April 1844–March 1852

Telii Serves the Lord

Building the Church in Tubuai

A woman named Telii lived on a small island called Tubuai. Missionaries from different churches sometimes visited Tubuai, but they usually didn’t stay very long. One day in 1844, Telii was excited to hear that missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had arrived at Tubuai.

Doctrine and Covenants 1:1; 133:8

The missionaries were on their way to some bigger islands. But the people in Tubuai wanted them to stay and teach the gospel. Telii and her husband, Nabota, said the missionaries could stay in their home. One of the missionaries, Addison Pratt, agreed.

Saints, 1:573–74

Telii and Nabota shared everything they had with Addison. They taught him to speak their language. Addison taught them about Jesus Christ.

The Holy Ghost told Telii and Nabota that the Savior’s gospel is true. They were the first people in Tubuai to be baptized.

Saints, 1:573–74

Telii, Nabota, and Addison became great friends. They traveled together and taught the gospel in Tubuai and other islands. When people tried to tell the Saints in Tubuai that they shouldn’t have joined the Church, Telii taught them from the scriptures that the Church is true.

Saints, 2:27, 45

Telii wanted to help more people in Tubuai learn the gospel of Jesus Christ. She set scriptures to music and invited large groups to sing with her in the evenings. Singing Telii’s songs helped many people learn from the scriptures and remember what they learned.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

Years later, more missionaries came to Tubuai, including Addison’s family. Telii welcomed them to her home. She worked with Addison’s wife, Louisa, to serve the women of Tubuai.

Saints, 2:133–34

After a while, the missionaries were forced to leave Tubuai and other islands. But Telii kept teaching and leading the Saints. Because of Telii’s example and service, the Church in Tubuai stayed strong.

Saints, 2:150–51