Changing of the Guard and Baptisms

We have had a change in the Branch leadership here on Kosrae.  A couple of weeks ago both of the branch presidents were released and new ones called.  Each of these men had served about 9 years as a Branch President.  These were good men and they have worked long and hard.  This is a difficult position as there are many challenges facing them in the islands, like few active priesthood holders, no phones to get easy communication with members, and lack of transportation(not many have cars).

Two new men, Sasaki George and Ben Alokoa were called as the Branch Presidents.  These men were serving as counselors in to previous presidencies.  President George has been a member less than two years and is well liked and respected by the members of his branch.  President Alokoa is a very humble and well like person also.  Both of these men hold down full-time jobs, one as an attorney and the other as a landscaper and groundskeeper for one of the resorts on the island.  We look forward to working with both of them.

Our first baptisms for this year!  It has been quite some time since we have had any baptisms here. On August 5th  we had two convert baptisms and 3 child of record baptisms.  It was a great day for the members on Kosrae.  We thought that the baptism was going to held in the ocean but we ran out of daylight hours because of the starting time.  The church has a baptismal font in the building which is very lovely.  It had been filled with water from the city, but it came in somewhat dirty and we weren't sure if we wanted to use it.  The baptism went off as scheduled and we used the font anyway and it turned out wonderful.  This will add two new members to the Lelu Branch and three new members to the Utwe Branch.  It is great to see the kingdom grow.