AUSTRALIA LOCAL PAGES PAGES LOCAL AUSTRALIA

AREA LEADERSHIP MESSAGE “Whether by Mine Own Voice or by the

Voice of My Servants, It Is the Same” By Elder Paul Lekias Area Seventy Elder Paul Lekias

s early as I can recollect, I have Their message is not new. As we Christ.”7 Joseph Smith was commanded Aalways strived to live by the fol- review the Lord’s standard works, we to “preach naught but repentance.”8 lowing formula: obedience plus hard find example after example of what We know that God “is the same work equals happiness. I have applied the Lord’s “secrets” to His servants may yesterday, today, and forever”9 and this way of life at work, in my studies consist of. Enoch was charged with therefore can safely assume that and as a full-time­ missionary serving the commission to “go to this people, prophets and apostles of our day are in Christchurch, New Zealand (1987– and say unto them—Repent.”4 Ezekiel commanded to preach repentance to 89). It has been particularly important was given the charge to be a “watch- all the world. As we obey their counsel to Sister Lekias and me as we have man unto the house of Israel . . . and and direction, over time we experi- raised our four children in the gospel. give them warning from me.”5 Samuel ence a mighty change of heart, with The Saviour came in the meridian the Lamanite prophesied “whatsoever the desired outcome being “that we of time to fulfill His Father’s will. He things should come into his heart”6 have no more disposition to do evil, came “to seek and to save that which and admonished the Nephites that but to do good continually.”10 was lost.”1 Following the Saviour’s “nothing can save this people save it be The invitation to change is extended Crucifixion, His voice was heard repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus with the first and second great com- among the people on the American mandments11 in mind and a desire continent, inviting them to “offer for a to accomplish the great work of our sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a Heavenly Father. The love President contrite spirit.”2 Prophets and apostles Thomas S. Monson has for each of help us offer such a sacrifice as they us is evidenced in all that he does. We teach, testify and invite all to come only need look back at the last general unto Christ. As we obey their teach- conference to be reminded of how he ings and keep the Lord’s command- and the Lord wish to bless our lives, if ments, we will prosper in the land, as we would but obey. Lehi and others have clearly stated in the Book of Mormon. 1. Kindness: “Let us examine our lives As we consciously make an effort Over the dispensations of time, and determine to follow the Savior’s to follow and implement the Heavenly Father has always followed direction and counsel given from example by being kind, loving, and 3 12 a pattern which continues today. How our leaders, we (like Lehi’s family) charitable.” grateful we are for this pattern, where will be directed to our “promised 2. Read the Book of Mormon daily: prophets and apostles are called to land,” even the celestial kingdom. “My dear associates in the work of lead and guide us in these latter days. the Lord, I implore each of us to

September 2017 A1 prayerfully study and ponder the know that as we apply the scriptural facilities at Temple View, Hamilton. Book of Mormon each day.”13 mandate “Whether by mine own He was joined by Apostle Neil L. 3. As we sustain and follow our living voice or by the voice of my servants Andersen and Bishop Dean M. Davies prophet, President Monson, we too [including our Area Presidency and of the Presiding Bishopric. can be like Alma of old, who believed local leaders], it is the same”16 to our “Temple View is a special, sacred in the words of Abinadi, who was lives, the Lord’s promised blessings place,” President Eyring said. “It really a holy prophet, “and according to will be ours. We will find greater joy is. Every time I’m here, I have that his faith there was a mighty change in our homes, in church attendance, at feeling. I’ve been here with President wrought in his heart.”14 work, in our studies and in our journey Hinckley and President Monson before. through life. I so testify in the name of I could feel the faith of the people then. Our leaders can be likened to the Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ There are great people here.”

