Sapwalap Branch, 1987-1990

Baptism day for Alicia and Roxie Helgenberger (front, left to right), with Rose (mother) in pink dress, Albert (father and branch president), with Mark Henry (right), Sapwalap, Madolenihmw, Pohnpei, 29 August 1986. Photo by Devan Jensen (missionary).

In August 1987 the Sapwalap Branch had only three active priesthood holders. One was Albert Helgenberger, who served as branch president and seminary teacher. His wife, Rose, served as Primary president. The Helgenbergers invited the missionaries to prepare nine-year-old daughter Alicia and eight-year-old daughter Roxie for baptism. The girls understood the commandments of God and chose to be baptized on 29 August 1986. President and Sister Helgenberger were very loving and kind to the members and missionaries. Following is an excerpt from the 1990 branch history.

Sapwalap History, 1990

In years past when the missionary couples helped run the branch, the wives of the branch presidents helped teach the women. One thing the sisters liked learning was how to make doughnuts. As Relief Society president, Sister Mario Nasson continued teaching the women how to do that.

Some of the women who have served in the branch were:

Dorkas Simon Ringlen: Relief Society president under Elders Grover and Bagley, Primary president under Elder Bagley

Elsida Henry: Relief Society president under President Mark Henry

Mario Nasson: Relief Society president under Presidents Albert Helgenberger and Samuel William

Rose Helgenberger: Primary president under President Helgenberger

Vasko William: Primary president under President William and Elder Bushman

Nelsiana Simon Kalio: Relief Society president under Elder Bushman

Seminary teachers:      Samuel William

Albert Helgenberger

Hewalt Alati

Sunday School teachers: Moses Simon, Albert Helgenberger

There has been one elder, Henry Henry, and one sister, Nelsiana Simon, who have served full-time missions for the church from Sapwalap.

Some of the events the members enjoy remembering were a Pioneer Day Celebration, a picnic to an outer island, and a young adult picnic that was held at Mand. All of the Branches combined for these activities and they really had a good time. These were held during the time when D. Willard Paxman was district president in 1985.

Two men were ordained elders 18 Feb. 1990: Etibel Ringlen and John Innowe. Brother Ringlen was set apart by district president Walder Simram and Brother Innowe was set apart by Branch President Bushman. President Simram called former branch president Samuel William to become a district counselor on that day also.

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!