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General Conference Airs for the First Time on National TV in Papua New Guinea
Twice a year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and interested friends gather to hear inspiring messages and music originating in Salt Lake City, Utah at our worldwide general conference. Senior leaders of the Church and others share messages on gospel principles or address significant issues of the day, with speakers encouraging individuals and families in their efforts to follow Jesus Christ.
In the past, Church members across the South Pacific would gather the weekend after each general conference to view its sessions together. Since this was not an option this time due to COVID-19 concerns, the Church arranged to broadcast the 190th Annual General Conference via television and radio in many areas, including Papua New Guinea.
The response was positive. “It was such a blessing to be able to watch this from home. Thank you to all the leaders of the Church for making this possible,” said Irene Leggett, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Papua New Guinea.
Her sentiments were echoed by members throughout PNG who were able to watch the five sessions of the conference at home for the first time. Ume Berebai wrote, “It’s a blessing to view general conference on our national television broadcast.” Rosa Tabel said, “What a blessing to hear the counsel of our leaders at the challenging times we face.”
Before the pandemic, it was a major sacrifice for many members in PNG to view the proceedings of general conference. Church members in Papua New Guinea had to travel to their stake center meetinghouses to watch conference via DVD. With 81 congregations and only two stakes, traveling to watch conference involved long distances, sometimes several hours. Transportation was often expensive, requiring great sacrifice. Travel across PNG is sometimes dangerous as well, as it is common for gangs to roam the roads and rob travelers.
Port Moresby Stake President Moasope Christian McCarthy said the televised conference was truly a blessing for Church members in Papua New Guinea. This sentiment was reflected in many of the comments on the stake’s Facebook page.
Andrew Arpa mentioned the feeling in his home during conference and expressed gratitude for a prophet of God on the earth today: “I felt completely different when my family entered our home and thank our Heavenly Father for the prophet to lead us with revelation.”
Expressing surprise at being able to watch general conference for the first time in Papua New Guinea, Ikal Salaiau posted on social media, “Wow EMTV???? That is amazing, the Lord surely wants all His children to hear him. Great blessing.”
Maxine Stephany Aihi’ came away from the conference motivated. “Watching the general conference on EMTV makes me want to serve the Lord.”