March 20, 7:22am (NZ time)

A wonderful note that a missionary Mom got:
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So just so you all know things are ok and we are all ok here.  There has been some damage but still not too sure what is happening around Vanuatu yet because the phone lines are all down right now and we were lucky to find some internet today at a school here…the only place in Malekula that has internet right now, so I have a little time to write this letter.  They have told us that there is another one that is on its way, but whatever happens we will be safe and there is no need to worry.  All the missionaries in each island met in a central and safe location before the cyclone, and us in Malekula stayed safe in a brick house.  It has been quite the experience, but we still don’t know too much of what has happened or will happen because the phone lines being down, but things will always press forward and there is a purpose in all this for the work of the Lord.  Throughout this hard time, people will begin to remember their Father in Heaven again, and be more open to the missionaries.  This I know, we must always look on the positive side of all things and I just want you to know we are safe and don’t worry! I have definitely felt your prayers and your love and God’s love.  I am grateful for you guys and the love of the Lord. Love you!

p.s.  No worries mama, I’m alright :)

Mom:  Just goes to show the strength and resilience of these missionaries!  They feel the love of the Lord, and his guiding hand and protection!  So grateful for all those who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well being of our sons and daughters!  Thank you!

March 19, 7:08pm (NZ time)

Latter-day Saint missionaries from the island of Tanna after flying into Port Vila on 19 March 2015. 11 missionaries endured the brunt of Cyclone Pam along with other residents on the island.

March 19, 4:01pm (NZ time)

NEWS RELEASE - AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — 19 March 2015, 4.01pm

All Latter-day Saint missionaries in the Vanuatu Port Vila Mission are now accounted for, safe and well. The 11 Latter-day Saint missionaries who were on the Vanuatu island of Tanna when Cyclone Pam hit last weekend are now back in Port Vila. The six missionaries on the island of Ambae are also accounted for and safe. Where possible, missionaries throughout the nation are distributing food and other supplies to communities in need, and assisting people in other ways.

March 19, 3:51pm (NZ time)

From Sister Smith (missionary couple in Vanuatu) to a Mom of one of the missionaries on Ambae:   The Zone Leaders returned from Ambae last night and the missionaries are doing well.  The missionaries have resumed their normal activities and are moving forward.  Nice news! We did send about 2,600 lbs of rice and flour to Ambae.  Many gardens were wiped out.  At the big market house here there are plenty of pomplemoose. (giant grapefruit) and root vegetables.  Most of the bananas went down so the food shortage may occur in a month or so when new crops are not ripe. Your sons were given a small amount of money (cards do not work) but it will not carry them too far. President Mahit is hoping to go to Ambae by plane this weekend for Church business but the planes are not flying to Ambae currently. We will check on banking this morning.  Everyone here is calm. These people know how to live without much. Your sons do also.

March 19, 1:50pm (NZ time)

Members in New Zealand will be putting 2,000 food boxes together this weekend. The boxes will be assembled by "Mormon Helping Hands" volunteers from the Mt Roskill Stake. The Church has chartered an Air New Zealand plane to transport 700 of the boxes this Monday. The remaining 1,300 boxes will be sent via commercial flights next week. The food selections were done by members in Vanuatu.

March 19, 12:44pm (NZ time)

The six Tanna elders as well as the assistants to the president will return today. The schedule is to load the food on the plane in Port Vila at 10am and be back to Port Vila about 2pm. The missionaries will turn this second plane load of food over to President Moukura.

While staying in the school, in Tanna, the police asked the missionaries to be responsible for morning and evening devotionals which were conducted by zone leader Elder Beynon. The devotionals consisted of invocation, hymn, gospel message and benediction.

March 19, 10:30am (NZ time)

The Mission Home has power now.  That was some great news to hear!