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AREA LEADERSHIP MESSAGE Complete the My Path to Self-Reliance­ Initiative By Elder Meliula Fata Elder Meliula Fata

owards the end of 2016 during our I read and pondered on the bless- income you need, and how to deter- Tmonthly management meeting at ings and the promise from the Lord mine the training or education for your the Samoa Service Centre, our service that He will provide and open the preferred options to meet your finan- centre manager, Denny Afualo, chal- door of self-reliance, which is the cial goals. The principles in the booklet lenged us to complete the My Path ability, commitment, and effort for us will help you learn how to control your to Self-Reliance.­ I had a very strong to provide the spiritual and temporal spending, how to budget your income, feeling that I should be one of the necessities of life for ourselves and and how to live within your means. first to do this. our family members.1 At the end of this booklet exercise, The very next day I picked up the The First Presidency has invited us you will want to do your self-reliance My Path to Self-Reliance­ booklet from to carefully study this booklet, apply assessment again and see how much the self-reliance manager and started the principles therein, and teach them you and your family have improved looking through it. I found the mes- to our family members. As we do so, towards becoming more self-reliant. sage from the First Presidency on the our lives will be blessed. We will learn President Thomas S. Monson

IMAGES COURTESY OF ELDER MELIULA FATA first page. how to act on our path towards greater has counselled, “[Self-reliance] is an self-reliance. We will be blessed with essential element in our spiritual as greater hope, peace, and progress. well as our temporal well-being”.2 The I urge everyone to complete the My Lord has declared, “It is my purpose Path to Self-Reliance­ booklet by your- to provide for my saints.”3 This reve- self or as a group. Apply the principles lation is a promise that the Lord will that are taught there and you will expe­ provide temporal blessings and open rience the blessings that were promised the door of self-reliance. He has also by the First Presidency of the Church declared that “it must needs be done to us and our families. By doing the in [his ways].”4 To receive the bless- exercises in the booklet, you will learn ings of self-reliance, we must accept why we should be self-reliant and and live the principles of self-reliance. how the Savior can help us become It is not enough to have only a self-reliant. Ask yourself, how self- desire to become self-reliant. We reliant are you and your family today? must make a conscious, active effort By completing the My Path to to provide for our own needs and Self-Reliance­ booklet, you will also those of our families. Bishop H. David Elder Fata is on a journey to be more self-reliant. He and his wife grow learn how to determine your financial Burton, former Presiding Bishop of their own fruit and vegetables. requirements for you to be self-reliant, the Church, reminds us that when what kind of work could give you the we have “done all we can to be

June 2017 N1 LOCAL PAGES Apostle Visits New Zealand By Mormon Newsroom

t was a memorable time for the I New Zealand youth who had their questions answered by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when he visited New Zealand earlier this year. Elder Renlund; his wife, Sister Ruth

Sister Fata holding the papaya from her and Elder Fata’s garden. Renlund; and other Church leaders travelled from Salt Lake City to meet with Church leaders, members and self-reliant . . . we can turn to the to him that had not should be given”.7 missionaries in New Zealand, Lord in confidence to ask for what My wife and I have a little garden and . we might yet lack.”5 Being self-reliant on a two-and-a-half-acre plot of land Youth had the opportunity to ask allows us to help and bless others. where we grow banana, taro, ta’amu, Elder Renlund questions at a special Elder Robert D. Hales of the yam, tapioca, sugarcane, avocado, devotional held in Hamilton. Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, breadfruit, tomatoes, pawpaw, cab- Elder Renlund was accompanied “Only when we are self-reliant can we bages, sweet potatoes, green peppers, by his wife and by Elder Craig A. truly emulate the Savior in serving and eggplants, ginger plants, and so forth. Cardon of the Pacific Area Presidency blessing others.”6 Because we have more than enough and his wife, Sister Deborah Cardon. Alma teaches the members, espe- to provide for ourselves, we either The meeting was conducted by Elder cially the ordained priests, to labor sell some of the produce or we give David J. Thomson, Area Seventy. with their own hands and support most away to others. We feel blessed Before the meeting, youth were themselves and not to depend upon because we listen to the counsel of the invited to submit questions for the others. He “commanded them that the leaders in trying to be self-reliant. ◼ Church leaders. The result was a list priests whom he had ordained should of 129 unique questions. labor with their own hands for their NOTES During the course of the meeting, 1. Handbook 2: Administering the Church support.” He also “commanded that the (2010), 6.1.1. the Church leaders offered insight and 2. Thomas S. Monson, “Guiding Principles people of the church should impart of of Personal and Family Welfare,” Ensign, counsel to the gathered youth on a their substance, every one according Sept. 1986, 3. range of topics from how to respond 3. Doctrine and Covenants 104:15. to that which he had; if he have more 4. Doctrine and Covenants 104:16. to a call from the Lord to how sin 5. H. David Burton, “The Blessing of Work,” abundantly he should impart more Ensign, Dec. 2009, 43. affects spirituality. abundantly; and of him that had but 6. Robert D. Hales, in The Eternal Family In response to a question asking if Teacher Manual (2015), 96. little, but little should be required; and 7. Mosiah 18:24, 27. one should still pray even when one

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Elder Dale G. Renlund greets youth at the special question- and-answer devotional held in Hamilton.

