Latter-day Saint Seminary and Institute students in Pohnpei, FSM have been blessed with the arrival of Elder Timothy and Sister Lauretta Van Landingham. The senior missionary couple arrived in Pohnpei on October 30, 2024 to begin their tenure as Seminary & Institute Facilitators. They are excited and humbled for the opportunity to serve Latter-day Saints and friends in Micronesia.
Download PhotoThroughout their lives, Elder and Sister Van Landingham have found joy in serving others. They describe their new assignment as an opportunity to repay the Lord for their many blessings.
Upon arriving on Guam to receive instructions, they expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ with students anxious to deepen their understanding and commitment to the Savior.
After they received their mission call to the Micronesia Guam Mission, Elder Van Landingham pondered why the Lord would send them 6000 miles across the sea to islands he had never heard of. The thought came to him, “We will share our light with those with whom we serve, and they will likewise share their light with us.”
Those lights are already beginning to shine on Pohnpei.
Having spent most of their lives in Orange County, California, the Van Landinghams recently retired and moved to Washington, Utah. While they love their new home ward with so many dedicated Latter-day Saints, they received promptings that there were people in the world who needed and would appreciate their help. “We had always wanted to serve a senior mission,” explained Sister Van Landingham, “and we felt like the timing was right.”
They will be sharing their experiences with 8 children, 22 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Both Elder and Sister Van Landingham have spent their lives serving in the Church in various capacities. Sister Van Landingham spent many years serving as a leader and teacher in primary, while Elder Van Landingham has served in the Young Men’s Program and in priesthood leadership.
Professionally, Elder Van Landingham is a chemical engineer and worked for major petroleum refining companies in Southern California, while Sister Van Landingham worked as an executive assistant for an audio equipment company. They are happy to be retired and to have the opportunity to consecrate their time to helping others come unto Christ.
When facilitating seminary and institute classes, the Van Landinghams stressed the importance of focusing on the Savior. “Every lesson needs to be focused on how it impacts the students' relationships with Christ. Every important scripture reflects back to Christ,” said Elder Van Landingham.
“As we help the youth connect to the Light of Christ,” said Sister Van Landingham, “it will have a ripple effect as those young people share their light with others.”
“A deeper understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will help us navigate life’s storms,” added Elder Van Landingham.
Pohnpei and the rest of Micronesia are sure to be blessed and strengthened as the Van Landinghams begin their service.