Elder Ian S. Ardern, Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Paula Ardern, said farewell and thank you to the members of the Church and other people of the South Pacific this week at a special devotional in Auckland.
Elder and Sister Ardern are heading to Kenya to take up a new assignment with the Church. Elder Ardern will be a member of the Africa Central Area Presidency.
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita and Sister Tazuko Yamashita are also leaving the Pacific Area, as Elder Yamashita will be taking a new assignment with the Church in Salt Lake City, United States. Elder Yamashita has been serving as a member of the Pacific Area Presidency for the last three years.
Elder Ardern told those in attendance at the devotional yesterday that if your faith is in Jesus Christ, and you walk in His light, you can overcome any obstacle or opposition in life. He encouraged all to follow Jesus Christ and keep the commandments of God, as this will lead to safety, peace and other rich blessings.
Elder Yamashita thanked the people of the Pacific Area for their “love and kindness,” and for helping him and his wife during their stay.
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