The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has organized the first Pohnpeian-speaking ward outside of Micronesia, located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, according to Church News. The ward serves immigrants from Pohnpei, one of the Federated States of Micronesia.

The creation reflects growth among Pacific Islander populations in the U.S. Southeast. Pohnpeian is spoken by approximately 30,000 people worldwide, primarily in Micronesia where the LDS Church has maintained a presence since the 1970s.

The ward will conduct services in Pohnpeian rather than English, allowing members to worship in their native language.