Elder Craig A. Cardon of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited new missionaries at the Missionary Training Centre (MTC) in Auckland, New Zealand, on Tuesday, 24 January.
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Elder Cardon is a member of the Pacific Area Presidency, the presiding Church authority over the Pacific region. He was accompanied to the MTC by his wife, Sister Deborah Cardon. They both delivered Christ-centered messages to the 59 missionaries in attendance from 11 countries.
President Philip F. Howes and his wife, Judith Howes, welcomed Elder and Sister Cardon. The Howes, from Adelaide Australia, began their service as leaders of the training centre last week. It was their first time organizing and directing the Pacific Area Presidency devotional held monthly.
In his remarks, Elder Cardon reminded missionaries of their core purpose.
“You go forth in great love with great kindness but with boldness and with clarity to declare this word: That Jesus Christ is the son of God and that His is the only name under heaven by which we may be saved,” he said.
Sister Cardon spoke about overcoming weaknesses and the importance of turning to Jesus Christ for help.
“We cannot do this work alone. We need to rely on our Heavenly Father and on His mercy, His forgiveness, His help and his guidance. He will bless you, I know that He will,” she said.
Afterwards, Elder and Sister Cardon took time to personally shake hands with each missionary present at the meeting.
There are over 74,000 missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world. All missionary service is voluntary and self-funded. Male missionaries (referred to as Elders) can serve starting at age 18 and serve for 24 months. Female missionaries (Sisters) can serve starting at age 19 and serve for 18 months.
The New Zealand Missionary Training Centre is one of 15 training centres dotting the globe. The missionaries there will move on to their various areas of service throughout the Pacific within a matter of weeks.