Elder Renlund with Church leaders at Temple View, Hamilton

doesn’t feel worthy, Elder Renlund He cares who you are and who you Look inside, not in the mirror, for feel- told the youth that “Jesus Christ loves are becoming.” ings of self-worth,” Sister Renlund said. us and invites us to change. We don’t In answer to a question asking how Elder Renlund also travelled earn forgiveness; we qualify for it.” to comfortably share the gospel with to Hamilton so he could tour the

IMAGES COURTESY OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY AND USED WITH PERMISSION LIBRARY IMAGES COURTESY OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Quoting Nelson Mandela, he said, “A others, Sister Renlund advised the Church’s extensive redevelopment saint is a sinner who keeps on trying.” youth that when they are asked what project in Temple View. Responding to the question “How they did last weekend, they should Elder Renlund was accompanied do I find the desire to turn away from “accurately report [their] activities.” by Sister Renlund; Elder Donald L. sin?” Elder Renlund counselled that When asked what they did over Hallstrom of the Presidency of the we can’t turn away from sin by think- the weekend, instead of respond- Seventy and his wife, Sister Diane ing about sin. We need to think about ing, “Oh, nothing,” they might say, “I Hallstrom; and Bishop Gérald Caussé, the Saviour to turn away from sin. He went to church and had a wonderful Presiding Bishop of the Church, and also suggested that if you don’t know experience.” his wife, Sister Valérie Caussé. the Saviour well enough, you won’t She also encouraged the youth Elder O. Vincent Haleck and Sister have a desire to turn away from sin. not to compare themselves to others Peggy Haleck; Elder S. Gifford Nielsen Elder Renlund told the youth, because that will lead to feelings of and Sister Wendy Nielsen; Elder “God does not care who you were; inadequacy. “Focus on your strengths. Craig A. Cardon and Sister Debbie

June 2017 N3 heritage, stimulating economic devel- The youth listen intently to Elder Renlund. opment, and implementing ecological

IMAGE COURTESY OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY AND USED WITH PERMISSION LIBRARY IMAGE COURTESY OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS improvements. They also toured the soon-to-be Cardon; and Brent Buckner, director The presentation to Church lead- completed museum—part of the for temporal affairs in the Pacific Area, ers, given by Paul Coward, leader of Mendenhall Building repurposing— accompanied the visiting leaders. the Temple View Project, included a that will document the journeys of Elder Renlund and the other leaders report on how desired outcomes, out- members of The Church of Jesus were briefed on the history of Temple lined when the development was first Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout View and the Church College of New conceived, are coming to fruition. its history in the Pacific and celebrate Zealand. They received an update on Those outcomes included, among their cultures. The museum will be the repurposing of the school campus others, enhancing and protecting state-of-the-art, with many impressive (which closed in 2009) and develop- the Hamilton New Zealand Temple interactive experiences built in for ment of surrounding land. environs, preserving and celebrating visitors to enjoy. ◼

“Famous Mormon” Rises above Challenges By Shilo Kino

is family and friends call him the “I try and shy away from any “Afterwards, I was told I wouldn’t H “Famous Mormon.” recognition—never thought it was a big be able to play sports or walk, so I Peter Cowan served a two-year deal. I was just doing my part. Some thought my mission dream was over. mission for The Church of Jesus people were sweet. They said they I hadn’t heard about any other ampu- Christ of Latter-day Saints. He became were so touched. It means a lot to me.” tee on a mission. “famous” to many after his inspiring Elder Yamashita said, “I am proud “I was trying to be ‘Mister story was featured in a talk by his for- not only of Elder Cowan but also of all Optimistic,’ but it cut me pretty mer mission president, Elder Kazuhiko the missionaries throughout the world deep. I couldn’t participate or do Yamashita, to a worldwide audience who serve willingly without murmur- anything.” in the Church’s October 2016 general ing or complaining.” Peter said the accident only conference. But Peter almost didn’t serve a mis- boosted his desire to serve. Elder Yamashita shared Peter’s expe- sion after his bike accident resulted in “I found myself praying more, rience of overcoming the challenge him losing a leg. to accept it and try and find peace. of serving a mission in with a While training for the IronMaori Never before did I have to rely more prosthetic leg. triathlon six years ago, Peter’s bike on the Lord.” But the 21-year-old is brushing off collided with an oncoming car. He certainly wasn’t expecting all the attention. “I feel kind of goofy “I thought I might actually die,” to serve in Japan, a mission where about it,” he said. he said. riding a bike was a requirement.

