Hastening the Work

Loyal to Their Civil Leaders

"The Lord said, 'I will hasten my work in its time' (D&C 88:73). Surely anyone observing the recent growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is keenly aware of that hastening process. This should make us humbly grateful for the Lord's omnipotent hand. Obstacles that seemed insurmountable have proven to be merely challenges for the faithful, for 'with God nothing shall be impossible' (Luke 1:37).

"Inspiration has prepared the way from the beginning, when the Lord impressed the Prophet Joseph Smith to compose the twelfth article of faith: 'We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.' This inspired statement was surely written for our day. The Prophet knew that the gospel was ultimately to be taken to all nations regardless of their governmental differences. He knew that the ordinances of salvation and exaltation could bless the lives of people regardless of their politics. And he knew that people who were taught correct principles and who were loyal to their civil leaders and observing of their local laws would be most able to enjoy the blessings of the gospel."   Russell M. Nelson

The Purpose of Missionary Work

"The purpose of our missionary work is to help the children of God fulfill a condition prescribed by our Savior and Redeemer. We preach and teach in order to baptize the children of God so that they can be saved in the celestial kingdom instead of being limited to a lesser kingdom. We do missionary work in order to baptize and confirm. That is the doctrinal basis of missionary work."
Dallin H. Oaks

Nelson District

Cousins - Elder Hemi and Elder Wihongi both served in the Weillington New Zealand Mission.

Elder Hemi and Elder Wihongi preparing for their missions

Elder and Sister Turner, Sister and Elder Beckstead, Sister and Elder Hirschi,
 Elder Kerr and Elder Kaka.

Mighty Missionaries

Sister Nowers and Sister Fitisemanu ready to share their Christmas message.

Our new intake - Elder Hemi (Assistant) Elder Marlarde, President and Sister Kezerian, Sister White, Elder Fonua and Elder Vimahi.

Arriving in Hobbit Town at the airport.

Ready to knock on every door!

Wondering if this group will listen to our message.

We forgot to take a picture when all the sisters were still there but here are some of the sister in the Hawkes Bay area who are preparing to share the gospel.

Role playing how they will share their Mormon.org cards!

Missionary preparation camp with the Prospective Elders.

Elder and Sister McVey hosted our Thanksgiving Dinner with the Senior Couples on the North Island.

Elder and Sister Watson visiting with Elder Cerros and Elder Dorius in Alexandra.

Way to conserve your K's Elders!

Beautiful New Zealand.

Elder and Sister Watson visiting in Queenstown with Elder Sun and Elder Tarati.

This is the first time we saw anything but crystal clear water in New Zealand. We had just had a heavy rainfall and it took all the soil down from the hills into the river and stirred up the river bed.

Zone Leader Council have a new vision of what we can accomplish in the mission!

Elder Hamula the President of the Pacific Area and Elder Davies from the Presiding Bishopric spoke at a fireside in Wellington.

Brother and Sister Davies (Area Travel) and Elder and Sister Anderson (Area Medical Authority)  visit the zones.

Wellington Zone

Nelson District

Southland Zone

President Kezerian always reads your letters every week and knows you.

Hawke's Bay Zone

I think we all need one of these!

Welcome to Wellington!

 Sister Carter, Elder Dorius and Elder Collins arrive on the All Blacks plane just visible in the background. Somehow our missionaries from the Provo MTC arrived on two different planes.

 All the of Provo MTC intake at the Wellington International Airport greeted by our Assistants to the President and President and Sister Kezerian.

As we waited for the Auckland MTC intake, President Kezerian held interviews.

 We picked up all the luggage and found some comfy seats.

 Yea! More sisters.

 Elder Nyfeler was anxious to get to his proselyting area on the first plane he could find. 

Auckland MTC arrivals.

 Leaving the Mission Office to tract.

 Preparing for dinner at the Mission Home.

 Who knew Elder Heinricks has great cooking skills?

Back: Elder Heinricks, Elder Alofipo, Elder Tairi, Elder Nyfeler, President and Sister Kezerian, Elder Dorius, Elder Lawson, Elder Hemi. Center: Elder Balacano, Sister Carter, Sister Nowers, Sister Toutai, Elder Neria. Front: Elder Kava, Elder McKenna, Elder Collins and Elder Kerr.

Sons of Helaman serving in the New Plymouth District.

 Good-bye and Thank You Sister Yu returning to China and Elder Lott returning to Idaho.

Nelson District

The Mission President's Seminar was held in Queenstown, New Zealand this time.

Queenstown has a small branch but you certainly can't beat the view.

It's always great to have time to catch up with President and Sister Leota, serving in the Samoa Apia Mission

We were warmly welcomed to the Kiwi Haka.

First the Sisters learned a dance.

 Then the Elders learned the Haka

President and Sister Tukuafu serving in the Nuku'alofa Tonga Mission and Sister and President Kaufusi presiding over the Papua New Guinea Mission.

New Zealand is home to 60 million sheep and 4 million people.

 A Kea landed on top of our bus. It was really cool when it flew around showing us all the beautiful colors on it's wings.

All the mission presidents and wives receiving instruction from the Area Presidency.

Our Area Presidency includes Elder Pearson, Elder Hamula and Elder Watson.