President of French Polynesia Visits Church Headquarters Noni fruit brought the president of French Polynesia, Oscar Manutahi Temaru, to Utah on business, but he left with a greater understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Along with his wife, children, and several cabinet members, President Temaru met with President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust of the First Presidency, in addition to receiving a tour of the Humanitarian Center, Welfare Square, Temple Square, and the Family History Library. “He had a nice visit with President Monson and President Faust,” said Elder and Sister Banks, directors of Church Hosting, who accompanied President Temaru's group. They said President Temaru stood up at lunch and spoke of his appreciation for the Church in French Polynesia, noting the buildings and the missionaries specifically. “He said he sees the missionaries working very hard, and they are different from other young men,” Sister Banks recalled. “He said they are nice and they are well organized.” The president said they were happy to see the new meetinghouse in their city, adding, “The Mormons are outstanding in our community,” Sister Banks said. Elder and Sister Banks noted that the president was interested in seeing the functions of Humanitarian Services and Welfare Square, and how the Church gathers, manages, and sends goods worldwide to those in need. It is something Elder and Sister Banks say fascinates most of their visitors. The Church hosts presidents, ambassadors, and delegates from countries all over the world, Elder Banks said. He pointed out Azerbaijan on the map of the world hanging in their office. The ambassador of the small country, which is squeezed between Iran and Russia along the Caspian Sea, recently toured Temple Square with Elder and Sister Banks, who can also add Tonga, Nigeria, Russia, Mali, and Mexico to the list of countries recently represented. Come June 2007, there will be 30,000 to 40,000 international delegates gathering in Salt Lake City for the annual Rotary International Convention, and Elder and Sister Banks are already looking forward to the event. They hope the visit will leave an impression on the delegates, as it did for President Temaru and his wife, Marie-Madeleine. “Both said over and over again that their visit to Utah was a real highlight of their visit to the United States,” read a letter from Bryant Wadsworth, President Temaru's business host in Utah. “They said their visit to Church headquarters was well worth the time and effort involved.”