A Stake in Madolenihmw (2014)

By Ricky Joel

 

I am from Pohnpei, and I have been a member since the first year the missionaries arrived. I was blessed and given a name by one of the second companionship of elder missionaries to arrive on the island, and I consider myself an active member ever since. When I reached the appropriate age to proselyte with the missionaries, I added proselyting to my list of priorities as a way to get myself out of trouble, and I will admit that I got myself in trouble when I was not at home or with the missionaries. As a member and preacher (a nickname given to me in high school by people who invited me and the missionaries into their homes), I have enjoyed seeing many others joined the church expanding our congregations from a small missionary apartment, members’ homes, a school cafeteria, small chapels, and to now the recent Panasang Pohnpei Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rickey Joel (front left) meeting President Gordon B. Hinckley (center) at Brigham Young University-Hawaii Campus.

The island of Pohnpei is divided into four municipalities, and each of these has a king or what we call a Nanmwarki. One of these municipalities is called Madolenihmw, and it is here that the early missionaries found work more challenging. The king of Madolenihmw was and is the highest ranking king, or the king of the kings of Pohnpei. One of the early missionaries was almost beaten to death in this area. When the church was trying to build a meetinghouse here, their building supplies were stolen by the locals. When the locals went to their church, they saw bats in their church building. Seeing it as an omen for what they had done to the Mormons, they decided to return the stolen supplies.

One day, the king of Madolenihmw got really sick. He sought out help among his people, but all aid from doctors and medicine men seemed to be of no help. One day as the king was bedridden in his home, his right-hand man went out and sat down outside his house, thinking what other possibilities were available to help the king. As he was worrying, he raised his head towards the road, and at the highest point on the road he saw the missionaries, and the light shining behind them highlighted the answer to his prayer. He ran out to stop them and told them that his king is sick and that he knew they could heal him. He brought them into the king's home, and there they blessed him. After giving the Nanmwarki a blessing, they were on their way when the king's right-hand man stopped them and asked them to go back in the house because the king wanted to speak to them. When they went in, the king told them that they now have his permission to go wherever they wish to go and preach their word and let no one persecute them no more.

It is in Madolenihmw last month where our Savior Jesus Christ, our King of kings, has established his stake on Pohnpei. I am grateful for the king of Madolenihmw, his right-hand man, all the missionaries that have served on Pohnpei, and the members who have been a testament to me that God lives, that He does work in mysterious ways, and that if we have faith in his son Jesus Christ, exercising our patience to His timing, things will happen, Great Things!

Kolonia Meetinghouse History, 1987–1990

By Jess Bacera

The old building was demolished because of termite infestation and damage to the walls of the building. In July of 1987 the members were assigned to demolish the interior of the building. The ceiling was also removed. Materials that were salvageable were sold.

The new building project was open for bid on August 8, 1987. By August 27th it was submitted to church headquarters for approval. We received a disapproval in November of 1987. An 87.07 per square foot cost and high site development cost were the grounds for the disapproval. Plans were revised to lower the cost. Instead of a 6,300-square-foot, two-story building, it was revised to a 4,100-square-foot single story with the hope of lowering costs. Bidding was again set on April 14, 1988. Out of three contractors invited to bid, only one came and the bid was not much lower than the previous one. The plan was again reviewed and trimmed down to lower the costs. We negotiated with various contractors and we finally received a satisfactory quote in October of 1988. We were able to reduce the costs by one-third. The budget was submitted and it was approved by mid November 1988.

At that time, the contractor started to completely demolish the old building. Instead of the church paying for the demolition, the contractor paid the church for the existing materials on an “as is” basis.

The project started December 5, 1988, and was scheduled to be completed November 14, 1989. Due to heavy rains, big boulders and some change orders, the contractor requested an extension of time and the new completion date was set for February 3, 1990.

Brother Bacera relates that when he first came and saw the proposed site for the chapel that he was not impressed. He wondered why that site had been chosen. Since that time, he has seen the road paved out to the new FSM capital and all the development that is going on out in that area. There is also a beautiful view from the chapel site. He testifies the Lord knew where the chapel should be.

Kevin and Bonnie Williams in Kolonia, 1988-1990

By Kevin and Bonnie Williams

In June of 1988 our family moved to the island of Pohnpei. While we are not Micronesians or converts, we would like to add our testimonies to those in our branch. We feel a kinship with our Micronesian brothers and sisters and feel the Spirit often.

We moved to Pohnpei under some interesting circumstances. In April of 1988, our family attended a stake conference in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. Elder Hugh Pinnock spoke at the conference and also spoke to Kevin. He prophesied that Kevin's employer would be the means of sending us to Micronesia and that we would be going to serve and teach the people. Two months later, Kevin was asked to take a position in Pohnpei. We prayed about taking the position and we felt that warm and good feeling which is sometimes referred to as a "burning in your bosom." At the same time we were also considering a career change and had a very attractive offer from a good company. When we prayed about this offer, we experienced feelings of confusion or a “stupor of thought.” We know that the Lord wants us here and it is a good feeling to know that he directs us to do those things which will benefit our lives and the lives of others.

It has been challenging to live in another country—we often puzzle over the culture and languages surrounding us.

The Kolonia Branch of the Church has been meeting in a rented space that used to be a Chinese restaurant. Oriental lanterns hang from the ceiling. We are looking forward to the dedication of the new chapel, where the view of the harbor is quite beautiful.

When we first arrived, Kevin occasionally taught the lessons in the elders quorum. Then he would take turns teaching every other week. Now he teaches every Sunday except when he is visiting other branches in his capacity as a district councilor. Bonnie is first counselor in the Primary.

While living here we have enjoyed the special occasions of blessing our son Kenny, who was born October 26, 1988, and baptizing our son Andy, on January 13, 1990. Andy was baptized in the river by his father. We also have a daughter, Lauren, who has enjoyed the nursery and Primary (she is three).

We have been privileged to meet and work with two mission presidencies. President David J. Rollins was an inspiring mission president. President Lewis J. Nord is a very spiritual man. Recently, we were informed by a Vice President for the company Kevin works for (Bank of Hawaii) that we would definitely be moving back to the Hawaiian Islands at the end of our two-year contract, June 1990. When we told this to President Nord, he said that he would pray that we stay. Shortly after he said this, Kevin was approached by upper management in his company and asked to stay an additional year.

In conclusion, we would like to say that we know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth. We know the Book of Mormon was written by prophets of God and we love the truths contained in this book. We each have favorite stories. We know that Ezra Taft Benson is a prophet and we are grateful for his inspired leadership. We admire the many members of Pohnpei's branches that endure persecution and family strife because of their memberships. We love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Heavenly Father. And we say these things humbly, in Jesus' name, Amen.