Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, worshipped with members and friends of the Church in Nawaka, Fiji on Palm Sunday, 24 March 2024.
Accompanied by his wife, Sister Valérie Caussé, the Bishop is visiting the South Pacific this week with Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy, and Sister Jill Johnson.
Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Pacific Area Presidency and his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo, are also accompanying the group. Other members of the Pacific Area Presidency have travelled with the visiting leaders in Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa.
In a sacrament meeting (worship service) talk on 24 March, Bishop Caussé expressed joy in the opportunity to worship with the Fijian Latter-day Saints—to sing, pray, share testimonies, and to partake of the sacrament together.
“Fiji has exceeded our expectations,” he said, commenting on “the beauty of the sea, the land, the trees and the fruit—but most especially, the people.”
After hearing three young people share their testimonies of Jesus Christ in the meeting, Bishop Caussé said, “This morning, we received a greater testimony for ourselves, as we heard your testimonies. This land is blessed with great Latter-day Saints.”
Bishop Caussé encouraged all in attendance to look to Jesus Christ for peace, comfort, and guidance.
He recounted the New Testament account of Jesus calming the wind and the waves as He and His disciples travelled in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. This was particularly relevant to those in attendance due to recent extreme weather in Fiji.
Bishop Caussé said this account is an allegory for our time, when “the world is in a great storm and our families are in the middle of it all.”
He said that as we exercise our faith in “our Pilot, Jesus Christ,” He will help us “feel safe and secure.”
“Covenants are our protection, as we have remembered here today in this sacrament meeting, and as we worship in the house of the Lord,” he said.
Biship Caussé encouraged all to “bear the name of Jesus Christ,” to “always remember Him and keep His commandments,” and “He will bless you with His Spirit.”
“Partaking of the sacrament each week is an indication of our deep commitment to Jesus Christ and a sign of our gratitude.”
Bishop Caussé also encouraged temple worship to show love and gratitude to the Saviour, and to seek His blessings.
“Today is Palm Sunday, a special day, the beginning of Holy Week,” he said.
“We remember that Jesus Christ hung on a cross and was then resurrected. We celebrate the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It began with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. His return will also be triumphal, but we need to be ready to welcome Him.”
Bishop Caussé said, “I testify that Jesus is the Christ, and President Russell M. Nelson is His Prophet. I love the Book of Mormon and the revelations in this marvelous book. I testify that the Restoration is here.”
He continued, “I pray for all of you that you will place yourselves in the protection of your covenants, and allow Jesus Christ to protect you and bless you, and that you will enjoy your life in the Church.”
“This church makes me joyful,” he said. “I experience joy in my family and in my relationships. It enables me to receive answers to prayers.”
Bishop Caussé thanked the Fiji Saints for their examples of faith and goodness.
“I pray that your smiles will grow bigger and bigger every day.”