Free resources about the Tahiti Papeete Mission:
- Mission address and phone number
- Mission map
- Video interviews with returned missionaries
- Missionary blogs
- Facebook groups
- List of past mission presidents
- Cultural articles written by returned missionaries
- Survey with RMs
Tahiti Papeete Mission Address
Here’s a recent address for the Tahiti Papeete Mission. We try to keep this information up to date, but it’s a good idea to check the address with several sources, including your mission packet or the mission office.
Tahiti Papeete Mission
L’Eglise de Jesus-Christ des Saints des
Derniers-Jours, B.P. 93, Mission Mormone,
Cours de L’Union Sacree
Papeete Tahiti 98714, Polynesie Francaise
Phone Number: 689-40-50-55-25
Mission President: President Steven R. Fox
Tahiti Papeete Mission Map
Here’s a link to the mission map for the Tahiti Papeete Mission (LDS). To access the official, up-to-date LDS.org map for the Papeete Mission:
Videos with Tahiti Papeete RMs
Here are in-depth YouTube video interviews with returned missionaries from the Papeete Mission. We interview hundreds of returned missionaries each year, so check back regularly to see new RM interviews.
Tahiti Papeete Missionary Blogs
Here’s a list of Latter-day Saint missionary blogs for the Papeete Mission. This list includes the missionary’s name, URL and when their blog was updated.
*Email alexbalinski@gmail.com to add your blog to the list.
Tahiti Papeete Mission Groups
Here are Papeete Mission Groups- for LDS missionary moms, returned missionaries, mission presidents and other alumni of the Papeete Mission.
- Tahiti Papeete Mission LDS/SDJ (590 members)
- Our Tahiti Papeete Missionaries (451 members)
- Anciens Missionnaires Papeete Mission (169 members)
- Tahiti Papeete Mission (154 members)
- Tahiti Papeete Missionaries (43 members)
- Papeete Mission – President Larson (1981-84) (42 members)
Tahiti Papeete Mission Presidents
Here’s a list of current and past Mission Presidents of the Papeete Mission.
- 2017-2020, Steven R. Fox
- 2014-2017, Pierre Bize
- 2011-2014, Benjamin T. Sinjoux
- 2008-2011, Matthew A. Smith
- 2005-2008, T. Marama Tarati
- 2002-2005, William Joseph Welsh III
- 1999-2002, Ralph A. Andersen
- 1996-1999, Tekehu Munanui
- 1993-1996, Victor Dwight Cave
- 1993-1993, Phillip T. Sonntag
- 1992-1993, Samuel D. Richards
- 1989-1992, Yves R. Perrin
- 1987-1989, George F. Hilton
- 1984-1987, Stephen L. Graham
- 1981-1984, C. Jay Larson
- 1978-1981, G. Wayner Mack
- 1975-1978, Raymond Baudin
- 1972-1975, Joseph E. Childers
- 1971-1972, Karl M. Richards
- 1969-1971, Ralph John Richards
- 1966-1969, Karl M. Richards
- 1963-1966, Thomas R. Stone
- 1960-1963, Kendall W. Young
- 1958-1960, Joseph R. Reeder
- 1956-1958, Ellis V. Christensen
- 1954-1955, Larson Caldwell
- 1953-1954, John K. Orton
- 1952-1953, Othello Pierce
- 1950-1952, LeRoy Mallory
- 1949-1950, Franklin J. Fullmer
- 1945-1949, Edgar Bentley Mitchell, Jr.
- 1941-1944, Ernest C. Rossiter
- 1940-1940, Eugene M. Cannon
- 1938-1940, Kenneth Richards Stevens
- 1938-1938, W. Dean Palmer
- 1937-1938, Thomas L. Woodbury
- 1933-1937, LeRoy Mallory
- 1931-1933, George W. Burbidge
French Polynesia LDS Statistics (2015)
- Church Membership: 24,755
- Missions: 1
- Temples: 1
- Congregations: 88
- Family History Centers: 17
Helpful Articles about Tahiti
Tahiti Papeete Missionary Survey
Here are survey responses from Tahiti Papeete RMs, to give you a snapshot into what it’s like to live in the mission.
*Click here to take a survey to help pre-missionaries going to your mission.
When did you serve?
- June 2014 – December 2015 (Ciara)
- 2013-2015 (Emily)
- 2013-2015 (Brandon)
- 2011-2012 (Tania)
- 2010-2012 (Josh)
- 1978-1980 (Jean-Paul)
Which areas did you serve in?
- Papeete, Taravao, Tipaerui, and Manihi. (Emily)
- Tavararo, Bora Bora, Outumaoro, Tubuai. (Brandon)
- Pamatai, Oremu, Moorea, Raiatea, Paea, Papara. (Tania)
- Tubuai, Taravao, Bora-Bora… (Jean-Paul)
What were some favorite foods?
