While Stratford is a long way from their home in Utah, USA, Elder and Sister Snow say they are enjoying settling into the place they will call home for the next 18 months.

The Snows are in town to serve as voluntary full-time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a role they have also undertaken in the past.

Elder Snow says they served a previous Church mission in the South Island around the cities of Westport, Greymouth and Hokitika.

"The town of Stratford reminds us of Westport with its size and the friendliness of the residents."

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Sister Snow says she and her husband enjoy the small town setting of Stratford.

"We enjoy living in small towns rather than larger cities."

The couple travelled to New Zealand at their own expense, and say while they are here they plan to serve the Stratford community in a variety of ways.

After talking to some people in the town, Sister Snow says the couple came across one way they could help some people in Stratford.

"We both have a keen interest in family history work and are both proficient in teaching others how to research family lines using the free resources now available online."

Elder Snow says he and his wife will be offering free lessons on how to begin researching family trees to anyone in the community who is interested.

"This will be one way we can serve the community while we live here."

■ Call or text Elder and Sister Snow on 021 836 913 to schedule a lesson.