PAPEETE, Tahiti — When members of the Manihi Branch, Takaroa Tuamotu District, learned that the Papeete Tahiti Temple was being renovated, they began to prepare for the rededication.
For months they saved money for the trip, 520 kilometers by boat, from their island to Papeete. Each fare cost 6,000 French Polynesia francs, about 60 US dollars. Branch President Fernand Faura and five other members made the two-day trip.
"These members are modest," said President Faura. "It was hard for them to find 6,000 francs. They made the sacrifice to come see the temple."
When the group arrived in Papeete, he said, they were blessed for their sacrifice. The boat captain reduced their fare from 6,000 francs to 2,000. In Papeete they attended the temple open house, waiting in line and touring the building four times in three days. They also participated in a member meeting during which Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve and Elder Paul E. Koelliker of the Seventy addressed Church members in a cultural event celebrating the Church in French Polynesia, and in the temple rededication. In the days after the dedication, they remained in Papeete to do temple work.
During the member meeting Elder Koelliker talked of the sacrifice early Church members made to gather to Zion. Today — a time when temples dot the globe — members are no longer asked to leave their country. They can find Zion in their own country, serving in their wards and stakes and attending the temple. "Zion for Tahitian members," he explained, "is in Tahiti."
President Faura said members from Tuamotu were grateful they were able to participate in the temple rededication and attend the temple. They want to gain "more knowledge about the temple, to learn more," he said.
E-mail to: sarah@desnews.com