Elisabeth Avae, who is 78 years old, was born on the remote island of Rimatara in the Tubuaï Islands, some 400 miles [600 km] from Tahiti. Back in the 1960’s, she could not understand a word of French, but she was able to read and write Tahitian. After her marriage, she and her husband moved to Papeete. There she became acquainted with Bible truth through her eldest daughter, Marguerite, who had begun attending Christian meetings. Elisabeth also started to attend, along with her nine other children. And she did this despite strong opposition from her husband, who would throw all her clothes out of the house while she was at the meetings.

Back then, meetings were held in French, with some parts being translated into Tahitian from time to time. Elisabeth derived spiritual sustenance from the program by following along in her Tahitian Bible when scriptures were mentioned. The sister who studied with her used the booklet “This Good News of the Kingdom,” translating it orally from French into Tahitian while Elisabeth read the Scripture texts in her Bible. As a result, she made fine progress and was baptized in 1965. She, in turn, studied with others who spoke only Tahitian. She also taught her children, six of whom dedicated their lives to Jehovah, and some of her grandchildren, several of whom she raised herself.

One grandchild, Diana Tautu, has served at the Tahiti branch as a translator for the past 12 years. Says Diana: “I thank Grandmother for aiding me in acquiring a good knowledge of Tahitian. Now I am privileged to play a small part in helping others to receive life-saving spiritual food in their native tongue.”

[Picture on page 92]

Elisabeth Avae (seated) with her granddaughter Diana Tautu