(Compiled by Dennis B. Horne)
In 1964, I received an assignment to attend one stake conference in Samoa, two in New Zealand, and two in Australia. During the first month of that trip, I traveled with J. Vernon Sharp, during the second month with Junius Jackson, both from the Genealogy Committee. I represented the Welfare and Missionary Committees.
After
arriving in Samoa, we visited with the people, then participated in the various
sessions of conference. It was difficult to find anyone who spoke English with
the exception of the stake president, Percy, who was very fluent in English and
was a great help to us in talking with the Saints.
I was greatly impressed with the Saints in Samoa and felt tremendously handicapped having to use an interpreter. During the first couple of meetings, I went very slowly so the interpreter could keep up. It was difficult at first, but everyone seemed to understand his interpretation. And by the final Sunday session, we were able to speak at a normal rate. In the Sunday afternoon session, Brother Fitisemanu interpreted. I had just begun, when I noticed that everybody could understand me. So Brother Fitisemanu stopped interpreting. Many people throughout the large congregation nodded their heads as a signal that they understood.