- Poisson cru, sashimi, fruit, sushi, steak frite. (Ciara)
- Poisson cru, Cabonara, Ragout, and Steak frites. (Emily)
- Poisson cru (raw fish with veggies, lemon juice, and coconut milk) and poulet riti (chicken on rice). (Brandon)
- Maa tinito, feia, poison cru chinois, sashimi, casse croute poulet frit avec sauce noir ou roquefort, every Tahitian food but fafaru. (Tania)
- Poisson Cru, Fafaru, Sashimi, Maa Tahiti. Everything!! 🙂 (Josh)
- Fish (Jean-Paul)
What was a funny experience?
- One night, I woke up around 3am in our apartment. I went downstairs to get a glass of water. Sitting on the couch, I sipped my water and thought I heard something fall on the floor. Looking over, I saw a lizard not to far from me. I then looked at the ceiling and saw about 15-20 lizards on the ceiling that would occasionally lose their grip and fall down!! It was indeed raining lizards, hahaha. (Ciara)
- My companion was afraid of the cows in Taravao and panicked when they came down the hill. (Emily)
- Randomly speaking perfect Tahitian to a group of adults and watching the shock on their face. (Brandon)
- Funniest was when I braked so hard going down a steep hill that I ate it and rolled into one of the ditches. (Tania)
- We were doing a little bit of tracting and an old lady started chasing us with her broom yelling in Tahitian. She couldn’t move fast, but she was determined. (Josh)
What was a crazy experience?
- Riding into a street on our bikes, my companion and I were scared to death by a dog who had been in the bushes, who jumped out and nearly bit my ankle. One of his teeth grazed my ankle and took some skin off, but it didn’t draw blood. My companion had turned around and I had sped up, so the dog was now in between us, foaming at the mouth. My companion refused to budge so I got off my bike, grabbed a rock and proceeded to walk by him. As I passed he came at me again. I yelled at him and rose the rock to throw it…he stopped immediately and ran away. (Ciara)
- Chased by dogs ALL THE TIME! (Emily)
- Riding my bike down big, bumpy hills. (Brandon)
- Trekking through the rough river to get to other side for a lesson. (Tania)
- I was on one of the Motu’s in the Tuamotus, when the earthquake hit Japan. I was on a ring of sand about three feet above water, maybe 10 feet at the highest point (a man-made dike by one of the churches). There was a tsunami heading towards us and we just hung out with members, ready to try and ride out the storm. Luckily the wave never hit us and we were able to continue on. (Josh)
- Bicycle under the rain (Jean-Paul)
What was a spiritual experience?
- Through the miraculous help of a member, we had received a reference for someone living in an apartment building. We climbed up to his door and knocked. He opened the door with his sister and the were both drunk and high on drugs. Their jaws dropped in seeing us at their door as they said “how did the Lord find us in Babylon?” Turns out they were inactive members! They let us in and we chatted. He was pretty rude and hard hearted with us. I felt inspired to share a scripture in 1 Nephi 21:14-16. This big ol’ drunk tough guy started crying and asked if there was truly a redemption for people like him. We took turns, my companion and I, testifying to him and bearing personal witness that there indeed is. (Ciara)
- Everyday, I saw little miracles as people were able to change their lives and feel the Savior’s love. (Emily)
- Teaching the first vision in Tahitian. (Brandon)
- I had so many spiritual experiences during the mission. I believe it was during a baptism of our 71 years old Papy Teavi in Avera rahi, Raiatea. Original the plan was for him to be baptized in the fresh water pool by his home. That day it rained so hard. The fresh water pool was over flowing too fast with the rain water that we had to move the baptism back down to the chapel. The water was rushing down fast which caused some of the roads to be flooded as well as the parking lot at the chapel. All the members came to support with all the rain. As we all walked outside to the baptismal font with Papy Teavi, the rain literally stopped and the sun came up shining on him. I started to cry as well as my companion because we knew that the Savior was helping us. As soon as his baptism ordinance was over with it rained again. Papy Teavi said it was Heavenly Father crying tears of joy because he has finally returned. (Tania)
- In my second to last area (Faa’a) we started teaching a young girl after her aunt (a member) recommended her. As we taught her, her father and brother became interested and we started teaching them. The father had more faith than anyone else I had met. Before we even taught the Word of Wisdom, he told us that he knew that smoking and drinking was bad for the body and so he gave it up, on the spot. When his wife wasn’t showing interest, he told us not to worry, she would come around and they would be sealed as a family. He did not waver even once and eventually (after my mission) she began taking the lessons and later joined The Church. (Josh)
- Tahitian people have FAITH (Jean-Paul)
What are some interesting facts about the Papeete Mission?
- Loved ones are often buried in the front yard. Everyone is greeted with two kisses on the cheek. Their form of hello, “Ia ora na,” is actually wishing life to the person. (Ciara)
- First foreign language mission. (Emily)
- It is always warm! (Brandon)
- It can go from dumping buckets of rain to perfect sunshine in a matter of seconds, and vice-versa. The people are very friendly and religious- most will at least talk to you. There are a large number of people who are members, but have been inactive and so have forgotten. The Reformed Church of Christ (Sanito- formerly the rLDS faith) has many members, most will know The Book of Mormon by heart in French and Tahitian. Teaching them is fun but difficult. (Josh)
What was the weather like?
