Over 500 young adults in Auckland gathered on Wednesday 20 March to hear the words of a modern-day Apostle, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Rasband visited Auckland as part of a 10-day, four nation tour of the Pacific area.
Elder Rasband Auckland NZ YSA Devotional 20 March 2024
Elder Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaking at a YSA devotional in Auckland. 20 March 2024© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.The senior Church leader greeted young adults by telling them of his love for them and a message from the current Prophet of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson.
He said, “The Prophet loves you. He thanks you for your desire to become a disciple of Christ, and we need you. You represent the future of the Church in the Pacific.””
He reminded them, “You have a divine heritage as sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you.”
Elder Rasband urged the young people: “Keep your eyes on Jesus.”
He described how the family of Lehi in the Book of Mormon used the Liahona (a compass-like device) for guidance in their lives. When they lived the commandments, they received guidance on where to go.
He suggested that in modern times a smartphone could be used in a comparable way if used properly. He called it a “Liaphona.”
Elder Rasband reminded the youth that social media devices have algorithms that track everything they look at and then feed more of the same to their devices. He warned, “You must be careful with a mobile phone. It is a tool for both good and evil.”
He showed the audience his phone and explained that his lockscreen image is a picture of Jesus Christ. He said, “Every time I open my phone I see a picture of Jesus Christ.”
He said it helps him to “keep my eyes on Jesus.”
Elder Rasband YSA Devotional Auckland March 2024 #2
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, teaching about social media at YSA devotional in Auckland, NZ. 20 March 2024© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.He suggested that the young adults consider doing the same with their phone lockscreen image.
“I challenge you to take control of your mobile device. Use it to keep your eyes on Jesus.”
Elder Rasband was accompanied at the devotional by Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy, and his wife, Sister Jill Johnson; Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop, and his wife, Sister Valerie Caussé ; Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy, and his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo; and Elder Glenn Burgess, Area Seventy, and his wife, Sister Tracey Burgess.