Alan and Melanie LeFevre: Missionaries to Pohnpei, 2011 to 2013

Alan and Melanie LeFevre wrote about their missionary service on Pohnpei from 2011 to 2013 in a blog titled Livin' the Missionary Life. Following are three sample posts.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Nan Madol

The crossing to Nan Madol

Sis. Salaiau and Sis. Kennach

Nan Madol

Nan Madol

Elder LeFevre at Nan Madol

We had a district activity and went out to some ruins called Nan Madol. These ruins date back to approx. 629 A.D.  We had a great time. It is amazing to me to think how they got these stones here and in place without all the modern equipment we have today. they call this the "Venice" of Pohnpei, because it has waterways that go between buildings, just like in Venice, Italy. The history says that is how they traveled between buildings in the community.  I will add some pictures as soon as I can.

The Bridal Entrance from the Sea at Nalop

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Missionary work is so hard on
Elder LeFevre

The Crab Wars (2 Crabs we caught on Nalop)

    For Christmas eve we went out to an island called Nalup, it was about a 15 minute boat ride across the ocean to get to it. It was so fun. We had beaches, little huts, to stay in, an old church. It was beautiful. it was a very small island about 1/2 mile long by maybe 100 ft wide. We got there just as the tide was coming in, and the waves were awesome. I will also add picture of Nalup later.
    When we got back we had snacks at the Kjars apartment (another Sr. couple on the island), then we went to a small church groups gathering. The group is called Pohnrociet, they are not native Pohnpeians, they come from another island and all live in a little community on Pohnpei, they attend the Kolonia branch. They invite the missionaries over every year on Christmas Eve and sing to us and give us hand made gifts. It was a beautiful experience.
     All of the active members here are so faithful and strong, but there are many who have fallen away from the church. That is our primary job, to find them and invite them back. I have walked through water up to my waist to get places, through jungle, because the car would not go further, through mud, that permanently stained my shoes and skirts. All to help teach and find members, who have lost there way. It is such an amazing experience. I am learning a lot about myself.

Nett's Baptisms

We were suppose to have 6 baptisms today, but 2 of them fell through. The Nett branch came through with 4 baptisms. The Nett Elders, Elder Cook & Elder Holt & Elder Eyre ( who has been transferred to Guam) have worked hard and taught the Laurdine Family. We had the opportunity of going with them several times and love this family.

Waiting 

 All 4 baptisms were from 1 family, it was a great night for the Lord. 

J.O., Vergalynn, J-Ann, Ako and Mom

Happy Family

J.O., Mom, Vergalynn, J-Ann, Ako Laurdine

The Laurdine's with Elder Holt & Elder Cook

dancing to pass the time while we wait for the baptism to start

 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Sekera Christmas Party

     The last of the Christmas Parties, we were able to attend, was last night (Dec. 29). It was the Sekera Party. We arrived at 4:15, the party was suppose to start at 4:00, people finally started arriving about 5:45 and we had to leave to attend the Laurdine Family Baptism. So we went to the baptism and came back. By then the party was in full gear.  The children were dancing for there gifts, dinner was being served, right after the gift giving the Relief Society sang, Then the Priesthood sang, Then the youth danced, then the missionaries danced (except me, someone had to take pictures), then the youth danced again. It was great fun. What a great branch.

The food starts arriving

Elder LeFevre goofing around

Waiting for everyone to arrive

youth dancing

Missionaries dancing, Elder Rice & Elder Hanson

The Youth of the Sekera Branch

Pres, Agrippa watching with the members of the branch

    We love the Sekera Branch, just as we  love all the branches. We wish we could go there more often, but we try to visit all the branches, so we don't get there as often as we would like. This branch is one of the best for fellow shipping new converts and less actives. They are so friendly and love all the people that come and the one's that don't come. They are hard workers for the Lord.