South Istand Senior Training and Retreat

Regardless of our age and stage in life, daily obedience to gospel principles is the only sure way to eternal happiness. President Ezra Taft Benson put it most beautifully when he said, "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power."

Our Senior Missionaries set the example, show the love, and truly have obtained Christlike attributes that they display everyday on their missions. We're so grateful for their examples and dedicated service.

While Sister Kezerian was getting repaired. President Kezerian and some of our wonderful Senior Couples were gathered for training and some P-day activities. We all wish we were there! New Zealand has so much beauty and culture to enjoy.

Sister Nation, Sister Turner and Elder Turner.

Sister and Elder Risenmay with Elder Neider.

Sister Chelius

Sister and Elder Neider

Elder and Sister Turner

For three days, the senior missionaries counselled together on how to start Family History Centers, the Addiction Recovery Program, teach with the missionaries, work with members, support temple preparation classes, community involvement and strengthen the youth. We shared ideas from each of the wards and branches they serve in and felt uplifted as we helped each other find solutions in each area. We are so grateful for these great Elders and Sisters, they are marvellous, hard working leaders. 

Visa Status Changing - More Missionaries Coming!

"Missionary service promises great rewards. And so we go and preach the gospel to one another all over the world. To take two years out of each man's life is nothing for what is received in return. . . . . what are you getting for your time and service? Well maybe nothing, maybe little, or maybe everything. That depends on you. What are you promised for devoted, efficient, humble labors? Everything, Exaltation. This is based on performance. . . . . The thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father (D&C 16:6). . . . . I promise that when you get your release, if you have forgotten yourself these years, all will have come to you, the things you might have wished for yourself, and you shall have them all, even though you did not anticipate and wait for them. You shall have obtained knowledge and the spirit of the gospel, and your testimony shall have increased. You shall be polished; you shall have a sublime and beautiful life." 

Spencer W. Kimball  - 1982

Hutt Valley Zone.

 Elder and Sister Jarvis from Pleasant Grove, Utah just arrived in the mission this week. We're so blessed to have them serving with us. They will bring much strength, wisdom, and love.

Elder Atkinson from Malad, Idaho. After being temporarily assigned to a mission in Chicago, he is finally here with us in New Zealand! He is our first Elder from the United States to receive his visa since early  December. The Lord has answered our prayers and thanks to all the hard work and efforts of those working with the government in New Zealand, we should have more American Elders coming soon.

My brother Rob is an Orthopaedic surgeon. He kindly performed the surgery on my shoulder to repair the rotary cuff and clean things up. I've appreciated the kind notes, cards, prayers and flowers.  I couldn't ask for more support and love. THANK YOU!!!

It's great to be back in working order.

Catching Up

"In no part of the work of God here upon the earth at the present time is there such a band of happy, contented, peaceful people as those who are engaged in missionary service. Service is the real key to joy. When one is giving service for the advancement of humanity, when one is working without money and without price, with no hope of earthly reward, there comes a real, genuine joy into the human heart."

Heber J. Grant  1934

 We're so grateful for the service of of Elder Tukuafu. Elder Fukofuka and Elder Masalu. 

 Barely fitting into the back seat of our car.

Waiting for Sister Kezerian at the airport before returning home to Tonga. Such patience! They are going to make great husbands.

 Our newest missionaries. Back Row: Elder Alofipo, 

Elder I'aulualo, Elder Hunt, Elder Tokoara, Elder Kaka. Front Row: Sister Taleni and Sister Saulala. WELCOME!!

Sister Moantau on the day she returned home to Kiribati.