Local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wellington, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia had the chance to hear from two visiting apostles and other Church leaders this weekend (18-20 May).
President M. Russell Ballard, Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Elder Carl B. Cook, Elder O. Vincent Haleck, Elder Craig A. Cardon and Elder Ian S. Ardern were among those who spoke to congregational leaders in separate meetings in Wellington and Sydney on Saturday 19 May.
Here are some of their responses to what they heard and experienced:
Natalie Hardy, from Porirua, said, "What stood out to me is the focus on loving and ministering to the individual, similar to how the Saviour taught us, every soul is precious. Also, how we need to prepare more fully to serve those around us; to strive for more charity, converting our gospel knowledge into action, seeking for more personal inspiration through the Holy Ghost to know how to assist others and to have a change in our hearts."
Also from Porirua, Amy Brunton, said, "I had such an overwhelming sense of love during the meeting. I felt the love that President Ballard and Elder Stevenson had for all those who were at the meeting. I felt the love that the leaders of the Church have for our Saviour, Jesus Christ. And most importantly, I felt the love that Heavenly Father has for each one of His children and that He desperately wants us all to feel that love."
Glenn Williams of Nowra said that the message he received from the Sydney meeting was: "Don't wait to be directed, but seek the guidance of the Spirit to minister. Just love the people."
He added, "My wife noticed the mothers missing on Mother's Day and she delivered flowers to them, that's loving the people."
Luke Rance from Penrith in Sydney's west, said, "This has been incredible. I've received so much direction in terms of specific people I need to help, this is exactly what I needed tonight.”
Melissa Katoa, from Blacktown, said, "I love hearing that righteousness is a key to ministering. I felt the Spirit so strongly, there are so many people who need help, we can do it with the Lord's help."
Alaine Kowalski, from Newcastle, said, "I learned loads about ministering and the focus was on LOVE and the gospel is all about love. We need to learn to love each other better."