More than mangoes, passion fruit, and coconuts

by Gloria Jean Lloyd

Cornwall
Tahiti

Though favourites of Elder Hyrum Willis from Cornwall, a mission in Tahiti is more than mangoes, passion fruit, and coconuts. What makes it sweet is bearing witness of the sacrifice and mission of Christ.

“I’ve always wanted to serve a mission,” says Elder Willis, “because of the joy and peace the gospel brings to individuals and families through divine principles.”

He loves seeing the fruits of the teachings of Christ in people’s lives as they desire and commit to change.

“I’m also a trainer of new missionaries,” shares Elder Willis. “I work hard to help prepare a new missionary to be an effective teacher – meaning someone who can explain a principle in a simple and applicable way. I encourage those I’m training to invite people to repent and change for the better.”

His companion, Elder Damon Stewart adds, “Elder Willis is amazing. He makes this work so fun with his patient and energetic example of loving people; you want to keep going like he does every day.”

Elder Willis reports that the work in Tahiti is moving forward because Church members follow the counsel of President Russell M Nelson to “gather Israel”.

“We have found that one hour of working with members and their friends is more effective than three hours on our own trying to find people to teach,” reflects Elder Willis.

He adds, “The Tahitian people are so friendly and generous. They feed us, they wave and smile, and stop us to ask questions.”

Elder Willis also takes advantage of opportunities to give back. He’s participated in relief projects for Tonga and helped pour cement foundations for homes in Tahiti.

Raised in a musical and athletic family in Cornwall, Elder Willis enjoys running along the beach for his morning exercise and has learned to play the ukulele.  Elder Willis says, “In addition to the people, and the food, I love the music of Tahiti. Music is part of my culture in Cornwall and now part of my teaching experiences in Tahiti.”

French is the official language of Tahiti and Elder Willis plans to learn it well enough so he can later provide humanitarian aid to other French-speaking areas in the world. Another goal is to be an example of a happy missionary so his younger siblings will also want to share the gospel.

He plans to go to university when he completes his mission but until then Elder Willis continues to share the light of the gospel of Christ.

His message is: “You don’t need a badge to be a missionary. Members and missionaries can work together and not be afraid. The field is white everywhere. We have a message of the Saviour that will change your life. Come and give it a go.”

Water