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June 2017 says his motivation is simple. simple. is his motivation says Peter is looking forward to trying out for the next Paralympics.

Peter But the sports still has enthusiast a go,” Paralympics to give “I want “I got a chance to try on a running people a little bit to give “I want this kind of life but it’s not. I want to I want not. but it’s this kind of life inspire people along the way.” saying: He puts his trial in perspective, suffering “I look back on the Saviour’s us. through for and what He went getting for my motivation That was about it, Once I thought through it all. ‘This is nothing; the Saviour I realized, ◼ had it worse.’” school, Hastings Boys High School, High School, Hastings Boys school, this year. university and plans to go to his bucket list. one more goal on he said. and it was cool. blade last November hope is lost for think People of hope. - - - In January he finished the Waka Ama In January he finished the The aspiring teacher tutors the “It left each a bit of loneliness as up and wake I would day “Every returned from his mission to Peter Geraldine all about Church knows national sprints and placed second. kapa haka group at his former high sion in the and youngersion in the Philippines servingbrother Benjamin was in the North Mission. Sydney Geraldine said. one left,” that I had three sons on a mis know any ask for couldn’t And you sion. thing greater than that.” of Hastings last August. his hometown was not one dry not in the room.” was eye in the was While Peter missions. his twin South Mission, Sydney serving was a mis Chesser, brother, -

- “I was [watching conference] with conference] [watching “I was Proud mum Geraldine says sheProud mum Geraldine says “My heart just dropped. I wanted “My heart just dropped. “After hanging up the phone with “After But after six months and several bro But after six months and several “My mission president asked me asked “My mission president

Peter with his former mission president, Elder Yamashita and Sister Tazuko Yamashita, Peter’s younger brother and sister at younger Peter’s There home in Australia. my sister’s “We didn’t know about it beforehand,” about it beforehand,” didn’t know “We she said. was surprised when she heard Peter’s surprised when she heard Peter’s was name mentioned in general conference. tentment. I was reassured it was going reassured it was I was tentment. to be okay.” to stay. But as I made my way to the But as I made my way to stay. felt peace and con I mission office, news, I just wanted to crawl up in a I just wanted news, little ball and cry. my mission president and hearing the ken prosthetic legs, he was re-assigned he was prosthetic legs, ken South Mission, to the Australia Sydney to use. available where a car was if I was okay to ride a bike, and I just ride a bike, to okay if I was ‘Should said, be okay.’” IMAGES COURTESY OF PETER COWAN PETER OF COURTESY IMAGES Kaiarahi Ngakuru, now age 14, with

IMAGES COURTESY OF KAIARAHI NGAKURU her family

Her love for photography, netball Young Woman Chooses the Temple and school keeps Kaiarahi busy in By Shilo Kino her small town of Paihia. However, Kaiarahi always manages to find ost young women want a big Kaiarahi’s interest in the temple time to do family history work. So M party for their birthday. began after her ward’s Young far she has discovered an impres- Not Kaiarahi Ngakuru. She Women president, Sister Pam sive 110 names of ancestors. wanted to go to the temple. White, invited her to do family Mum, Lynelle, said Kaiarahi’s The day she turned twelve, history work. example was a turning point for Kaiarahi travelled four hours “To be honest, at first I didn’t have her and her husband. from Paihia to the Hamilton New any interest because it seemed very “She was so excited about going Zealand Temple, together with her boring, but I said to myself I would to the temple that she couldn’t eat mum, dad, big sister, uncle, and try it out and see how it goes.” or sleep. So to hear my daughter two cousins. Kaiarahi was surprised to dis- so excited, I knew I had to make There were no balloons, party cover family history was fun. a change,” she said. food or music, but Kaiarahi says “I ended up loving it. I tagged “Previously, only I went to going for the first time on her birth- along, watched, researched and got the temple often. My testimony day was special. family names ready for baptisms. I has grown through her example. “Every time I saw the temple, it can just feel the spirit of the peo- Spiritually, our family has become was beautiful and pure white. The ple I have done the work for in stronger in the last two years, and gardens, flowers—it was all beauti- the room, and it feels very special. now every time we get an oppor- ful,” she said. I have been doing family history tunity, we will go to the temple.” “Before I went through the tem- work ever since.” Young Kaiarahi wants to encour- ple door, I felt a little bit nervous. age everyone to give temple and But I could feel the Spirit strongly, Kaiarahi family history a go. and I started to cry. It was a pretty Ngakuru in “Even though it might seem cool feeling.” front of the boring, just give it a go because it It has been over two years since Hamilton is actually enjoyable and you won’t that special day, and the temple has New Zealand regret it. It has definitely helped Temple now become a priority for Kaiarahi me to have a better relationship and her family. with Heavenly Father.” ◼

