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AREA LEADERSHIP MESSAGE Yes, We Can Trust Him By Elder Daniel G. Hamilton Elder Daniel G. Area Seventy Hamilton

ike many faithful members, I have Tough times for some come due Yet in our hour of need, all we sim- L sometimes wondered why tough to nagging weaknesses that gnaw ply want to know and feel is that He and trying times seem to touch even away at our souls, like Paul’s “thorn cares for us and hears our cries, that the faithful. in the flesh.” 1 He will reach down from the heavens We want to believe and trust, but Whatever it is, there will be some- and lift us up. our doubt makes us feel so unworthy. thing that one day, or maybe even I testify we can feel so and that He Disappointment comes when family every day, will find us questioning, will rescue us. members wander off from the gospel as did the Prophet Joseph, “O God, I don’t have all the answers, but and appear lost. where art thou?” 2 that’s okay because neither did Nephi, Debilitating illness discourages We may even at times feel to cry out who told an angel, “I do not know the some, and all of us experience death. in agony, as did the Son of God, the meaning of all things.” 4 Some struggle with financial set- great Jehovah, exclaiming, “My God, So, what should we do when all backs and career challenges, while my God, why has thou forsaken me?” 3 seems lost? others wrestle with a marriage that In desperation, despair and dis- When overburdened with chal- seems less than perfect. Many worry couragement, some will give up lenges, we can heed King Limhi’s about not being married at all. eternal hope. counsel:

Yes, we can trust Him.

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“O ye, my people, lift up your heads When things seem like they can’t and be comforted; for behold, the time get any worse, remember that the Northland Saints is at hand, or is not far distant, when scriptures say, “It came to pass,” not Talk Values we shall no longer be in subjection “It came to stay.” By Shilo Kino to our enemies, notwithstanding our In one of his darkest hours, the many strugglings, which have been Prophet was told, aints gathered from all over in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an “Thine afflictions shall be but a small S Northland earlier this year to hear effectual struggle to be made. moment.” 7 leaders talk about the impact of values “Therefore, lift up your heads, and Suffering for many months, about and standards on a person’s life. rejoice, and put your trust in God.” 5 to perish from hunger, having poured Visiting Member of Parliament We trust those we have a relationship out their souls in prayer to God, plead- Rt Hon Winston Peters, leader of with, but remember, trust takes time. ing that He would deliver them, the First, was there, along A key to trusting Heavenly Father is Nephite army took courage, as mighty with other Members of Parliament, found in our submissiveness to His will. Helaman records: Kelvin Davis and and Pita Paraone. In a general conference message “Yea, and it came to pass that the Representing the City of Whangarei about the need for opposition, Elder Lord our God did visit us with assur- were Councillors Sue Glen and Jayne Dallin H. Oaks quoted President ances that he would deliver us; yea, Golightly. Thomas S. Monson as saying, “Our insomuch that he did speak peace to Mr. Peters shared some thoughts on Heavenly Father . . . knows that we our souls, and did grant unto us great the power of a person knowing her learn and grow and become refined faith, and did cause us that we should or his values and standards and then through hard challenges, heartbreak- hope for our deliverance in him. sticking to them. ing sorrows, and difficult choices.” 6 “And we did take courage . . . and He recalled watching former All As I have contemplated Elder Oaks’s were fixed with a determination to Blacks rugby player Sid Going—who powerful message, three thoughts have conquer.” 8 was also in attendance on Sunday eve- distilled upon my mind. I don’t know the meaning of all ning, along with his wife, Colleen— things, but this I do know from observ- play at Eden Park in Auckland. 1. The defining discipline of true ing faithful Saints who have trusted in Mr. Peters commended Mr. Going Christian discipleship and submis- siveness will develop when we God: in time the fog lifts, and looking for being true to his values as a rugby accept Heavenly Father’s will for us. back they can see that their trust in Him player, including his decision to hon- 2. Submissiveness is a sign of our trust was well worth the wait. our the Sabbath day. in Heavenly Father’s love for us. Yes, we can trust Him. ◼ Mr. Going said in an interview NOTES after the meeting that high moral stan- 3. We demonstrate our trust in 1. 2 Corinthians 12:7. Heavenly Father when we live as 2. 121:1. dards are important for the way we 3. Mathew 27:46. live our lives. one, full of hope, even when things 4. 1 Nephi 11:17. 5. Mosiah 7:18–19. “It’s difficult for young people go wrong. 6. Thomas S. Monson, quoted in Dallin H. Oaks, “Opposition in All Things,” Ensign, today,” he said, “but one has to be H-O-P-E, by the way, is “Having May 2016, 116. strong enough to remember the pur- 7. Doctrine and Covenants 121:7. Optimistic Perspective Eternally.” 8. Alma 58:11–12. pose of your life.

