Latter-day Saint Interviewed on Catholic Radio Program, ‘Maria no te Hau,’ in French Polynesia  

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jean-Michel Carlson, was recently invited to speak on the radio program “Tell me about God in your life,” produced by Rai Chaze, writer and journalist.

Rai Chaze decided to ask a Latter-day Saint to speak on her radio show.

“I have always been impressed by the way The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high priority on families,” she said. “I also admire the way they live their faith."

Jean-Michel Carlson has served as a bishop (lay leader) of a Latter-day Saint congregation and as a stake president, a lay leader over multiple congregations (a stake). He serves in the temple where he is a sealer for marriages, and he has taught youth and young adults in the Church through the education programs the Church has, called seminary and institute.

Chaze’s first question was, “What is your bedside book and why?” He answered, “The Book of Mormon.” He explained how this book helps him solve his everyday life problems. Individuals from the book, such as Nephi, a prophet, are role models that influenced him.

When asked about his heroes of the Bible, he talked about Isaiah, Malachi and Peter, and explained the positive impact their teachings have had in his life.

Carlson shared the importance of family in his life, citing former president of the Church David O. McKay’s teaching: “No success can compensate for the failure in the home.” He then explained the central role of the eternal family in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“We believe that family is ordained of God and family relationships can last beyond this life. We can be sealed for all eternity thanks to the power of the priesthood,” he said.

Chaze asked how Carlson deepens his relationship with God and how he keeps it alive in his everyday life.

Carlson talked about the importance of praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving others.

To her inquiry “what scripture changed your life?” he shared James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.”

He explained how this verse also changed the life of Joseph Smith, who, after reading this scripture, prayed to know the truth, which led him to an experience in a grove of trees in which he saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

“To people who do not know God, what will you tell them?” His answer included his perception of and relationship with Heavenly Father: “God is our creator. He created this earth and worlds without numbers. We are his children. He loves us. He cares about you, about me, about each of his children.”

The concluding question from Chaze was, “Are you happy in ministering in the Church?” His response was clear: “I am. Completely. Because we are here to be happy.”

He ended with a quote from The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ in the Second book of Nephi, Chapter 2 verse 25: “Men are that they might have joy.”