The Other Side of Heaven

As the 1950s begin, John Groberg graduates from Brigham Young University and embarks on a transformative three-year journey to the Pacific Island nation of Tonga, guided by his faith. Throughout this significant period, he and his fiancée, Jean, maintain a heartfelt correspondence, exchanging letters every 30 days that serve as a lifeline, bridging their emotional distance. Upon reaching Tonga, Groberg finds himself in a remote archipelago alongside his Tongan friend Feki (Joe Folau). As a novice missionary, he encounters the daunting challenges of mastering the local language and immersing himself in Tongan culture.

Despite the numerous obstacles he faces, Groberg demonstrates remarkable perseverance. A simple misstep leaves him susceptible to nighttime rodent attacks on his bare feet, while warnings from a local minister prove unfounded when Feki intervenes to thwart an assault by four men. Among these assailants, Tomasi, who had been baptized into the LDS Church as a child, becomes an unexpected source of enlightenment for Groberg, sharing his redemptive conversion story that reflects the strength of faith.

Groberg’s compassion and dedication to his mission are tested when a young boy suffers a fall from a mango tree, prompting him to spring into action, providing emergency aid and prayers for the boy’s recovery. He also confronts temptation when a young woman attempts to seduce him; instead of yielding, he chooses to enlighten her about the sanctity of marriage. When a catastrophic typhoon wreaks havoc on the island, decimating trees, homes, and crops, Groberg finds himself at the forefront of the struggle for survival as the islanders navigate the aftermath of destruction.

In this tumultuous time, kindness arises as the local minister selflessly offers his last rations to support Groberg. However, when the supply boat eventually arrives, it carries the heartbreaking news of the minister’s passing. Later, during a perilous sea journey, Groberg and his companions are engulfed by a violent storm that nearly swallows them whole. Washed overboard, he confronts the terrifying prospect of drowning, only to manage a desperate swim ashore to reunite with his friends. Eventually, they are rescued and return to Tonga, forever altered by the profound experiences of their adventure.

Groberg’s tranquility is shattered when his mission president unexpectedly visits, seeking an overview of the church’s impact on the island community. His anxiety grows, for he has not communicated with the president in months, fearing repercussions for any perceived failures. To complicate matters, Groberg surprises the president with news of the substantial growth of the church, which includes covert meeting places established on remote islands without formal approval. Stunned by this revelation, the president requires Groberg to spend the entire night meticulously completing church records in accordance with his request.

As dawn breaks, Groberg discovers that his mission president has departed on a vessel, leaving behind an overwhelming stack of forms detailing their accomplishments. This moment signifies the beginning of the end of his missionary endeavor, culminating in a telegram instructing him to return to New Zealand before traveling to Idaho Falls, Idaho. When the time comes for Groberg to bid farewell to his island home, the local community gathers in their finest clothing to honor the significant impact he has made during his tenure.

Upon his arrival in Idaho, Groberg trades in his missionary garments for a wedding veil as he marries Jean and embarks on a romantic honeymoon at a quaint beachside cottage.

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 11:51