Church President Russell M. Nelson Stops in Samoa During Pacific Islands Tour
May 18, 2019, 9:19 AM | Updated: May 21, 2019, 5:36 pm
SAMOA – A very joyful and enthusiastic welcome for President Russell M. Nelson on the Island of Samoa as he arrived during his Pacific Islands tour.
The president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a police escort from the airport to the residency of the Head of State which was his first stop.
During that 17 mile trip thousands of Latter-day Saints lined the streets waving flags, and signs and white handkerchiefs to honor their prophet.
“This is the first time I saw the real face of him, not just me but all of us,” said one young man to KSL’s Dan Rascon who is in Samoa covering President Nelson’s Pacific Island tour.
“It’s such a blessing for Samoa to witness his first time in Samoa [as the president] because we haven’t seen him before,” said a young woman.
Apia, Samoa was the second stop on President Nelson’s nine-day Pacific ministry to seven countries.
President @NelsonRussellM met with Samoan dignitaries and encouraged all who heard him speak to love the Lord and keep His commandments. https://t.co/VtGHrYvwql pic.twitter.com/6VQKuX1iEe
— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@ChurchNewsroom) May 18, 2019
President Nelson’s first stop was the Head of State. The two talked about the influence of the church in the country and what the church could do more to help in way of medical treatment, welfare and schooling.
“We noticed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is doing a marvelous job in the social welfare system in the school and is a great organization,” said his highness Va’aletoa Sualauvi II to Rascon. “I feel honored for this opportunity to meet the president.”
Breaking in Samoa.. @NelsonRussellM arrives in Samoa to meet with Head of State @KSL5TV @ChurchNewsroom pic.twitter.com/vJN8bkHFlb
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) May 18, 2019
Later that evening President Nelson spoke to a congregation of about 10,000 members in a large open field just next to the church’s Apia, Temple. President Nelson gave a message of hope and encouragement and of difficult days head, quoting the Apostle Paul in part of his speech.
“In the last days perilous times will come,” said Pres. Nelson to the congregation. “We have a solemn duty to prepare our people for the difficult days that lie ahead.”
Read all about it! @NelsonRussellM makes front page news in #Samoa … a major story spread in the country’s paper @KSL5TV @ChurchNewsroom #pacifictour pic.twitter.com/pQ7dKyHFn4
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) May 19, 2019
On Sunday President Nelson continues his nine day, seven country tour with a stop in Sydney, Australia and then New Zealand on Monday.
News specialist Dan Rascon will continue to bring us the latest on this historical visit.
Thousands of Samoans singing “we thank thee oh God for a prophet” @KSL5TV @ChurchNewsroom pic.twitter.com/ivgCACTJuu
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) May 18, 2019