N2 Ensign NEW ZEALAND LOCAL PAGES LOCAL ZEALAND NEW PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY PUBLIC AFFAIRS path. If you go off the wrong track, whatever your problem is, it will only get worse.” Mr. Peters said that churches play an important role in the community in teaching values and standards. “Critics have no idea what kind of society it would be if we didn’t have influences like churches in our coun- try,” Mr. Peters said. Young Latter-day­ Saint Rhaydyn Teokotai also spoke on Sunday eve- ning. He referred to the culture of Rt Hon Winston Peters (right) shakes hands with stake president “competing, comparing and never Ronald Reti. being enough.” “As young people today,” Mr. Members of Parliament in attendance included Pita Paraone and Kelvin Davis. Representing the City of Whangarei were Councillors Teokotai said, “we see the world Jayne Golightly and Sue Glen. and think we can’t do it. We see the world and not the Saviour. It’s simple. We need to turn out atten- tion to the Saviour, keep our steady focus on Him and we can overcome everything.” He added, “Life isn’t easy. School isn’t easy. But if we live our values and show the world our values, other people will start to live them.” Closing the evening, President Reti urged those in attendance to put themselves in positions where they “There are six other days in a week, respected his church’s views you can make a difference. and sports now seem to take over the shouldn’t play sport on Sunday,” Mr. “We need to be in the world, to Sabbath day. For me, it was a decision Peters said. “It’s not an easy thing to participate as members of the Church,

PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY PUBLIC AFFAIRS I made as a young person taught by do. Most people have to compromise so others can see what we’re about.” my parents. There is more than just this [their] values. During the event, President Reti life; there’s an eternal part of our plan.” “My message for young people is presented Mr. Peters with a framed “It is wonderful to see Sid made it this: No matter how difficult it is, it copy of “The Family: A Proclamation all the way to the All Blacks having won’t help if you go off the beaten to the World.” ◼

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New Chinese Class a Miracle By Shilo Kino

here is estimated to be almost of their heart and feel the Spirit more Chinese institute student T90,000 people from China who are fully. That’s what it’s all about. If there’s Lang Ming said institute has now currently living in New Zealand. a group of Chinese people that can ben- given her a lot of support. And institute director President Philip efit from this, then why not?” President Skeen calls the new Chinese classes a Skeen said. “miracle”. The class will be an hour and a half “When you have class all day, you are “Chinese is the most-spoken class in long and will be based on the teaching tired and sometimes find it hard to catch the world, so the new Chinese institute and doctrine of the . up to what the teachers are saying in classes needed to happen,” he said. Twenty-four-year-old Lang Ming is English. Chinese is easier for me.” “The classes are a miracle.” from Chongqing, China, and joined the Teacher Manu Edwards finished his The new institute class began in Church in April last year. She recently over two years ago. He said the early May this year and is taught at graduated from Auckland University with Chinese classes are important to the the Auckland City Institute building by a master’s in accounting. Chinese members. former missionaries Shilo Kino, Manu A desire for a change of scenery “Most of them are first generation Edwards, Tahir Nin and Joseph Satele. brought Lang Ming to New Zealand members and are still learning about the Shilo recently returned from her mission over a year ago. gospel,” he said. in Hong Kong, while Manu served in She said attending the Chinese insti- “They will be the future leaders of the Auckland, Tahir in Taiwan and Joseph tute class has helped her immensely. Church for those in China and around the in Melbourne, Australia. “When I first arrived, I didn’t like the world. They will be instruments for their “We are promised the gospel will be environment. I felt lonely, and it was own family for receiving the gospel.” ◼ preached to all nations, kindreds and tough getting over difficulties without The new Chinese institute class is held tongues. The Chinese students will be any help. Institute made me feel warm, every Tuesday 7pm at 9 Governor Fitzroy able to hear the gospel in the language and I had so much support. Place, Auckland City. All are welcome.

