Europe/Mediterranean Area

LDS included in display

PARIS, FRANCE - An exhibition at the Paris City Hall representing various religions, including the Latter-day Saints, was shown from June 11 to July 4. About 9,800 people attended.

The Church display included large photographs, handmade items such as quilts and pillows, a book of remembrance, family photographs, home canning items, microfilm, family history items and information, copies of the Book of Mormon in various languages, and other materials.

Civic leaders printed invitations, posters and pamphlets to announce the event.

Pacific AreaTeaches carving in homeland

NUKU'ALOFA, TONGA - Tuione Pulotu, 53, the man who carved the throne for Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, recently returned to Tonga from Hawaii at government request to instruct Tongan woodcarvers.

Brother Pulotu held a week of classes, teaching some 30 woodcarvers who attended each day. "I feel the class was very successful," he said.

Brother Pulotu, high priests group leader in the Kahuku 3rd Ward, Laie Hawaii North Stake, frequently visits his homeland at the request of the royal family. He is an independent craftsman whose primary client is the Church's Polynesian Cultural Center.

Brother Pulotu, who learned to carve in Tonga as a child, was called on a building mission to Hawaii in 1960 to help build the Polynesian Cultural Center.

South America North AreaChoir joins celebration

MARACAIBO, VENEZUELA - The Maracaibo Mormon Choir was invited to join choirs of three universities and a bank in presenting Handel's Messiah here. The presentation was sponsored by a major local bank celebrating its 110th anniversary.

Director of the Maracaibo Mormon Choir is Ramon Ibanez, choir instructor at several colleges.

The choirs gave two performances in an auditorium that was packed both times. One performance was recorded and later broadcast on FM radio.

The musical and cultural efforts by the local members boosted missionary work, according to leaders.

Brazil Area

Station broadcasts videos

RODONIA, BRAZIL - TV Vilhena, a television station here, recently telecast the Church videos "Together Forever" and "Our Heavenly Father's Plan" to the delight of area missionaries. The city of Rodonia is located in the state of Rodonia, which is tucked between Bolivia and the Brazilian state of Amazonas in the Brazilian interior.

The broadcast, which occurred on a holiday, was also aired to 150,000 people in nearby cities of Cerejeiras, Colorado, Calixi and Vilhena in the state of Rondonia. Missionaries found a positive response to the telecast.

South America South Area

Help maintain health

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - Health service missionaries Sisters Linda Cottel and Lynn Marie Gray perform a valuable service in the Paraguay Asuncion Mission as they advise missionaries and members on health matters, said Pres. Richard J. Russell, recently released as mission president.

"Missionary health problems are usually preventable," explained Sister Gray. "Attitude plays a great part in it. We have missionaries with such great attitudes.

Sister Cottel added that giving advice to prevent illnesses is the primary medical service they perform.

But "the most rewarding part to me is just being a missionary. Serving the Lord and finding His lost ones brings with it trials as well as blessings, and a very satisfying feeling. My medical experience hasn't always been needed, but my testimony has been."

North America Southwest Area

Members join `Clean Sweep'

LONGVIEW, TEXAS - Members of three wards here were among an estimated 2,000 volunteers participating in the fourth annual Operation Clean Sweep, a community service project designed to clean up and fix up homes in less-fortunate neighborhoods.

About 30 members from the Longview 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wards recently took part in this year's project. The members tore down an old storage building, built a new one, and performed a variety of tasks at homes where they were assigned, including installing new windows and screens.

This is the second year members have participated in the community service project, which draws volunteers primarily from businesses, churches and civic groups. The members' participation was coordinated by the stake public affairs council.

North America Southeast Area

Missionaries put talents to work

MACON, GA. - A couple missionary serving in the Georgia Macon Mission has put their teaching talents to good work by volunteering as tutors for Project Read.

Elder Ray T. and Sister Val C. Wilcox, public affairs missionaries, work once a week with adult students. The teaching comes naturally as Sister Wilcox taught for 20 years as a second grade teacher and Elder Wilcox is a recently retired BYU secondary education professor.

"There are times when Elder Wilcox and I wonder what good these infinitesimal drops of effort can make in the bottomless bucket of need," Sister Wilcox said. "Then we remind ourselves that all things come from small things."

North America West Area

Youth host Special Olympics

MORENO VALLEY, CALIF. - The young men and young women of the Moreno Valley California Stake hosted a county-wide Special Olympics recently as part of their youth conference.

More than 200 youth supervised the track and field events, in which 75 athletes, who were mostly non-LDS, participated.

After the competition's closing ceremonies, the youth conducted a testimony meeting. One after another expressed their love for their fellow human beings.

One young man, Ron Buchheit, a priest in the Mountain View Ward, said that working with the Special Olympics had taught him that "unconditional love is possible."

School Supt. Robert Lee, who helped the youth gain permission to use the track and field of Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, said, "It was truly an outstanding day. I can't think of any better way to christen the Valley View stadium than with an event having as much excitement and love."

Utah Central Area

Cubs against drugs

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - The Great Salt Lake Council Cub Power Chorus performed in Washington D.C. July 4 as part of the National Festival and Parade.

The group, consisting of more than 30 Cub Scouts who are mostly LDS, was formed four years ago to sing out for patriotism and against drug abuse. They sang in the opening parade festivities, telecast nationwide on CNN, and then participated in the parade. They later performed at Pershing Park.

The previous day, the Cubs had helped lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and performed at the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial Plaza.

"This was an outstanding opportunity for growth and a terrific chance to represent Utah and the Boy Scouts of America," said Donna Wagstaff, chorus director, a member of the Wandamere Ward, Salt Lake Granite Park Stake.

Utah South Area

Trying to be like Jesus

OREM, UTAH - A special Primary for hearing- impaired children in the Orem Utah Sharon Stake recently took part in a program, "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked."

A short lesson was presented, giving the children an overview of the Savior's life. Music included such songs as "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus." A relay game had the children try their ability at carpentry, and a tasting time let them taste different foods similar to those Jesus may have eaten.

"The children can't hear, but I can tell they understand by the expression on their faces," said Sister Margaret Wilde, stake Primary president.

"Joey, an 11-year-old boy who cannot voice his prayers, wants to know if Heavenly Father can hear them. I realize how wonderful this Primary is when I see children taught gospel principles through methods that help them understand. It is through the Spirit that these children are taught of a loving Father in Heaven."

Readers from around the world are invited to submit news items and photos for this feature on Church events worldwide. Submissions should include a telephone number of someone who can be contacted for additional information. Items should be mailed to Church News, "From Around the World," P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2121.