Father/Son Baptism

Pedrus Albert has a very unique conversion story that we described in a previous blog.  His parents were very much opposed to him joining the church to the point of kicking him out of their home.  But slowly he and the gospel won them over.  He was able to baptize his mother a few weeks ago.  He was then able to baptize his father.  It's a wonderful story and one can see the genuine happiness that the gospel brings into the lives of people.  Pedrus will be leaving for his mission to Mississippi this summer.  Two of the sister missionaries are posing with the Albert family.

Seminary Student Baptized

This is Marson Etnold.  He is one of our seminary students at the high school.  We thought he was already a member and were very surprised when one day about a month ago he informed us that he wanted to baptized.  It was my honor to perform his baptism.

 Below is a picture of Marson with his family.  His father is a member but is just recently started to come to church.  The rest of his family are not members.  They all came to church (Eirike Ward) on Sunday to watch Marson confirmed as a member of the church and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Three new missionaries

Our three latest missionaries are dressed and waiting at the airport to leave on their missions.  Gracelynn George on the left is going to Australia.  Lehnny Lorenzo in the middle will be going to the West Indies.  Marlisa Johnny will be the first missionary on Pohnpei to serve on Temple Square.  These young people are preparing to serve the Lord and have worked very hard to get ready for this day.  They are all flying to Provo together to attend the MTC.

Why we can't learn Pohnpeian

I finally received my missionary name tag written in Pohnpeian.  Take a good look at the name of our church.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Sounds easy enough.  Now see if you can say it in Pohnpeian.  We just don't seem to be able to put those letters together and get it from the brain out the tongue.  The young elders and sisters figure it out rather quickly but we don't catch on nearly as fast.

 

Pohnpei Surf Snorkel Trip

We finally took a day off to go out on a snorkel trip on Wednesday April 29, 2015.  The Furstenau's and us took a boat from the Pohnpei Surf Club.  We traveled out past several small islands to the east bay area.

 Here is Lenda (Sister Hedgpeth) drinking a fresh and cooled coconut.  She enjoyed the trip and getting away from Island life for a few hours.

 My underwater camera worked great.  There were thousands of small yellow, blue and orange fish.  Pictures just doesn't do the beauty and life of the sea justice.  This coral reef is protected from fishing and allows only those with permits to go there.

 This part of the island has an abundance of stingrays.  We got to see one but it was swimming in deep water.  We also saw a small shark, maybe three feet long.  Sharks are not my favorite marine life.  I'm not excited about anything that can eat me.  This one would have taken only very small bites however.

Ongesel Baptism

This is Bishop Ongesel with his 8 year of daughter who is about to be baptized.  She was so excited. She is the 38th baptism we have witnessed in five months.  There have been many baptisms that we did not attend.  The growth of the church in Pohnpei is absolutely amazing.  We often wonder what the church will look like here in 15 or 20 years.  We think there will be many new chapels built and a new stake created.

Young members like little Sister Ongesel will mature in the gospel, serve missions and establish strong families.  She is already a third generation member.  Watching the church and it's people grow is very exciting.

Mission call to Mississippi

Pedrus Albert of the Sapwalap Ward received his mission call.  Pictured below is the letter he received from President Monson calling him to serve in the Mississippi, Jackson English speaking mission.  We are so excited for him.

 The senior missionaries (Hedgpeths and Furstenaus) stand with Pedrus's family.  His mother was previously baptized and is another blog.  His father is planning his baptism in the near future.  Pedrus will leave Pohnpei on his mission August 25, 2015.  It is sad for us to realize that it is likely that we will not see these young missionaries again as we will go home before they return.  They are the future leaders of the church and we are happy for them and their families.