A missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has successfully completed his two-year mission after serving in not one but three countries due to the challenges caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Called a "Return Missionary" by members of the church, Elder Fiti Moala, 24, was released this weekend by President Jason Joseph, leader of the Apia Samoa Central Stake where Elder Moala holds membership in the Vaimoso Ward.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, President Joseph said Mr. Moala was initially called to serve in the Ghana Mumasi Mission in Africa.

However, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in early 2020, all missionaries of the church were called by church leadership in Salt Lake City, Utah, to return to their home countries.

"So he served in Ghana Kumasi Mission for one year from 2019 to 2020. When the pandemic happened they were sent home. Everyone had to go home. They came through Australia because that was the only route they could travel. New Zealand's borders were closed at the time," said President Joseph.

"So he got stuck in Australia and served there for a number of months. He served with other missionaries and they worked there in the Australia Melbourne Mission while they waited for New Zealand's borders to open so they could come home."

When New Zealand opened its borders, Elder Moala and other missionaries finally returned home to Samoa.

But for Mr. Moala, his mission was not quite complete. 

He served an additional six months in the Samoa Apia Mission.

"He returned last year and served another six months or so," President Joseph said.

"It was tough but it's [a] blessing."

Samoa Observer inquiries sent to Elder Moala on Facebook did not receive a response.

Elder Moala was released with honour from his calling as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Friday, 12 March, 2021.

President Joseph congratulated him for completing what was an unpredictable and challenging mission. 

"Congratulations Elder Fiti Moala. Well done thou good and faithful servant. You have blessed the lives of so many in Ghana Kumasi Mission, Australia Melbourne Mission and Samoa Apia Mission. Wow. What a blessing to serve in three missions in a global pandemic. Proud of you and your faith and love of God," he said.