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.

Wellington Ward Service Project

"Now let me describe to you what faith in Jesus Christ means. Faith in Him is more than mere acknowledgement that He lives. It is more than professing belief. Faith in Jesus Christ consists of complete reliance on him. As God, he has infinite power intelligence, and love. There is no human problem beyond his capacity to solve. Because He descended below all things, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties."

Ezra Taft Benson

 Elder Overton pitching in.

 Elder Ma'u, Elder McVey and Elder Christensen joining with Mormon Helping Hands in a service project near Happy Valley.

Elder McVey, with his many talents, has been called on in many ways this month. He was the keynote speaker for our first multi-stake "Come and See" Fireside. This fireside was held in the Petone Chapel with over 300 people in attendance. Elder McVey spoke on the atonement of Jesus Christ. We look forward to many more informative, uplifting and testimony building firesides.
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.nz/article/wellington-mormons-open-doors--share-beliefs

The Music Soiree

"Kindness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.

Kindness in giving creates love."

Lao-Tsu

Invercargil Mayor Tim Shadbolt (center) lent his support to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Branch President John McNab and Salvation Army Food Bank Manager Brenda King. A Musical Soiree was held at the Invercargil Branch. Admission was a donation of a non perishable food items which were donated to the Salvation Army to build up their food bank. Donations continued to come in after the event.

 The Salvation Army Band entertained the audience with over 180 in attendance.

Local dance and singing groups shared their talents.

Costumes, Choreography, and hours of preparation were evident and impressive in the many musical groups who performed.

 Even the Branch choir showed off their talents.

 John McNab presented the food that had been donated to Brenda King at the conclusion of the evenings festivities. 

 Sister Saulala and Sister Cameron were involved with the preparations and the choir.

 Local Salvation Army Leaders along with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Leaders and Missionaries were all in attendance.

Elder Petaia and Elder Hingano. Thank you!

Zone Leader Council

"Missionaries should take initiative. Someone has said that initiative is doing the right thing at the right time without having to be told. What a thrilling thing it is to see an aggressive, resourceful, willing, untiring, well directed, spiritual. . . missionary who can do the right things on his own initiative and keep on doing them to the end. . . That is the way it is in missionary work. There is always a better way to do it. Always something that will be more efficient to use, some plan, organization or otherwise, and that we continue to pray for."

-Spencer W. Kimball-

 Elder Christensen, Elder Barnes, Elder Heinricks, Elder Greer and Elder Florian haven't all been together since the MTC. This was a happy reunion.

 Our current Zone Leaders, Office Elders and Assistants.Back Row: Elder Florian, Elder Vaemolo, Elder Key, Elder Lammi, Elder Hopoate, President Kezerian, Elder Tepaki, Elder Lu, Elder Hemi, Elder Windhausen, Elder Niutua and Elder Christensen. Front: Elder Haiane, Elder Heinricks, Elder Barnes and Elder Greer.

Elder and Sister Smith arriving after their long flight. The Smith's are from Tremonton, Utah.

Elder Vaemolo, Elder and Sister Neider and Elder Greer warmly welcoming the Smith's to Christchurch. Elder and Sister Smith will be serving in Rangiora.

Elder and Sister Richards, now serving in the Te Hauke and Waipukurau Branchs, are from New Zealand! They drove their own car a few hours and here they are ready to serve.

Keeping Warm in Westport

"My life is like my shoes - to be worn out in service." Spencer W. Kimball

"We can't do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere." Richard L. Evans

The missionaries, the Westport Branch and community members worked together to provide needed warmth for homes in the area. Each bag of coal delivered to needy homes, was labelled with a tag that read, "A Gift from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Westport Branch 10-16 Dellaca Place, Westport & the Branch President's phone number." 

With the help of the Branch President, school principles, Home Builders Social Workers, Maori Trust and Work and Income (a local government organization), families were identified that could use help.

President Evernden, in working with the local Coal Company provided the coal.

Deliveries were made in 3 geographic areas. The local Westport newspaper and the regional paper will be reporting on the great effort that was put forth to help community members in need. A big thank you goes to the Turner's and everyone involved. We can always count on the missionaries!

Elder Kelly, Elder Pae'a, Sister Turner, Elder Fahina, Elder Dalit, Elder Turner, Elder Bender and Elder Christensen.

True Disciples

"We wish the brethren to understand the facts just as they are; that is,there is neither man or woman in this Church who is not on a mission. That mission will last as long as they live, and it is to do good, to promote righteousness, to teach the principles of truth, and to prevail upon themselves and everybody around them to live those principles that they may obtain eternal life."

Brigham Young

 Elder Tebau returning home to Kiribati. Elder Hussein is meeting him in Fiji, as he has an extended layover there. 

 Elder Finlinson returning home to Utah, Elder Tamale to Auckland, Elder Van den Hoogen to Australia, Elder Kasala to Utah, Elder Muphy to Hamilton, and Sister Fetu'u to Auckland.

 Our new Assistant to the President Elder Hemi, with Elder Van den Hoogen and Elder Windhausen.

 We'll miss all of our fine missionaries going home. Good Work!!! Thank you!!!

 Elder Teaupa and Elder Hirschi both had birthdays this week. Sister Beckstead is already taking care of the missionaries making a cake along with Sister Ramirez and Sister Taleni. Yummy!

Happy Birthday!