The Other Side of Heaven

As the 1950s unfold, John Groberg (Gorham) steps out of Brigham Young University, embarking on a three-year sojourn to the Pacific Island nation of Tonga, as ordained by his faith. Amidst this odyssey, he and his betrothed, Jean (Hathaway), maintain a poignant correspondence, exchanging letters every 30 days, their words bridging the vast distance between them. Upon arriving in Tonga, Groberg sets foot on a remote archipelago, accompanied by his native Tongan companion, Feki (Joe Folau). As a novice missionary, he grapples with the challenges of learning the local language and assimilating into Tongan culture.

Despite the numerous hurdles that lie ahead, Groberg perseveres. A minor faux pas leaves him vulnerable to nocturnal rodent attacks on his bare feet, while a local Christian minister's warnings prove unfounded, as Feki's intervention foils an attempted attack by four men. However, it is Tomasi, one of these assailants, who inadvertently becomes the catalyst for Groberg's understanding of Tongan culture. Having been baptized into the LDS Church as a child, Tomasi's conversion story serves as a testament to the power of redemption.

Groberg's compassion and faith are put to the test when a young boy falls from a mango tree, prompting him to provide emergency care and prayers for the injured child. His response to a seductive attempt by a young woman is equally telling – he chooses to educate her about the sanctity of marriage rather than yield to temptation. When a devastating typhoon strikes, ravaging trees, homes, and crops, Groberg finds himself at the precipice of survival as the islanders struggle to cope with the aftermath.

In this time of crisis, Groberg is met with an act of kindness by the local minister, who sacrifices his last rations to sustain him. However, when the supply boat finally arrives, it brings news of the minister's passing. Later, during a treacherous sea voyage, Groberg and his counselors are caught in a massive storm that threatens to consume them. Washed overboard, he faces the very real possibility of drowning before swimming ashore and reuniting with his companions. Ultimately, they are rescued and return to Tonga, forever changed by their experiences on the distant islands.

One day, Groberg's tranquility is disrupted when his mission president drops by unannounced, seeking an update on the island's Mormon community. Groberg's unease stems from the fact that it has been months since he last communicated with the president, and he fears being held accountable for any perceived shortcomings. To make matters more complicated, Groberg reveals the astonishing growth of their church presence, including clandestine meeting places established on remote islands without formal authorization. The president is stunned by this revelation, prompting Groberg to devote the entire night to meticulously filling out church records as requested.

As the first light of dawn creeps in, Groberg learns that his mission president has already boarded a departing vessel, leaving him with a substantial stack of forms detailing their achievements. This marks the beginning of the end of Groberg's missionary tenure, as he subsequently receives a telegram instructing him to return to New Zealand and then travel to Idaho Falls, Idaho. When it's time for Groberg to bid farewell to his island home, the local community gathers in their finest attire to pay tribute to the profound impact he has had during his stay.

Upon arriving in Idaho, Groberg trades his missionary robes for a wedding veil as he marries Jean and embarks on a romantic honeymoon getaway to a charming beachside cottage.