SHILO KINO Teachers Shilo Kino (left) and Manu Edwards (right) with students from the Chinese institute class. N4 Ensign Victor and Lee Peihopa are PAGES LOCAL ZEALAND NEW pictured with recently returned missionary son Ephraime. They said it is “awesome” having three sons out on a mission at the same time.

Three Brothers on a Mission By Shilo Kino

t’s hard enough having one son away for two years. I Elder Gianni Peihopa is currently Try having three sons all on their mis- serving his mission in Adelaide. He sions at the same time. will come home next year. That’s what mum Lee Peihopa and hus- band Victor Peihopa experienced when their sons Ephraime, Dante and Gianni served missions. Ephraime returned in May from Calgary, Canada, while Dante returned from Quezon City, Philippines, in July. Gianni is in Adelaide and will come home next year. PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY SHILO KINO Lee Peiopa said she wouldn’t have it any other way. Elder Dante Peihopa served his “It’s awesome,” she said. mission in Quezon City, Philippines. “We don’t know how we did it. Three kids on a mission. But we did it, and that’s “greatest blessing,” said Victor Peihopa. in my life. I felt that with me on my mission.” because the Lord is blessing us. We really “We did everything we could to get our Their three sons have inspired Victor and see the blessings, especially seeing how kids to church and to activities. We taught Lee to do their own missionary work. each of our sons’ personal testimonies are them to serve from a young age. They were When they go out, Lee makes sure to tell strengthened. It brings us joy.” hungry and tired, but we would go out everyone about her sons serving missions. The Peihopas have seven children; the two and visit the elderly and they would stop “The reaction is really good,” she said. youngest are foster children. Their oldest, complaining. It’s the best thing we could “And even better, we can tell our sons we Conrad, also served a mission in Indonesia. have done.” are doing missionary work on our end too.” Victor is the former bishop of Lincoln Ward Ephraime said his parents never gave While being a mission mum can be tough, and currently serves as the ward mission up on him. Lee said she has only one responsibility. leader. Lee teaches in Sunday School. “There were points in my life when I “It’s not easy serving and our missionaries “When the kids were young, they didn’t want to serve a mission. I didn’t want get tested. They are in a strange country and always knew they were going on a mis- to do it. They didn’t stop loving me. They they are stretched and pushed to their limits. sion,” Lee said. always told me it would be okay and they They get smashed to the ground, so my job “Church is just the way of life. It became taught me why I should live the gospel and is to pump them up!” our culture and they knew that.” how. Church was always something we did.” While they are happy that their sons are Lee and Victor are both converts to the Ephraime said that on his mission he serving and can see the blessings, Victor Church, so they were determined to give grew to love Heavenly Father. said it isn’t the main goal. their children an upbringing they never “I was spat on and doors were “The goal is not for them to serve mis- experienced. slammed on me, but one of the big- sions but to help get them into the temple. Being married in the temple and hav- gest blessings I could receive is to feel I wouldn’t have loved my sons any less if ing children born in the covenant is the Heavenly Father’s love more abundantly they didn’t serve.” ◼

August 2017 N5 70 years later in 1951, Anita’s husband, Meet the “National Treasure” Who Matt, was called to be the branch pres- Helped Build the Church in Auckland ident of the new Auckland Branch. By Shilo Kino “Matt Chote as President of the Branch has really made me feel as nita Chote smiles when she is good as if someone were scratching my

