Aliston Tagini recently returned home to Solomon Islands after two years service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The day he returned, his sister, Ketty, left home to begin her own missionary service—in Vanuatu.
Aliston says his experience as a missionary fuelled his desire to continue to learn, develop his talents, and serve his family and community.
Recognising that he needed to continue with his education, he enrolled in a bridging course with University of South Pacific (USP). When completed this will open the door for him to begin undergraduate studies.
Aliston is also keen to serve his congregation and community. As a member of a lay church in which all members have an opportunity to play a part, he was asked to be a youth leader.
So now, Sundays are focused on teaching and helping teenagers. During the week he supervises activities with the young people.
Seeing a need in his community, Aliston has lent a hand in the building of a platform for and then the installation of a new water tank that will provide clean water for his family and neighbours.
Aliston is one of many thousands of Mormon missionaries who come home each year after their 18 to 24 months of volunteer service with a faith-filled desire to keep on learning, working and helping their families, congregations and communties.
Watch a video about the influence of missionary work.