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Auckland institute celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

longer than the years we spent at Auckland Institute Turns 40 university. There were many hours By Mormon Newsroom spent laughing, in deep conversation, or enjoying pancakes and pizza.” he Auckland Institute of Religion “This building is dear to all of us. Bryton feels that the institute was Thas every reason to celebrate. I have some beautiful memories of an uplifting place where he and Kayne The institute originally opened this place. My heart goes back to all could study and have fun amongst in 1976. It was dedicated by Elder who have sacrificed their time to help great people. They still find time to David B. Haight on 26 February 1977 make this institute a success.” get together with friends met there, and has continuously operated ever Two former University of Auckland though they have all moved to differ- since, celebrating its 40th anniversary students say they are grateful for the ent areas of New Zealand. this year. blessings that have come to them as a “The blessings of good friendships Elder Meliula M. Fata, an Area result of making institute an important last a lifetime, and we made many good Seventy of the Church who presided part of their busy lives. friends at the institute,” he said. at a celebratory devotional in March Most students have hectic schedules Aaron Wi Repa, area director of commemorating the anniversary, said, and part-time employment. Bryton Seminaries and Institutes, noted that and Kayne Pilling were no differ- “this institute has become ‘a house, ent. However, they felt it was a even a house of prayer, a house of fast- privilege to attend classes in ing, a house of faith, a house of learn- the Latter-day Saints’ Auckland ing, a house of glory, a house of order, city institute building. a house of God’ (D&C 109:8).” According to President Thomas S. Monson Bryton, “The institute has said, “If you are a single college building in town student, I ask you to make participa- wasn’t just a place tion in institute a priority. . . . Divine for structured favor will attend those who humbly lessons but a seek it.”1 ◼ place where we The Auckland institute is located at met and formed 9 Governor Fitzroy Place near AUT. Bryton Pilling and his wife, Kayne, feel they have been friendships that NOTE blessed tremendously by institute. 1. Thomas S. Monson, in “Institute Quotes,” have lasted much lds.org/si/institute/about/institute-quotes.

June 2017 N7 TIP OF THE MONTH

going until the duty or task is well Persevere: Never Give Up done. As declared in Doctrine and LDS Family Services Covenants 58:4, “After much tribula- he priority of LDS Family Services be done.’” My Foundation gives the tion come the blessings.” Tis to foster and teach skills of following pattern for persevering: President Monson wisely shared: emotional self-reliance that will pre- “Our responsibility is to rise from 1. Keep a Positive Attitude—List pare a people for the Saviour. LDS mediocrity to competence, from your blessings. Family Services encourages individ- 2. Remember to Work Together— failure to achievement. Our task is uals and families to teach emotional Ask friends, peers, group mem- to become our best selves. One of self-reliance from My Foundation: bers, and others for help. God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of Principles, Skills, Habits. President 3. Replace Fear with Faith—Avoid trying again, for no failure ever need Thomas S. Monson reminds us that doubt. Remember the Lord has all be final.” “our forward progress in this great power. Call upon Him and accept The First Presidency explained work is dependent upon a deeper His will. that My Foundation “has been understanding and a more thorough 4. Move Forward with Patience and prepared to help members of the application of divinely revealed wel- Courage—Never, never, never Church learn and put into practice 1 fare principles.” give up; endure with faith. principles of faith, education, hard Self-reliance principle 9, work, and trust in the Lord.” The “Persevere,” in My Foundation,2 Using the four steps in the pattern Brethren assure us that when we involves how we learn to keep going above, find a friend or group to work “diligently study and apply these even when it is difficult. How does with. Commit to each other that you principles and teach them to [our] trust in the Lord affect our ability to will persevere—that you will keep family members,” our lives “will be persevere? Emotional challenges are blessed with greater hope, peace, part of life; some are more critical and progress.”3 than others—such as losing a loved “Our responsibility is to This can be our experience as one, living with a spouse or child rise from mediocrity to we apply these principles, resting who has behaviours that are offensive competence, from failure assured that we are indeed children to God’s commandments, or growing of God, who loves us and will never up in an environment of trauma and to achievement. . . . One forsake us. ◼ abuse. These are a few examples of of God’s greatest gifts NOTES trials in mortality. President James E. 1. Thomas S. Monson, in My Foundation: to us is the joy of trying Principles, Skills, Habits (self-reliance Faust reminds us that “perseverance is booklet, 2015), 1; available at “Self- demonstrated by those who . . . don’t again, for no failure Reliance,” Gospel Topics, topics.lds.org. 2. See My Foundation, 20–21. give up even when others say, ‘It can’t ever need be final”. 3. First Presidency, in My Foundation, 2. NEW ZEALAND

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