Liahona found by Lehi and his family. NOTES President Eyring had a packed The pointers of the Liahona (like a com- 1. Luke 19:10. schedule on his visit to Temple View, 2. 3 Nephi 9:20. pass) “did work according to the faith 3. See Amos 3:7. touring the Wendell B. Mendenhall 4. Moses 7:10. and diligence [work] and heed which 5. Ezekiel 3:17. Library, including the Matthew Cowley we did give unto them.”15 As we con- 6. Helaman 13:3. Pacific Church History Centre and 7. Helaman 13:6. sciously make an effort to follow and 8. Doctrine and Covenants 19:21. Museum. 9. 1 Nephi 10:18. implement the direction and counsel 10. Mosiah 5:2. “There is a reason we talk about given from our leaders, we (like Lehi’s 11. See Matthew 22:36–39. our families,” he said. “We don’t just 12. Thomas S. Monson, “Kindness, Charity, family) will be directed to our “prom- and Love,” Ensign, May 2017, 67. want to do good with our families; we 13. Thomas S. Monson, “The Power of the ised land,” even the celestial kingdom. Book of Mormon,” Ensign, May 2017, 87. want to do temple work so we can be Like each of you, I love and sustain 14. Alma 5:11–12. sealed. People will come to the centre, 15. 1 Nephi 16:28. our prophets, seers and revelators. I 16. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38. particularly people who are from this area, and have wonderful spiritual experiences. I can imagine people in the spirit world cheering!” LOCAL PAGES He then visited the Kai Hall and made sure to have an intimate meeting with around 50 former labour mission- President Eyring Leaves aries in the George R. Biesinger Hall. His Mark on New Zealand Many of the labour missionaries By Shilo Kino in attendance played a huge role in building Church College, chapels and t’s not every day you get a visit from President Henry B. Eyring, First the temple in New Zealand. I two Apostles. Counselor in the First Presidency, was Kahu Katene gave President Eyring, But for the Saints in Temple View, in New Zealand to dedicate the new Elder Neil L. Andersen and Bishop Hamilton, it was an occasion they will David O. McKay Stake and Cultural Dean M. Davies and other visitors a never forget. Events Centre and other buildings and special Maori welcome.

A2 Ensign AUSTRALIA LOCAL PAGES LOCAL AUSTRALIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY PUBLIC AFFAIRS

“I saw him coming in and I just started to sing ‘Whakaaria Mai.’ It wasn’t planned. It led to the special

spirit that I felt in the room. It was like having the Lord in our presence, an absolutely special privilege.” President Eyring then headed off President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, was in New Zealand to dedicate the new David O. McKay Stake and Cultural Events Centre to watch over 200 Saints perform in and other buildings and facilities at Temple View, Hamilton. a cultural celebration held at the new David O. McKay Stake and Cultural Events Centre. President Eyring then thanked the build Church College and the temple “It was a wonderful celebration,” missionaries. “You have been labor- in 1952. Sister Kershaw served as a President Eyring said. “It was very ing in the Lord’s service,” he said. “He secretary for a year and a half. unique to this place. Superbly done. I appreciates you. I express for Him and “To have him personally thank us, couldn’t believe it. It had a great spirit.” the Savior appreciation for you all.” it was very inspiring,” she said. “And to On Saturday morning, Saints gath- Former labour missionary Sister think he actually asked to have time to ered at the new stake centre and all Lillian Kershaw, 81, was at the service. spend with us. He didn’t have to come over the world via social media to Her late husband, Tom, served for and say thank you. But he did. It was a witness President Eyring dedicate the nine years as a Brick layer, helping beautiful experience. He was just lovely. Temple View facilities.

President Eyring greets the labour missionaries.

