Turning the Hearts of Children Early Maori Leaders in the Mormon Church

What inspired so many Maori in the 1880s to question the mainstream churches and flock to an American religion the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon church? How did the Mormons encourage Maori leaders to pioneer the development of the Church in Aotearoa in the 20th century?Respectful and humble Mormon missionaries had a genuine love and appreciation of Maori. They learned the language, blessed children and administered to the sick, lived among the people, slept on raupo mats and ate the same food. Their church set standards that required sacrifice and commitment from converts, but unlike other missionaries, the Mormons did not reject traditional Maori socio-cultural mores. They shared reverence for family and genealogy and were guided by visions and dreams.This book discusses twelve influential men and women, all born in the 19th century, who joined the Mormon Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and became leaders. Each chapter is written by direct descendants of these rangatira, who by constructive attitude and action brought their people together and enabled them to embrace new concepts and move into a new century.

Featured in the 10 November 2014 New Zealand newsletter.
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