Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faithful in Samoa reflect on President Nelson's 2019 Visit

SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson is being remembered around the world and in the islands of the South Pacific, where his visit in 2019 left a lasting impression. One woman said she and her family remember his visit, and continue to feel Nelson's influence to this day. For Reid, seeing Nelson was life-changing. She and her husband, Adney, were in Samoa in 2019, when he was serving as a stake president. Today, they lead the Samoa Apia Mission and live in Pesega, the very place where Nelson once stood. To them, it’s sacred ground. Excitement built in Apia. Hundreds lined the streets, hoping for a glimpse of Nelson. Reid and her family flew in from American Samoa; they didn’t want to miss it. “He was in a black mini-van, and it was just a tiny little window, just big enough for his head," Reid said. She caught the prophet’s wave in a split second. “My kids were making fun of me because I was bawling," she said. "I just said ‘Hi,’ and my voice cracked.” Later that evening, Reid and her husband saw him again. This time at a devotional in Pesega, near the Apia Samoa Temple. It had poured all day. “Everybody was just ready to sit in the rain,” Reid said. Just before Nelson took the podium, the rain stopped. Reid said he thanked them for their faith. “The Spirit was so strong,” she said. Nelson urged families to care for their children. “Later that year, Samoa would be struck with measles and many children, I think over 80 children, would die. I really believe what Sister Sheri Dew said that the prophet sees around corners,” Reid said. The most touching moment, she said, came as members sang farewell. “We sang Tofa Mai Feleni which is a farewell song,” Reid said. She made sure to capture the memory. “It was just incredible and beautiful,” Reid said. The crowd sang to the prophet to help him remember Apia. “The singing, that’s what speaks to my heart when I think of the saints in Samoa," Reid said. "The way that they sang for their prophet and thanking God for him ... it’s just something I could never forget.” Today, the Reids live in Pesega, where President Nelson once spoke. They serve as mission leaders. With news of his passing, they reflect on the two temples he brought to the islands and vow to carry on his example of faith. “He has always shown so much love for the people in the islands and the people in the Pacific," Reid said. "The people in Samoa love the prophet.” President Nelson’s visit to Samoa was part of a larger tour of the South Pacific in 2019. And now, years later, Reid said his influence continues to shape their mission work, as more nonmembers ask about temples, prophets and the faith he so passionately shared.

Related topics