President Eyring addresses the labour President Eyring addresses missionaries. the Hamilton Saints. PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY PUBLIC AFFAIRS

September 2017 A3 He told the Saints the dedication “The Lord did it—and the disciples Church’s Pacific Area Presidency. He was “a grand beginning”. who sacrificed and served each other will continue to serve in leadership He spoke about arriving in New and served Him for generations.” assignments at the Church’s headquar- Zealand 40 years ago, taking some time Before he dedicated the facilities, he ters in Salt Lake City, Utah. to be alone and climb a hill until he was reminded everyone of the meaning: Upon receiving the assignment to almost level with the temple spire. He “A dedication is an open prayer serve in the Pacific, the Nielsens were then sat on his luggage and painted a telling God the Father this is His. We very excited. watercolor of his beautiful surroundings. are so grateful we have these build- “When the words came out of “I don’t know if it captured what I ings, and we will do what You have President Eyring’s mouth that we were felt that day,” he said. “I had a feeling us to do with it. Most of all, we dedi- called to the Pacific Area, I had an I was looking at sacred ground.” cate our hearts.” overwhelming feeling of gratitude,” He was quick to point out that the He then offered the dedicatory Elder Nielsen said. “Thinking about new buildings were the Lord’s work. prayer. ◼ the diverse cultures and open-hearted­ people we would come to know and love was very exciting for me.” Sister Nielsen was equally thrilled. “I felt like I had just won a prize! I Elder and Sister Nielsen Say Farewell was ecstatic to think about living in an By Mormon Newsroom area I had always dreamed of visiting.” Three years later, the Nielsens feel fter three years of service, Elder The Nielsens arrived in New Zealand that their assignment in the Pacific has AS. Gifford Nielsen of the Seventy in July 2014. become more meaningful than they and his wife, Wendy Nielsen, bid fare- Elder Nielsen served for the could have ever anticipated. well to the people of the Pacific. last three years as a member of the “I will be eternally grateful for the blessing of these three years living in paradise,” Sister Nielsen said. “It has been even more beautiful, uplifting and adventurous than I ever imagined. The best part is the hearts and souls of the loving and devoted people we have been privileged to know and love.” Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Seventy, Second Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency, expressed After three years of service, Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of love and appreciation to the Nielsens the Seventy and his wife, during their three-year­ ministry. Wendy Nielsen, bid farewell “They both lead with their hearts. to the people of the Pacific. Sister Nielsen is constantly looking for

A4 Ensign AUSTRALIA LOCAL PAGES LOCAL AUSTRALIA

Celeste and George were married in the Sydney Australia the good in others and assisting those Temple in December in need. Elder Nielsen is genuinely last year. interested in others and loves to make

lasting connections.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAMILY Sister Nielsen has accompanied Elder Nielsen on many of his travels When George found out Celeste in the Pacific Area and has enjoyed A Story of Eternity had cancer, his “heart dropped”. speaking to members and friends of By Shilo Kino “The only thing I knew or heard the Church across the region. about cancer is people dying from it “I am changed forever because of eleste and George were living or their life being disabled, changed, the heavenly lessons I’ve learned from C the dream in the sunny paradise and very painful. Initially I felt sad, each individual I’ve met and loved of Hawaii. mad, and scared all at the same time,” here,” Sister Nielsen said. In between studying and working, he said. The Nielsens will always be the couple could be found at the beach. “I just gave her a hug as she cried remembered for their contagious They never imagined what would on my shoulder.” smiles and loveable personalities. happen next. Celeste has almost finished her “Through their love, we have been Celeste, a former Olympic swimmer, first cycle of treatment. She has 13 able to better feel and recognize the was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a more to go and surgery to remove Lord’s love,” Elder Cardon said. bone cancer commonly found in youth the cancer, which will happen after Elder Nielsen remarked that he will and adolescents. her sixth cycle. always remember the Pacific people’s “It all happened overnight,” she said. And although living with cancer caring hearts and willingness to do “I sat down with the doctors and they can take its toll, Celeste said it’s only anything to brighten up another’s day. looked at me with a sad look. I just sat brought the couple closer together. He hopes the people of the Pacific there for a bit, cried, and then called my “He has reminded me each day why will remember him as someone who husband. Within a few days, I was back I chose to marry him,” she said. “He’s deeply loves the Lord. at home scheduling doctors’ appoint- been an amazing strength to me by According to Elder Nielsen, the ments and adjusting to the cold Sydney loving me, reassuring me and doing Church’s Pacific Area has seen signifi- weather. It all felt surreal.” all he can to put a smile on my face. cant improvements over the past three Celeste has been married for less As a couple, we have grown so much years as members have worked together than a year to her sweetheart, George, together, and with our unique circum- to build up the kingdom of God. who is from Laie, Hawaii. Their wed- stances we live to cherish each day “My hope is that every member will ding last year in December was per- and do all we can to be happy.” continue to pray to have someone fect, said Celeste. Still, it has been hard for George to put in their path each day that they “We were sealed in the Sydney watch his wife battle cancer. can influence in a very positive way, Australia Temple and then spent the “Watching my wife suffer day and ultimately being able to share their evening with close friends and family night and unable to do even half the testimonies of the restored gospel with at our reception. Simple and special, things she is used to has been the hard- them,” Elder Nielsen said. ◼ just the way I like it.” est thing I’ve ever had to do,” he said.

