Visiting General Authorities

"First and foremost, seek to feel the Spirit each and every day of your lives. Work diligently to qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and to recognize the many times the Spirit speaks to your mind and to your heart." Elder Craig C. Christensen

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Hawke's Bay Zone - Back: Sister Lavea, Sister Hemi, Elder Strasser, Pres. Kezerian, Elder Levy, Elder Siale, Elder and Sister Richards, Elder Heinricks, Sister and Elder Farns, Elder Kaumavae, Elder Aumua, Elder Howard. Center: Elder Makalio, Elder Ebel, Elder Eneri, Elder Wehipeihana, Elder Cottle, Sister Cameron. Front: Elder Nuualuga, Elder Hobby and Sister Temakau.

Wellington and Hutt Valley combined Zone Conference with North Island Senior Couples. This was an exceptional conference because we had two visiting General Authorities and their wives. Elder Craig C. Christensen who recently became a member of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife Debbie are seated next to Sister and Elder Pearson. Elder Pearson is in the First Quorum of the Seventy and is also serving in the Pacific Area Presidency.

Elder Florian directing as everyone sang to thank the dear Relief Society sisters who served us lunch.

Elder and Sister Ditchburn, who served as Family History mission here in Wellington, are on the far right.

In the evening after the Zone Conference all the Senior Couples met at Fisherman's Table for dinner.

Elder and Sister Beckstead, Sister and Elder Shepherd, Elder and Sister Brazzeal, Elder and Sister Farns, Sister and Elder Christensen and Elder Hirschi.

Sister Freeman, President and Sister Kezerian, Elder and Sister Pearson, Sister McVey with Elder McVey standing in the background.

Elder and Sister Turner, Elder and Sister Hayward, Sister and Elder Richards, Sister and Elder Overton and Elder Freeman.

Elder and Sister Pearson

Elder and Sister Christensen

On Sunday morning before the Wellington Stake Conference, a early morning meeting was held for the Youth of the Stake.

Elder Christensen was greeting the youth before the meeting began.

By the time the meeting started every available spot to set down was taken. The Youth were well rewarded for their attendance.

Next, before Stake Conference began, dignitaries from the Wellington City Council came to greet our visitors. 

President Harvey with Annette King and Sister Eileen Mueller.

Annette King is the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party here in New Zealand.

Sister Jacobsen is also working on the Wellington Council

Paul Eagle - Wellington City Councillor, far right.

The Wellington Stake was reorganized on Sunday. President Thomson (Center) became the Stake President. His Councillors are President Howard (Left) and President Fernandez (Right).

We look forward to sharing all the wonderful counsel we received from Elder and Sister Christensen and Elder and Sister Pearson.

Our Largest Intake

If we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide us, we can teach any person, no matter how well educated, any place in the world. The Lord knows more than any of us, and if we are his servants, acting under his Spirit, he can deliver his message of salvation to each and every soul.

-Dallin H. Oaks-

In order to get all of our 14 new missionaries home from the airport we had to rent an extra van.

Back Row: Elder Pasa, Sister Kezerian, President Kezerian, Elder Lelenoa, Elder Windhausen, Elder Vui, Elder Sasagi, Elder Tuihalangingie, Elder Makalio, Elder Taufa, Elder Uasila'a. Front: Elder Ma'asi, Elder Elkington, Elder Toomalatai, Elder Raston, Sister Touli and Sister Kirifi.

 At the mission office everyone received their first assignment and prepared to get out and do the work.

 The Office Missionaries and Elder and Sister Brazzeal and the Assistants to the President went over their areas of responsibility and explained  general mission rules.

 This is our first intake of missionaries who were out exercising and jogging early in the morning before breakfast. They are going to stay fit.

 President Kezerian put up the new basketball net just in time.

 Elder Raston must have been the referee.

 Another obvious talent we saw in our new group of missionaries was their ability to sing. Wow!

Sister Kirifi and Sister Touli jumped right in to clean up after dinner. Thank you Sisters!

 We love Elder and Sister Risenmay and appreciate all they've done to service valiantly. We visited Gore to say goodbye and thank you! The last district meeting with the Risenmay's we heard their testimonies and felt their love for the people they've served.

 Sister Tailasa headed home to Fiji. Thank you for your service!

Our new office couple, Elder and Sister Freeman, will be well trained by Elder and Sister Brazzeal. Although, they have already served as an office couple in Hawaii. They will bring all of their previous knowledge and experience here to share with us. Welcome!!

 We enjoy all the beautiful sights in New Zealand from Bluff on the south island to Napier on the North Island.

Mount Damper Falls

 Mount Taranaki

 This time of year we are seeing many new lambs across the countryside.

Thank you Sister Hirchi for sharing wonderful pictures with us. Elder Temahuki, Elder Kaka, Elder Hogge, Elder Tukukino, Elder Fifita and Elder Hehepoto with Elder and Sister Hirschi just before transfers.

Missionary Moments

"Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power."

D&C 123:17

One of the hardest decisions a missionary makes each day is which tie to wear.

 Elder Langkilde and Elder Ebel enjoying the beauty of Harbour along the way.

 Senior Couples gathered at Fisherman's Table in Paraparaumu.

 There were many good-byes as Elder and Sister Brazzeal will be finishing up their mission this month and returning home to St. George, Utah and Elder and Sister Chesley will be leaving the Hutt Stake and transfering down to the South Island to Gore.

 Elder Ebel, Jonah Lomu, Elder Langkilde and Elder Vaioleti

Umbrellas in New Zealand often don't last long.