Armies of Helaman

There is a favorite primary song that says, "We are as the armies of Helaman, we have been taught in our youth.  We will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world his truth".  I couldn't help but think of this song as we had 23 new missionaries arrive from the New Zealand M.T.C.  Most of them were Samoan natives who are Nephites according to our temple counselor President President Ho Ching. 

In Alma 63:5 It says And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward.  And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children''

We have also been told that the many chickens that are in Samoa actually came from South America.  There have been studies done to determine their origin.

It was a pleasure orienting these new missionaries and feeling of their spirits.  They have strong desires to serve their Heavenly Father and have been taught to keep the commandments of God.

The mission home was a very busy place with 23 new missionaries plus their trainers and zone leaders.  Afulua was busy cooking three meals a day to satisfy their appetites.  They also had the opportunity of going to the Apia Samoa Temple on the 7:30 a.m. session.  Our session rooms only accommodate 48 people, so they went very early so that they would be insured a seat on the session.

President Leota and the assistants oriented them and their trainers at the church across the street from the temple.  Their companions came to pick them up on Thursday and they were off to their new areas, some of them going to Savaii, some to Upolu and others to Pago.

Elder Partridge and I were very busy preparing all the paperwork for the new missionaries.  He has to plan the travel back and forth for all the missionaries including the ones coming from Savaii and Pago to pick up missionaries.  I was busy sending letters to their parents with pictures so that they would know they arrived safely.

It will be interesting to see the effect of having this army of missionaries to preach the gospel in our mission.