At a time when leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been encouraging Latter-day Saints to aid refugees, members of the New Caledonia Mont-Dore Ward (congregation) of the Church had the experience of becoming involuntary refugees in their own country.
A local conference (ward conference) was scheduled for the weekend of 29-30 October. The conference began as usual with a leadership meeting. This was followed by a talent night involving the youth. In the midst of the program the bishop announced that the road between Mont-Dore and the capital Noumea had been closed due to clashes between police and armed youth.
As it unfolded, the road would remain closed for three days. The closure stranded some 40 members including missionaries and Church leaders and their families. Rising to the challenge, the bishop and other local leaders quickly took matters in hand. The chapel and members' homes were opened to the stranded members.
Not only did the local members provide food, shelter and in some cases medicine to those stranded by the roadblock, but there was a great feeling of peace and solidarity within the congregation, despite the troubles just 20 minutes from the Mont-Dore chapel.
Bishop Tidjine shared his 50th birthday cake with the “refugees,” and by Tuesday all were able to return to their homes either by boat or by car, many traveling in a self-organized convoy.
The service, leadership and prayers of those involved made this ward conference not only memorable, but an example of Christ-like care for those in need.