Latter-day Profiles

Luana Freitas, originally from Macaé, Brazil, has a dynamic and culturally rich background. Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with her family, she shares a unique bond with her two 16-year-old adopted sisters. Luana pursued a degree in law in Brazil and soon after moved to France to participate in an au pair program, which allowed her to travel and immerse herself in French culture. Fluent in five languages—Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and Japanese—Luana’s linguistic talents are a testament to her dedication to learning and cultural exchange.

Jean-Claude Vanaquer is a dedicated and dynamic individual, currently serving as the Institute Director for the Paris Institute. Born in the historic Champagne region of France, Jean-Claude's early life was marked by significant moves, including a pivotal migration to Australia in 1971. In Australia, his family encountered the missionaries, leading to their conversion to the gospel, a change that profoundly shaped Jean-Claude's spiritual journey. His formative years included a memorable engagement with seminary studies and an eventual mission call to the Paris Toulouse mission, where he discovered the deeper dimensions of the gospel and its transformative power.

Eves Otto, a 22-year-old psychology student, hails from a town near Paris, France. A dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eves finds profound joy and guidance in the Gospel, which has significantly shaped her life and daily decisions. Her passion for traveling and discovering new places complements his academic and spiritual pursuits, making her a well-rounded individual with a thirst for knowledge and new experiences.

As the youngest of five siblings, Eves's family background is diverse and rich in cultural heritage. Her father's family originates from Guadeloupe, while her maternal grandparents are from mainland France. Eves's mother played a crucial role in teaching her about God, prayer, and the commandments. 

After exploring Archeology and Art History at Panthéon Sorbonne, Eves transitioned to psychology at the University of Sorbonne Paris Nord, where he is currently immersed in understanding the human mind. Eves plans to join Air France as a cabin crew member and is eager to improve her English and Spanish while traveling the world. Her church service includes a mission in the France Lyon Mission and roles in Primary and as the Young Women President in her branch.

Born in 1966 in Paris, Frédéric Loisel grew up in a non-religious but respectful French family. His musical journey began at the age of five with the cello, influenced by his professional musician parents. In 1992, Frédéric was appointed to train American musicians near Tours, an opportunity that piqued his curiosity about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Professionally, Frédéric has been the manager of a music school since 2006, continues to play the cello, and conducts orchestras. Additionally, he is a founding partner of a musical streaming startup, reflecting his ongoing passion for music and innovation.

Will Vincenzi's journey is a compelling story of transformation and faith. Born in France and raised in New Caledonia, Will faced a crisis of belief after a tragic accident claimed his younger sister's life. At twenty, a friend introduced him to the church, leading him to take missionary lessons and witness a miracle that solidified his faith. Will was baptized in August 2016, a decision that initially puzzled his mother but ultimately strengthened their relationship as she saw the positive changes in his life.

Christian Euvrard is a former Director of the Paris Institute of religion. He holds an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Paris, a master’s in sciences and theology of religions from the Catholic University of Paris, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes at the Sorbonne.

He has authored a biography of Louis A. Bertrand, one of the 1st converts in France in 1850. He edited, with Ornella Ulrich Bicchierri, another book on French-speaking women in Europe, a collection of more than 20 portraits of Sisters by other women mainly.

Currently, he is working on a two-volume book on the Socio-History of the Church in French-speaking Europe. He is also involved as Director of the French site of Scripture Central, a non-profit organization of members.

He is married to Marie-Françoise, and they are the parents of two sons.

Cassandra Piket is a remarkable interior designer whose life journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and dedication. Born and raised in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and French mother, Cassandra's early years were marked by the diverse cultural influences of her heritage. Her grandparents' profound faith journeys, including her French grandmother's conversion from Catholicism to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after becoming a widow, have deeply inspired her. Despite being born in the covenant, Cassandra experienced a period of inactivity in the church during her early adulthood, as she grappled with the challenges of finding her testimony and community within the church.

Ryan & Heather A. Munns serve as mission leaders in the France Paris Mission. President Munns has served as mission presidency counselor, stake president, high councilor, bishopric counselor, elders quorum president, ward Young Men president, and missionary in the Switzerland Geneva Mission. 

President Munns is a lawyer by profession and is a partner at the law firm Bogin, Munns and Munns.

Sister Munns has served as Young Women presidency counselor, stake Primary presidency counselor, ward Relief Society presidency counselor, ward Primary presidency counselor, Primary music leader, Primary teacher, and nursery leader.

T.C. Christensen is an American cinematographer, film director, and writer best known for his work on IMAX films and true historical movies, including Escape from Germany, 17 Miracles, Ephraim's Rescue, The Fighting Preacher, and The Cokeville Miracle. Christensen is also a member of the American Society of Cinematographers. Christensen lives with his wife, Katy where he continues to be schooled in the fine arts of putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher and closing drawers all the way.

https://latterdayprofiles.org/t-c-christensen/

David and Serena Essuman are entrepreneurs and social media influencers. David is an entrepreneur/investor and mentor who works in real estate investments, franchising, and e-commerce. David owns and manages Havoya Real Estate, a real estate brokerage firm. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Psychology.