September 2017 A5 Celeste has been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a bone cancer commonly found in youth and adolescents.

Melbourne Saints Do Their Part to Feed the Hungry By Mormon Newsroom “She is the most unselfish, loving “My faith in Jesus Christ has helped and kind person I know. I look at her me recognise why we face opposition elbourne Saints gave generously every day and I still can’t believe she at times in our lives,” Celeste said. “I M from their pantries this past winter said yes. I love her because her goal trust that He loves me, that He knows to support vulnerable families as part every day is to make me happy, even me and wants to help me. Prayer and of the 2017 Feed Melbourne Appeal. when she is strapped to a bed and has studying the scriptures have been The Feed Melbourne Appeal tubes on tubes connected to her body. powerful ways for me to more fully provides food and financial grants I thought I couldn’t love her any more rely on God and remember how much to local charities that are struggling than I did before, but somehow my He really loves His children.” to meet demand. More than 600,000 love for her keeps growing and that’s She is especially grateful for the people rely on food charities each why she is so special to me.” support she has received from family month; however, due to high demand, “It’s really the unknown that is the and friends. many go hungry. Over 6,000 people hardest part,” Celeste said. “Cancer treat- “The faith of so many people around are turned away from food char- ment is different for everyone, so for the world who have been praying and ities each month due to a lack of me I was anxious about how my body fasting on behalf of George and I has resources, according to the Foodbank would react to my treatment cycles and helped so much. There truly is power Hunger Report for 2016. More than a how chemotherapy would feel.” in numbers, especially when that’s third of these are children. George and Celeste credit the gos- coupled with a loving Father in Heaven Founded by Leader Community pel for being a source of light through and His Son, Jesus Christ.” News and food charity FareShare, the this difficult trial. Celeste and George plan to one day appeal has raised over $3.2 million “I’ve come to learn more fully that start their own family. Celeste hopes that and tonnes of food for 147 charities the Lord is in control, of everything and her own experiences will help others during the nine years since it began. everyone,” George said. “I have found who might be struggling. Susan Vinen, a member of the comfort in knowing that the Lord “Remember, you aren’t alone, and Moorabbin Ward, saw a newspaper can take care of His daughter better you don’t need to get through it alone,” article on the appeal and felt she than I can. He hears our thoughts, she said. needed to do something to help. After our prayers, and surrounds us as we “If there is one thing I know, we speaking to local Church leaders, efforts weep in our hard times. Rather than have both gained love, humility, grati- to support the initiative were coordi- turning my back to this challenge, we tude and dependence on the Lord and nated through the local Relief Society. turn towards it with faith, knowing that many other wonderful lessons that The Feed Melbourne Appeal was Heavenly Father has great things in have helped us progress spiritually,” asking for donations of rice and pasta, store for us.” said George. ◼ so members were invited to donate

