Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, a General Authority Seventy and a member of the Pacific Area presidency, was recently invited to pray for the country of French Polynesia.
On Friday, Feb. 2, Elder Wakolo and Elder Frédéric Riemer, an Area Seventy, met with French Polynesia Minister of Solidarity and the Family, Chantal Galenon, where they discussed opportunities for the Church to work with the government to support families and individuals in French Polynesia.
During the meeting, Galenon invited Elder Wakolo to pray for her country, which comprises more than 100 islands in the South Pacific, including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Mo’orea. The Church’s Pacific Newsroom reported that Elder Wakolo prayed for the spirit of peace, love and unity to reign throughout French Polynesia.
Also during the meeting, Galenon presented government priorities for protecting families living in precarious social and health conditions.
“Today, we are looking for alternative ways to help these underprivileged families. I am seeking greater cooperation between the government and the churches to help improve the daily lives of people,” said Galenon.
The Church currently facilitates self-reliance training groups there to help people learn principles and skills that will empower them in caring for their own needs. Topics include how to find a job, how to start a business, how to manage finances and how to build emotional resilience.
Elder Wakolo told Galenon, “We want to do what the Savior did. He loves everyone, and we want to share His love by extending our arms to all of His sons and daughters in love and in peace, whatever their religion.”
