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hamilton, New Zealand honoured three community leaders on Sunday 30 October 2016 for service to Hamilton communities. Recipients were (left to right) Clive Hamil, Principal of Melville High School; Julie Hardaker, outgoing Mayor of Hamilton; and Tim Macindoe, National Member of Parliament for Hamilton West. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Latter-day Saint leader, Yvon Basil (right) presents the first President of the Republic of Vanuatu, Ati George Sokomanu, a "Family Values Award" in recognition for his service to Ni-Vanuatu families and communities for many years. 30 October 2016. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Elder Adolf Johansson presents Mr Mataika Koyamainavure with a community service award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Suva, Fiji. 30 October 2016. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Elder Adolf Johansson and Mr Mataika Koyamainavure. Suva, Fiji. 30 October 2016. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Maureen Harrington (second from left) and Claire Mushrow (second from right), representing the Salvation Army, receive a community service award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand on 30 October 2016. They are pictured with local Latter-day Saint leaders, Karl Hamon (left) and Guy Perrett (right). ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Deirdre Berry and Gerard Burns from the De Paul House Board of Management, North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand, receive a community award on behalf of De Paul House for service to families in need. Also pictured are local Latter-day Saint leaders, Guy Perrett (right) and Karl Hamon (left). 30 October, 2016. 313 Sunset Road, Mairangi Bay. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Guy Perrett of the presidency of the Auckland New Zealand Harbour Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented Deirdre Berry and Gerard Burns, representing De Paul House, North Shore, Auckland, with a community service award on 30 October 2016. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
John McLean and Callum Blair, co-founders of the Furniture for Schools Trust, received an award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 30 October 2016 for the work they and the charity do to bring furniture and other education equipment and supplies to schools in Pacific islands. ©2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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