New Zealand Wellington Mission: November 2013

"Have you ever thought about why you were sent to earth at this specific time? You were not born during the time of Adam and Eve or while Pharaohs ruled Egypt or during the Ming dynasty. You have come to earth at this time, 20 centuries after the first coming of Christ. The priesthood of God has been restored to the earth, and the Lord has set His hand to prepare the world for His glorious return. These are days of great opportunity and important responsibilities. These are your days. . . . . . . . . The Savior lives. he will return to the earth. And whether on this side of the veil or the other, you and I will rejoice in His coming and thank the Lord that He sent us to earth at this time to fulfil our sacred duty of helping prepare the world for His return."

-Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles-

One of his first responsibilities as the newly called President of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple was to visit the Flaxmere Stake Conference at which both he and his wife spoke. After conference President and Sister TeKira (Flaxmere Stake President and his wife), invited us over for lunch at their home.

Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke of Sid Going in his 2011 General Conference address.

Former All Black Norm Hewitt and his lovely family before the Tri Stake Fireside in the Hutt Valley. The Hewitt's joined the church almost a year ago. He shared his journey to baptism and the peace and joy it has brought him and his family.

Welcome to the mission Elder and Sister Robbins. The Robbins are from our home stake in Orem, Utah!

Elder Tinei and Elder Lawson helping the Robbins settle into their flat in the Hutt Valley.

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Sister Kezerian, Sister Russell, Sister Mulipola, Sister Nowers and Sister Glen at the Palmerson North Stake Conference.

"You full-time missionaries, if you want to teach more, you must talk to more people every day. This has always been what the Lord has sent missionaries forth to do.

The Lord knows us. He knows we have our challenges. I realize that some of you may feel heavy laden, but I pray that none of you would ever feel that reaching out in normal, pleasant ways to share the gospel would ever be a burden. Rather, it is a privilege! There is no greater joy in life than being anxiously engaged in the service of the Lord.

The key is that you be inspired of God, that you ask Him for direction and then go and do as the Spirit prompts you. When members view the work of salvation as their responsibility alone, it can be intimidating. When they view it as an invitation to follow the Lord in bringing souls unto Him to be taught by the full-time elders and sisters, it is inspiring, invigorating, and uplifting.

We are not asking everyone to do everything. We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out to just "one" between now and Christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior."

-Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles-

October 22 Intake from the Auckland MTC - Front: Elder Crosland (Preston, Idaho), Elder Lee (Panaca, Nevada), Elder Berryhill (Turlock, California), Elder Anderson (Ogden, Utah), Elder Mahina (Tefisi, Tonga) Back: Elder Tu'ihalangingie (Assistant), Elder Howard (Assistant), Elder Winter (Fresno, California), Elder Kaka (Assistant), Elder Zappe (Reno, Nevada), Elder Seabury (Sandy, Utah), Elder Vasquez (Panguitch, Utah), Elder Davis (Irvine, California), Elder McClellan (Simi Valley, California), President and Sister Kezerian.

Safety vests for all! No one is going to miss our missionaries at night.

This is how exciting it is to get a package from home!

This is as good as Christmas - what anticipation.

We are a biking mission. Everything is ready to go for the missionaries when they arrive.

Packing up and moving out.

Last minute instructions

Elder Vasquez, Elder Crosland and Elder McClellan headed to the mission home.

As we were walking down the corridor to board their planes we saw a picture of the highway near Greymouth where Elder Anderson will be serving with Elder Vimahi . . .

and a picture of Picton where Elder Seabury will be serving with Elder Tautua'a.

Getting ready to fly out!

Now for those finishing up their missions. Elder Dalit returning to Hawaii and Elder Ma'u returning to Auckland. . .

. . . .Elder Langkilde returning to Samoa and Elder Howard serving just a little longer before he returns to Sydney, Australia.

Elder Cook - Utah.

Thank you missionaries. Well done! Back: Elder Petaia (Auckland), Elder Cottle (Pleasant Grove, Utah), Elder Cook (Logan, Utah), Elder Langkilde (Samoa), Elder Howard (Sydney, Australia), Elder Ross (American Fork, Utah). Front: Elder Dalit (Hawaii), Elder Mau (Auckland, New Zealand), Sister Taleni (Melbourne, Australia).