Aasked about her extraordinary life. SHILO KINO back. You will find him dependable. “I’m just an ordinary woman with an He is someone that makes success,” ordinary life,” the 93-year-old insists. Matthew Crowley wrote in a letter. But Anita Chote—or “Neat,” as Anita was the Relief Society pres- her friends call her—is anything but ident of the new Auckland Branch. ordinary, according to the Saints in During her time as a member of the New Zealand. Church, Anita has been Relief Society Good friend and current Hamilton president five times and also served a temple matron Christine Roberts calls temple mission with her husband in Anita a “national treasure”. 1989–1990. Anita and her husband, Matt Chote, She calls the Saints in the early days are pioneers for The Church of Jesus “pioneer people” who made huge Christ of Latter-day Saints, two of many sacrifices. Anita lived in Mount Roskill members who helped establish the with “two little girls and no car.” She Anita and her husband, Matt Church in Auckland during the early travelled to church by tram. Chote, are pioneers for The Church 50s and 60s. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “I have a different concept of Anita has four children with her late two of many members who helped church when I’ve been in Auckland husband, Matt, along with 14 grand- establish the Church in Auckland from the beginning. It’s totally differ- children and four great-grandchildren. during the early 50s and 60s. ent now to what it used to be. Anita was born in Christchurch “Everyone had to come from miles to a mother who was a devout away to get to church. I often say Anglican and a dad who believed with Heavenly Father as clear and you never appreciate a chapel until in Presbyterianism. Matthew Cowley, personal. He became a reality.” you’ve done the hard work. In those who would later become an Apostle, Anita moved to Auckland and was days we used to billet and cook the was serving in New Zealand at the baptized in 1948 after she turned 21. meals for all the labour missionaries, time. He asked Anita’s family if the She said it was an honour to be con- and nowadays you walk into a ready- missionaries could live with them. firmed by Matthew Crowley. made chapel.” The rest is history. “I’m forever grateful for the bless- One of her cherished memories is “God and Jesus Christ always seemed ings and challenges I’ve had in my life a five-course meal put on for over a like a fairy tale to me,” she said. that make my testimony firm.” thousand people, organized by the “Meeting with the missionaries The original Auckland Branch was Church members to raise funds for allowed me to see my relationship formed in June 1880, and more than a new building.

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MISSIONARY MOMENTS

“Those were great days. Everyone worked hard together and we raised Returning Home Early: How Jashon the money needed,“ she said. Waters Got Back Up and Served “There was even an article in a mag- By Jashon Waters azine on how many tons of potatoes we used for potato salad.” eturning home early from my mis- decided that I needed to go home, Pacific Area Church history advisers R sion was by far one of the hardest sort my health out and wait at least Tina and Lindsay Dil said the Chotes things I have ever done in my life. I six months before I could continue have always been great leaders and stal- had always wanted to be a mission- my mission. warts of the Church in New Zealand. ary. I don’t think anyone ever plans I was devastated. Was this really “We love them and think of them on coming home early, but painfully, the Lord’s plan for me? My heart was as amazing role models who always it happened to me. already in Albania. I had no clue what exemplified dedicated service, good I understand that there are several I would do when I got home. The humour, good judgement and kind- reasons why a missionary may return pain and reality of it all didn’t sting ness to all. They both blessed so home early from a mission. My goal is until I stepped off the plane and saw many lives, and Neat continues to be a not to compare but hopefully to uplift my family at the airport. gracious example of the best of Latter- and encourage those who seek to do Coming home early was the most day Saint womanhood. The strength good even when times get tough. This spiritually and emotionally difficult of the Church in New Zealand today is my story. time of my life. Instead of being on grew out of the unselfish and whole- I was called to the Adriatic South a mission, I found myself struggling hearted service of Saints like the Mission in June 2013, assigned to immensely. Old habits crept in; good Chotes. What a blessing this special preach the gospel in the Albanian habits were forgotten. My resilience to couple have been.” language. Excitedly, I reported to the temptation grew weak, my desire to The new Matthew Cowley Pacific Provo Missionary Training Center in re-serve my mission was fading and Church History Centre was dedicated January 2014. I absolutely loved my internally I was suffering deeply. as part of the Temple View project. It time there. I learnt so much and grew features interactive exhibits and dis- spiritually. I remember being anxious to plays that will inform visitors about get to the mission field and teach real Latter-day Saints in New Zealand, people! The moment finally came two Australia, and the islands of the South months later and I started my journey Pacific over the last 177 years. for Albania. However, while I was wait- And it is something that Anita is ing in the airport for my looking forward to seeing. flight, a life-changing event occurred. “History is very, very important,” I woke up in an ambulance. The

