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Young single adult members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended recent meetings in Port Moresby and Lae with Mr. James Faustino, Director of Admissions from BYU Hawaii, the first-time ever visit to Papua New Guinea by an official of BYU-Hawaii. He came at the invitation of his close friend, President Finau Hafoka, President of the Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Mission.
The purpose of Mr. Faustino's visit was to bring a message of hope to the members and missionaries on how they can move forward in their lives through continuing education.
BYU-Hawaii is an accredited, private university owned by the Church that offers a high quality private education. In the presentations he made to the various audiences, Mr. Faustino pointed out to those in attendance that even though BYU-Hawaii is a private university, the Church provides a way for students to receive a quality private university education at a subsidised rate, allowing more to access higher education.
Aru Sarufa in anticipating Mr. Fautino's visit, shared, "I want to go to the meeting to find out what options are available for me. My husband has done his part and has his degree. I'd like to go back and get my degree as well."
Before and after his presentations, Mr. Faustino also spent a great deal of time in one-on-one interviews with many of the young people who sought his help. He gave counsel and instruction to them so that they knew exactly what would be required in order for them to apply for admission to BYU-Hawaii. He also answered many other questions relating to attendance and financial aid at the university. Moasope McCarthy, President of the Port Moresby Stake, and Self-reliance Manager for the Church in Papua New Guinea facilitated the meetings and accomodated for the interviews in his office.
Jonathan Liri met with James in a private interview and with a smile on his face commented after he was finished, "It's looking good to go to BYU Hawaii after the visit with James. I am really happy."