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Children Lead the Way to Papua New Guinea's Rising Temple

Young members of a small congregation in Papua New Guinea inspire their families to visit the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple, which is under construction.

Construction work continues on the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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As construction of Papua New Guinea’s first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues in the capital city of Port Moresby, young Church members in the rural village of Sabusa asked their parents if they could make the long drive as a group to see the temple rising in their country.

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints allow members to take part in the faith’s most sacred ordinances, including “sealings,” where family members are united as eternal families.

Children gather in the Church of Jesus Christ's Sabusa meetinghouse prior to their trip to the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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When children in the village’s small congregation, known as a "branch," asked if they could visit the temple construction site, Branch President Raymond Liri said that the impact was felt throughout his congregation.

Sabusa Branch President Raymond Liri visits the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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"One way or another, this temple trip has helped us minister to everyone in the branch... When the commitment of their children is so strong, it has inspired their parents.”

President Raymond Liri, Sabusa Branch, Gerehu District

On 18 May, 2025, the opportunity to see the temple arrived. Two vans carried the children and parents over both dirt and paved roads into Port Moresby and the temple construction site.   

Sabusa Branch children were excited to be on their way to see the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The children had their pictures taken near the temple, and learned how the house of the Lord helps unite families and bring them closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sabusa Branch members point to the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple during their visit to the temple construction site. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Nine-year-old Patricia Greg said that just seeing the temple helped her feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. "I'm happy here," she said. "Being here makes me feel joyful."

Eleven-year-old Jacob Ramana said, “It was good to come to the temple today. My heart is pumping a little bit. I’m really happy.”

Patricia Greg is thrilled to see a temple being built in her native land. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Sabusa Branch member Jacob Ramana says he can't wait to be old enough to enter the temple. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Work is progressing on the temple construction; no date for the temple dedication has been announced yet. However, through the efforts of the children of the Sabusa Branch, the temple is already strengthening families and their faith in God and Jesus Christ.

A child in the Sabusa Branch works to complete a puzzle revealing the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple.
A child in the Sabusa Branch works to complete a puzzle revealing the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple.
A young member of the Sabusa Branch works on a puzzle picture of the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple. © 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Note: All visits to the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Temple must be arranged in advance. Visitors can view the temple from outside the fenced-off construction site. Please call +675 7155 2031 for more information.

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.