Wednesday, January 20, 2016

THE BOOK OF MORMON IS NOW ENTIRELY TRANSLATED TO CHUUKESE!


Until now we have only had parts of the Book of Mormon in Chuukese, but a new and complete translation has now been finished.  The Book of Mormon is the keystone to a testimony of Jesus Christ.  We are excited that many people will now be able to read it and become closer to God through its teachings.  We had a day of celebrations and activities, including a pageant that was put on by the members.
People came from many islands to celebrate.  This is our church "parking lot."


People came and went all day, but we estimate 1,000 to 1,500 people were able to participate.  You can barely see the stage in the front with the palm leaves as back drops.



 There was also a cultural program where each branch performed some kind of cultural number.  This group is from Mechitiw Branch.
 Chuukese children are really beautiful and sweet!
 One man wearing traditional costumes for one of the cultural dances.  He has his arms full!
 Mechitiw branch doing a number where they use sticks and coconut shells to beat the rhythm.

The pageant related the basic stories of the Book of Mormon which is another testament of Jesus Christ.  It takes place in ancient America and tells of God's dealings with the people there.  It also includes Christ's visit to the American continent after his death.  The teachings of the Book of Mormon compliment the teachings of the Bible.


 Some dancing girls from King Noah's court.

 King Noah and other actors in the pageant.
One scene showed Nephi's prophecy that Christ would be born in Bethlehem.  Here are  Mary and Joseph and others.
 Many more actors in their costumes.
 Prophets

 Warriors
 More Warriors
Two meals were served during the celebration.  Chuukese like to eat a lot!
 
Part of the celebration was various displays by the missionaries, a movie called "Meet the Mormons" and a humanitarian project.  This project included a donation of 1,000 pair of reading glasses.  We were able to choose the proper glasses for many people that day and will continue to distribute the glasses.  It was rewarding to see their faces light up when they could read the print in the Book of Mormon.  Now many more people will be able to read it and be blessed by it.
At the end of a beautiful day, people started home.
One miracle of this day was the weather.  Storms had been predicted, but many people fasted and prayed. It was a miracle that the storms did not stop the rehearsals or the performances.  It was a beautiful day!


3 comments:

  1. That's wonderful. I imagine it was a fantastic day. I also thought about how fantastic it would be for those who were able to receive new glasses too :). Thank you for your blog x

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  2. Dear Eliasons: I've just come across your blog from Micronesia Mission. I'm so very proud of you both. That's a very long way from home & very isolated. You two amaze me! So grateful to have friends who continue to give their "ALL" in the service of God & our brothers & sisters across the world.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Eliasons: I've just come across your blog from Micronesia Mission. I'm so very proud of you both. That's a very long way from home & very isolated. You two amaze me! So grateful to have friends who continue to give their "ALL" in the service of God & our brothers & sisters across the world.

    ReplyDelete