A6 Ensign AUSTRALIA LOCAL PAGES LOCAL AUSTRALIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS LIBRARY PUBLIC AFFAIRS

MISSIONARY MOMENTS The Final Test By Sam Butler

was on my mission for a year when I I felt impressed to extend my ser- vice as a missionary. My original leave date was mid-December,­ and my service would be extended to early February. I realised that this would mean another Christmas without my family, but it was a small sacrifice that I felt I could make. Three months before my original leave date I received news from my brother announcing that he would be receiving a new addition to his family: a beautiful baby girl. The due date was the 30th of December. Soon after I received this news I was asked to confirm my decision to extend. I assured my mission president that this Melbourne Latter-­day Saints Susan Vinen and Fiona Ward load the FareShare van to help support vulnerable families as part of the 2017 was still what I wanted to do. Feed Melbourne Appeal. Four days before my original leave date, my companion and I received a phone call from the assistants to the pasta, rice and pasta sauce. Within a difference. We can all do our part to mission president. I was told to pack few weeks, Church members from bear one another’s burdens.” my bags and told I would be going Mornington to Brighton collected The Relief Society is the largest to Aachen (a small city in the corner hundreds of food items, which were women’s organisation in the world and of the mission), where I was to spend picked up by a FareShare food van on is founded on faith, family and relief. the last seven weeks of my mission. I June 14th in Moorabbin. Susan Vinen Providing service to those in need in was assigned to be the district leader and local Relief Society leader Fiona the community through projects such over the four elders in that city. Ward helped to load the van before it as the Feed Melbourne Appeal is just It was only a few days after New headed to the nearby Woolworths to one of the ways that women in the Year’s Day when I received an email collect more food donations. Relief Society fulfill the organisation’s from my mother: “Dear Elder Butler, “As Latter-day­ Saints we have a duty motto, ‘Charity never faileth’. ◼ your dad and I have been thinking a of care to our brothers and sisters,” lot about whether we should tell you Find out how you can support families said Fiona. “Our contribution makes a in need at feedmelbourne.org.au. this. But I feel like it is something you

September 2017 A7 should know. I have been diagnosed than once, and I have worked hard A scripture then came to mind, with breast cancer.” to do Your will. I gave up another John 6:67. In the preceding verses, At first I was sad, then I was afraid, Christmas with my family, witnessing the Saviour was essentially saying to and then that fear turned into anger. the birth of a new niece; I even came the people that He was not going to The prayer that followed is not one I here —all on the trust that You would be their Saviour in the way they had am particularly proud of. bless me and my family for my ser- hoped, that He was not going to free “How dare You!” vice. But no, now You send me this. the Jews from their temporal captivity, My prayer continued: “How could Where are You?” rather their spiritual captivity. This You do this to me. My entire mission The reply came immediately. “Elder was something that many of His fol- I have strived to do my utmost. You Butler, are you beginning to count the lowers could not bear to hear. In this have sent me into the flame more cost of your discipleship?” context, the words “Will ye also go away?” were particularly poignant. Being a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ does not mean that we will not face trials, hard- ships, heartache and sorrow. It does PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY HUH PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY not mean that life will be “fair”. I do not pretend to understand in every instance why. But Simon Peter’s hum- ble reply to this question took on new meaning that day when he said: “To whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” ( John 6:68–69). I successfully finished my mission, with support from leaders, home and heaven. My mother responded well to treatment, the cancer had not spread and in the next few months this par- ticular storm will be over. Through the trials of our lives, the Lord shapes us. I am eternally thankful to Him for what He has helped me become. ◼ Sam Butler (left) with his companion Elder Uhlig in Frankfurt, Germany Sam Butler served in the Germany Frankfurt Mission from January 2015 to February 2017. He is currently in the Murray Bridge Ward in

Callington, South Australia. AUSTRALIA

A8 Ensign