Vai Sikahema once traveled four days, using three modes of transportation, just to attend an LDS temple with his family. The former NFL football player, who is now a morning news anchor and stake president, shared with Philly.com’s Stephanie Farr why he would encourage people to visit the open house of the new Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“It’s the only time you can (take a tour),” Sikahema said. “There’s a lot of bucket-list things people have, and there’s a bunch of things you just can’t do. Walking into a Mormon temple anywhere in the world is one of those things you just can’t do.
“The second reason is people often think our faith is secretive. It’s not secretive — it’s sacred. Once they’ve dedicated the building, it’s sacred, so everything that happens inside stays inside. But until then, we’ll draw the curtains up and let you see the wizard. We’re anxious to show people how peaceful and serene a place it is.”
Sikahema also shared various aspects of his faith, including when he gained a personal testimony of the gospel.
Read the entire interview here.
The Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple’s open house continues through Sept. 9.
Email: mjones@deseretdigital.com