Here at Last!

"The Lord has said that no one can assist with this work who is not humble and full of love. But humility does not mean weakness. It does not mean timidity; it does not mean fear. A man can be humble and fearless. A man can be humble and courageous. Humility is the recognition of our dependence upon a higher power, a constant need for the Lord's support in His work. . . . Learn to be dependent on the Lord for your success."

Ezra Taft Benson

Elder Palmer has arrived in the mission at last! Welcome! He will be serving in Oamaru with Elder Seneviretne and Elder Tebau.

Elder Smith was temporarily serving in the Omaha, Nebraska.  Since he has arrived he's worked with our Elder Windhausen, Elder Finlinson, Elder Ma'u, and Elder I'aulualo in Wellington and then flew to Christchurch where he was temporarily with Elder Alifipo and Elder Finau. He is now with his companion Elder Leendertz. I hope he's counting. He may have a new record of companions.

 Bronco Mendenhall who is the coach of the BYU-Provo Football Team and his father Paul Mendenhall who previously served as Mission President in the Auckland New Zealand Mission came to speak at a fireside in Hawkes Bay.

Coach Mendenhall from BYU spoke to rugby teams and the Hastings/Flaxmere Stake along with his father, President Paul Mendenhall and his mother, Sister Mendenhall, daughter of Elder John H Vandenburg. Coach Mendenhall encourages his players to work hard, have honor, be committed, show team spirit and be responsible. He encouraged our missionaries to do the same but have creative excitement for the work. Never be disobedient, distracted, or discouraged. Spend our lives and our time in the work of the Master.     

Elder Wehipeihana, Paul Mendenhall, Elder Beck (recently he got his visa and has gone to Australia), Elder Hunt, Bronco Mendenhall, President TeKira and President Kezerian all at the fireside.

 Elder and Sister Hayward in their lovely flat in Pahiatua. Welcome to the mission!

Saying goodbye to Elder Pa'o and Elder Segi as they make their way home to Samoa. Thank you Elders! 

 Our Zone Leaders in the Hawke's Bay Zone, Elder Haiane and Elder Heinricks.

 The missionaries in Hawke's Bay are well taken care of. We think they must offer a lot of service.

Hutt Valley Zone

Zone Leader Council 

 Our new Elders! Elder Raihauti, Elder Ebel and Elder Tarati. Elder Raihauti and Elder Tarati are from French Polynesia and Elder Ebel comes to us from the Marshall Islands. They're all doing such a great job learning English.

 Wellington Zone

 The Ascot Park Ward in the Canyon Creek Chapel always provide a lovely meal for Zone Conference.

 Elder and Sister Beckstead have finally arrived after serving their first 3 months of their mission in Alabama waiting for their visas. The Beckstead's are our good friends from Orem, Utah. We actually live in the same neighborhood. Sister Beckstead taught two of our daughter in school. We have many fond memories of serving together in church callings. 

 Elder Windhausen, Elder Finau and Elder Hopoate the night before Elder Finau returned home to Tonga after serving a great mission.

 Elder and Sister Beckstead taking their first and only driving lesson from Elder Brazzeal.

Elder and Sister Hayward in the Pahiatua Chapel which he helped to build.  It's amazing they have returned to serve here on their mission.