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Left to right: Mr. Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development; Sister Alldredge; Palau Branch President Ngiraked; Sister Duenas; Palau President Surangel S. Shipps Jr; Elder Barrow; Sister Heiden; Elder Dean; Sister Knap;, Elder Holt; Elder Jensen.© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Most people will never have the opportunity to personally meet with heads of state, but eight missionaries recently did just that. Several months ago in a zone conference, the missionaries in Palau were challenged by their mission leadership, President Eric T. and Sister Christina Hicks, to be more creative in their proselyting and service activities. Taking this direction to heart, Elder Barrow, Elder Dean, and Elder Taiwerbwe decided to visit the capitol building and inquire about possible service opportunities.
When they arrived, they were told that there were no service opportunities pending, but they noticed Elder Taiwerbwe’s ukulele and asked if they would be willing to play for several government officials, who were there that day. They agreed and proceeded to another room where they sang for them. With that, the elders were told that occasionally, the new President, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., welcomes various religious representatives in for a 30-minute devotional on dedicated Monday mornings. After hearing them sing, the officials encouraged them to reserve a date for one of the upcoming Mondays. The appointment was made, and the date was set.
On Monday, October 11th, eight missionaries, Sister Duenas, Sister Heiden, Sister Alldredge, Sister Knapp, Elder Barrow, Elder Dean, Elder Holt, and Elder Jensen, joined together for the visit along with President Ngiraked of the Palau Branch. In the short time they were given, testimonies on scripture study, prayer, church attendance, and the sacrament were shared. Sister Duenas sang the song “Oceans” and cabinet members were seen singing along and nodding their heads in approval. To close, President Ngiraked offered a solemn prayer in Palauan.
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Sister Heiden shares a message from the scriptures with the Palauan President and Cabinet.© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
About this experience, Elder Barrow said, “The experience was super cool! I definitely felt like the spirit was felt by everyone in that room, especially when Sister Duenas sang…. I also felt like they appreciated our messages, invitations, and promised blessings.” Sister Duenas added, “It was an experience of a lifetime and such a neat opportunity! I was so grateful for the chance I had to be a part of that meeting. We hope to meet with him again soon. He thanked us and shook all of our hands.”