On Sunday, 24 November, approximately 300 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who live on the Fiji island of Taveuni were part of a historical conference.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the conference and his visit marked the first time an Apostle from the Church has visited Taveuni. He was accompanied by his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband.
Accompanying Elder and Sister Rasband were Elder Ian S. Ardern, Pacific Area President of the Church, and his wife, Sister Paula Ardern, and other Church leaders in Fiji.
Taveuni was the final stop in Elder and Sister Rasband’s tour of the South Pacific. The tour previously included visits to Auckland and Hamilton, New Zealand; Melbourne, Australia; and Suva, Fiji.
The Taveuni conference featured a choir made up of children, who sang beautifully.
Elder and Sister Rasband were adorned with colourful tagimoucia salusalus (traditional flower garland) arranged by Latter-day Saint women from Taveuni.
Elder Rasband gave them a personal message of love and gratitude from President Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church.
He said, "Thank you for serving your children, thank you for serving your spouses, and thank you for serving one another. We are a family of God. We are a family church."
He encouraged parents to prepare the rising generation to serve a mission and go to the temple.
Elder Rasband said, “The greatest gift you have been given in Fiji is having the house of the Lord in your land. This is the only church on earth that has the restored principle of the redemption of the dead. This is unique to this church. Children can be connected to their parents for time and all eternity.”
In conclusion, Elder Rasband said, “Your homes are holy places. This building is a holy place, the temple is a holy place. Stand in holy places and you will be blessed.”
Sister Rasband also spoke to the members and friends of the Church in attendance. She expressed love and offered encouragement.
She had a message for all the children, that each one of them is a beloved son or daughter of God.
Elder and Sister Ardern enjoyed their reunion with the Taveuni saints. Elder Ardern previously served, along with his wife, leading the Fiji Suva Mission from 2005 to 2008.
Sister Ardern encouraged the members to draw near to the Lord by reading daily from the Book of Mormon.
“It will strengthen you personally and as a family as you study the Book of Mormon,” she said.
Elder Ardern spoke of anchors and apostles. He reminded the saints that they must be anchored in Christ; that he must be the chief cornerstone of their testimony. He was a witness that Elder Ronald A. Rasband is an Apostle of the Lord, sent of God, to bless their lives.