- Delightful. (Ciara)
- Hot, humid, and crazy rain in December-January And the presqu’isle. (Emily)
- Perfect weather all year round. (Brandon)
- Lots of sun. The seasons are different from the United States. Summer time is our fall and their winter is our summer. (Tania)
- Sunny and rainy basically sums it up. It’s always fairly warm and very humid. I wish I could go back. (Josh)
- Hot (Jean-Paul)
Any things you really like about the area/people?
- They give and give and give and give, even if they have nothing. (Ciara)
- The people are so so loving and welcoming. (Emily)
- The people are really kind and generous. (Brandon)
- I love everything about my mission, even the people. (Tania)
- The love they have for everyone. I loved getting to know the people, even if it was for a short time, I miss them more than anything else. I loved the fresh fruit that could be found and the willingness of people to help. The mission is hard, but the people and place make it worth it. (Josh)
- Humility (Jean-Paul)
Any packing/clothing advice?
- Bring simple jewelry, workout v necks for daily shirts, simple single colored skirts and flip flops. (Ciara)
- Tee shirts! Don’t buy blouses you won’t want to wear them. And flip flops are all you need. (Emily)
- No silk ties. Don’t bring anything you’re not willing to trade or give away. (Brandon)
- Comfortable shoes for walking that will last. (Tania)
- Good sandals that will withstand walking/biking. Mostly short sleeve shirts, you won’t need your suit after you’ve landed on the island (the Mission President will take it and give it back when you go home). Take diarrhea medication and a good bike. (Josh)
What blessings did you receive from serving a mission?
- My family was blessed and I was changed. I met people who I know I knew before this life. (Ciara)
- I know without a doubt that God is real and very aware of us and those we love. I am much more aware of Gods hand in my life. (Emily)
- I personally learned a lot about myself and about how God works. (Brandon)
- The blessings that I have received from serving a mission is the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Before the mission I didn’t really know as much but being on the mission, it pushed me to my limits to know for myself why I believe so much in this gospel. Which continues to bless me at home, in my career, my callings, and especially in my relationships. (Tania)
- Impossible to count. One of the biggest for me is an ability to be more patient (I’m still working on it, but I gained a lot of patience there). The blessings are endless. 🙂 (Josh)
- Strong testimony of my Savior. (Jean-Paul)
What are some skills you gained?
- Work ethic skills, cooking skills, budgeting skills, French!! Personal study skills. Coconut picking skills. Braiding and weaving skills. (Ciara)
- Driving a stick shift, interpersonal skills, foreign language skills, and scripture study skills. (Emily)
- I learned French and Tahitian. I learned many great things about talking to people. (Brandon)
- I learned to be more confident with others by being more vocal. (Tania)
- Speaking French. Working with difficult people (both companions and investigators). (Josh)
What do you wish you knew/did at the beginning of your mission?
- I wish I knew how to better cope with culture clashes. (Ciara)
- I wish I had been less afraid of being me. I wanted to be like my trainer, but the people I taught didn’t need my trainer they needed my testimony. (Emily)
- Trust the locals except for their medical advice. (Brandon)
- I wish I knew to pack more mosquito repellents. (lol) (Tania)
- I wish I knew that not every missionary or trainer is perfect, but you can still learn a lot. Also, that no matter how well you think you know the languages, you know nothing until you get to the islands. It’ll take a while, but you’ll be able to understand- patience. (Josh)
Any advice/testimony for pre-missionaries going to Tahiti?
- Have your own mission. Live your own mission. Love your own mission. Do not compare your efforts or numbers or success, to others. You will live the perfect mission that Heavenly Father wants you to have when you can allow Him to bless YOU in His own way. (Ciara)
- Have faith! At the end of the day if you do what you can it will all work out. (Emily)
- Enjoy it. It’s not easy and the culture shock is real. But it is a beautiful place to be. (Brandon)
- Have faith in yourself and in the work that you will be doing. When you leave home you will get homesick, you will feel inadequate, defeat, but just remember that you knew what you were doing when you decided to serve. Choose which type of missionary you will be. Just know that Heavenly Father will always bless us when we are being obedient. “Obedience to the exactness brings blessings” -President Sinjoux. (Tania)
- Go with a heart ready to love and serve the people. Trust in the Lord and trust in your mission president- he’s always aware of what you are struggling with and everything he does is for a reason (even when you can’t see it). Love the people. (Josh)
What was a funny language mistake?
- Benir is to bless and blesses is to hurt… I promised someone that God would hurt them…instead of bless them. Oops! (Ciara)
- I misunderstood reflexive verbs at the beginning and on accident wrote something bad on the board during English class. (Emily)
- I made a mistake of saying “couchon” (pig) instead of “cushion” for my bike chair. (Tania)
- Any attempt to speak Tahitian in the first few months is a funny language mistake. The people love when you speak it, it earns their respect even if it’s not very good. Tahitian is beautiful, but easy to make mistakes in. (Josh)