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A Day of Miracles in the Jungle
Hundreds of Latter-day Saints, friends, and new converts gathered at the Bangaho River in southeastern Papua New Guinea on June 14, 2025, for a truly historic event. In a scene reminiscent of the Waters of Mormon, one hundred and seven disciples of Jesus Christ stepped into the clear river waters to be baptized. This sacred moment became the largest group baptism in the country’s history, and a powerful testament to the faith and dedication of Papua New Guinea’s growing membership.
“It is a miracle of faith. These people love God. They desire to come unto Christ and that is the miracle we see.”
– Elder Taniela B. Wakolo
A New Stake and a Growing Church
Directly after the baptisms, Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy and member of the Pacific Area presidency, organized the Oro Papua New Guinea Stake. This became the nation’s fifth stake and the very first in the remote province of Oro. With hundreds present, the local Popondetta chapel could not hold the crowd, so volunteers quickly set up rows of tents, while others watched remotely from distant villages through internet broadcasts.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“The prophet Joseph Smith prophesied that the Church would fill the earth. Although Papua New Guinea and the people living their lives here have many challenges, you wouldn’t know it if you spoke to them. That’s the nature of their faith. They believe the Lord will bless them and we will see the Church flourish and grow here because of their faith.”
– Elder Jared V. Ormsby
Generations of Faith: From Prophets to Local Leaders
This new stake has deep spiritual roots. President Tossip Salaiau, the newly sustained stake president, was only a teenager in 1991 when then-Elder Russell M. Nelson (now President of the Church) presided over the groundbreaking for the first meetinghouse in Popondetta. Thirty-four years later, that original chapel is now being replaced with a larger stake center to serve the growing body of Saints.
President Salaiau’s younger sister, Chimolen Tererembo, who once stood beside him at that original groundbreaking, now serves as stake Relief Society president. Their story is a powerful symbol of multi-generational faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophetic promises in Papua New Guinea.
Baptisms Bring Book of Mormon Scenes to Life
Missionaries and seasoned members led families and friends to the river, calling to mind the Book of Mormon’s account of Alma baptizing at the Waters of Mormon. On this occasion, 107 new converts entered into covenants with the Lord, joining a church community that has multiplied rapidly in recent years.
Just a year ago, Papua New Guinea counted only two stakes. Now, five thriving stakes serve over forty-one thousand Saints, with many more accepting the gospel each month. Church leaders attribute this momentum to the deep anticipation for the nation’s first temple, which is currently under construction in the capital city of Port Moresby.
Looking to the Temple and the Future
Elder Wakolo reminded the Saints of what truly anchors disciples in times of adversity. He taught that covenants with God bring confidence and peace to all who build their lives on the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When President Nelson announced the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple in April 2019, it was received as an answer to decades of faithful prayer. The temple’s construction is already strengthening the faith of individuals and families across the country. In May, children from the Sabusa Branch persuaded their parents to take them to see the rising temple with their own eyes—a clear sign of a new generation eager to embrace the blessings of the gospel.
“The key to this is really the leaders and the members focusing on the house of the Lord. When construction of the temple in Port Moresby is complete and the temple is dedicated, it will have a tremendous impact on the growth of the Church in Papua New Guinea.”
– Elder Taniela B. Wakolo
A Temple-Ready Nation
The story of Papua New Guinea’s Saints is a story of transformation, sacrifice, and unwavering hope. The faith of this nation’s rising generation is turning prayers into reality and building a foundation for future growth. With the temple nearly complete and new stakes being organized, the Church in Papua New Guinea stands ready to enter a new era of spiritual strength and unity.
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Papua New Guinea Saints Focused on the Temple as Many Are Baptized and a New Stake Is Created
