Elder and Sister Ardern Reunited with Three Former Missionaries−Now All Bishops−at Lautoka Stake Conference

While presiding at the Lautoka Fiji Stake Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 15-16, Elder Ian S. Ardern, first counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency, and his wife Paula Ardern, were delighted to catch up with three former missionaries from when they served in the Fiji Suva Mission a decade ago.

“We discovered with great delight that three of our former missionaries were now serving as bishops in their respective congregations. Bishop Sarosaro serves in the Nawaka Ward; Bishop Tuivanuayalewa in the Ba Ward; and Bishop Tavo of the Nadi Ward.”

Elder Ardern said they exemplify the invitation of the Lord and the opportunity of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ for each of us to “stay true and serve.”

A central theme of Elder Ardern’s remarks during the conference was ministering, which is the term Latter-day Saints use when describing the act of reaching out with love and concern to individuals within our family and community.

To explain effective ministering he used the analogy of a canoe or drua, defining the responsibilities of leaders and members of the Church.

“All leaders and members of our congregation are in the drua paddling, and in order to move forward, all members have to paddle together,” he said.

“At the helm is our stake president who is leading the drua to its destination.”

Elder Ardern encouraged local Latter-day Saint leaders to be united and to look for opportunities to serve others whole-heartedly.

He also encouraged Church members to help their children prepare to serve as missionaries.

Elder Ardern served as president of the Fiji Suva Mission from 2005 to 2008 with his wife Paula also providing leadership and support to the missionaries. They taught, mentored and served young men and women who accepted calls to serve missions there.

Missionaries in Fiji and many other countries around the world teach others about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as well as learn life skills and leadership qualities as they reach out to serve those who live in their communities.