An Apostle of Jesus Christ Comes to Papua New Guinea

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For some it was an easy trip from their nearby Port Moresby homes. But many hundreds travelled hours to attend, first on dirt paths leading from their isolated villages to the docks where dinghies waited to take them upriver to the roads where busses with open windows drove dusty roads until finally reaching the capital city.

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They came in their Sunday best, the women and girls in their colourful dresses, the men and boys in their white shirts and sandals. Once inside they sat quietly and reverently, waiting for the arrival of a living apostle of Jesus Christ.

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All rose as Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles entered the arena. He was accompanied by other leaders of the Church. “I am a Child of God,” they all sang as the devotional began.

Elder Soares bore testimony of the mantle of Church president and prophet, Russell M. Nelson. He taught that a living prophet is proof of God’s love for His children.

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He also reminded Church members that sometimes the gospel culture does not align with our own cultures, and that “we must set aside everything in our lives that is incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Elder Soares cautioned about being overly self-critical, saying that “Christ recognizes our sincere efforts, so that through His grace we can be worthy.”

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“I know that life is not easy,” he taught. “Sometimes it is overwhelming. Sometimes we lose sight of our blessings. But a temple will help us stay focused on what we must do to find peace and comfort in our lives. He wants to bless us and reveal His will.”

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He closed by reading Doctrine and Covenants 21:6, saying that for those who keep their covenants, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you…and the Lord God will…cause the heavens to shake for your good, and His name’s glory.”

Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela of the Presidency of the Seventy bore testimony to the power of James 1:5, the bible verse that led Joseph Smith into the events leading to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He taught that this single verse, and the gospel restoration that followed, have changed the direction of the world.
 

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Papua New Guinea’s first temple is under construction in Port Moresby, and the covenants and blessings available through temple worship were frequent themes of the speakers. Pacific Area President, Elder Peter F. Meurs, reflected on the blessings of temple attendance, and taught that the temple is evidence of the Lord’s love for the people of Papua New Guinea.

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Sister Silvia Valenzuela and Sister Maxine Meurs testified of the blessings that temple worship has brought into their lives.

Local Latter-day Saint, Raga Kau, also spoke at the devotional. She shared her testimony of Jesus Christ.

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After the devotional, none of the attendees seemed in a hurry to leave. They had been taught and inspired by a living apostle. A temple is rising in their land. They understood that with faith in Jesus Christ, the future is bright.