Anita said. paramedic told me, “You had a seizure Jashon Waters overcame many trials “We need to know where we in the airport and you fell and cut your to serve his mission in the Adriatic come from. And Matthew was a bril- head.” The doctors kindly attended to South Mission. liant man.” ◼ my wound, and a few days later, it was

August 2017 N7 I came to a point in my life where it involves heartache and pain, but it loves us. I have felt His love that He has I needed to decide what I was going doesn’t go unnoticed and is nothing for me. He is there for us every step of to do. I thought of disregarding my that our Saviour doesn’t understand. the journey, even when we feel He is mission to follow other aspirations, I have a testimony that He lives, that not. He stands with open arms, waiting and at a point I was even considering He knows and understands us and still for us to trust and turn to Him. ◼ abandoning my testimony altogether. In this important time, I decided to do what I had been taught my whole life—to pray. I got on my knees and TIP OF THE MONTH begged for guidance for the first time in a while, and received an unques- Showing Integrity allow yourself to ever do anything that tionable answer. I needed to set an would damage your integrity.”1 LDS Family Services example for my little brother, shape When we build our lives on a foun- up and serve the rest of my mission— dation of integrity, we can be confident so I did. “ lessed is my servant ; of the Lord’s approval and blessings, and It wasn’t the easiest process, but it Bfor I, the Lord, love him because we will find that we will not only protect was well worth it. I put my head down of the integrity of his heart” (D&C ourselves spiritually but also strengthen 124:15). This high praise that the Lord our relationships with others. Men and and made the necessary preparations. bestowed on Hyrum Smith is a power- women who act with integrity are gen- A year later, on the 5th January 2015, I ful admonition to each of us to act with erally respected and trusted by others. was set apart once more as a mission- integrity in our lives. The strength of character that integrity ary. I flew to Albania the next day. We live in a world where many seek develops will not only help a person to Elder Quentin L. Cook of the to satisfy their wants by false, deceptive, be more resilient but will also enlarge Quorum of the Twelve Apostles opportunistic and exploitative means to their circle of influence over others. said in the recent April general con- achieve instant gratification. However, Furthermore, as Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin ference: “Adversity should not be as Latter-day Saints and disciples of taught, “the consummate reward of Jesus Christ, we need to show integrity integrity is the constant companionship viewed as either disfavor from the in all of our choices and behaviours, of the Holy Ghost, . . . [who will] guide Lord or a withdrawal of His blessings. both public and private. This includes us in all we do.”2 Opposition in all things is part of the not associating ourselves too closely No matter the trials, challenges and refiner’s fire to prepare us for an eter- with others who demonstrate a disre- temptations of life, may we strive to nal celestial destiny” (“Foundations gard for integrity. have an eternal perspective and live as of Faith”, Ensign, May 2017, 130). “Success will come and go, but Job of old did, proclaiming, “Till I die I I loved my mission and the people integrity is forever. Integrity means will not remove mine integrity from me” doing the right thing at all times and that I served. I look back with so much (Job 27:5). ◼ in all circumstances, whether or not contentment and happiness, especially NOTES anyone is watching. It takes having the 1. Amy Rees Anderson, “Success Will knowing that I overcame major trials Come and Go, but Integrity Is Forever,” courage to do the right thing, no matter www.forbes​ .com/​ sites/​ amyanderson/​ ​ to get there. The experiences that I what the consequences will be. Building 2012/11/​ 28/​ success​ -​ will­ -​ come­ -​ and­ -​ go­ have had testify to me that God has a ​-but­ -​ integrity­ -​ is­ -​ forever/­ 2/​ #56c1401c470f.​​ a reputation of integrity takes years, but 2. Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Personal Integrity,” unique plan for each of us. Sometimes it takes only a second to lose, so never Ensign, May 1990, 33. NEW ZEALAND

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