Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accompanied by his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, visited the South Pacific in November 2019.
The following photo essay touches upon some of the places they visited, people they met, and messages shared.
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"The more we know the Saviour, the more we will love Him. The more we love Him the greater will be our desire to serve Him.” Elder Ronald A. Rasband to missionaries at the New Zealand Missionary Training Centre. 15 November 2019.
Elder and Sister Rasband, accompanied by Elder and Sister Yamashita and other Church leaders, inspect the site of the Auckland New Zealand Temple, which location was announced by President Russell M. Nelson during an Auckland devotional on 27 May 2019.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Sister Melanie Rasband, Elder K. Brett Nattress and Sister Shawna Nattress, and other Church leaders visit the Hamilton New Zealand Temple renovation site on 16 November.
Elder and Sister Rasband greet New Zealand Latter-day Saints in Hamilton on 16 November, including, pictured, former All Blacks rugby player, Sid Going, with his wife, Colleen Going.
While visiting the Matthew Cowley Pacific Church History Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand on 16 November, Elder Rasband put a pin in a map where visitors can show where they served as missionaries.
Luncheon with Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Sister Melanie Rasband; Elder K. Brett Nattress and Sister Shawna Nattress; Dr Mustafa Farouk, President of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, and Mrs Bilkisu Farouk; and Mr Tim Macindoe MP, on 16 November.
Elder Rasband greets attendees at a leadership conference in Temple View, Hamilton, New Zealand. 16 November 2019.
“I know and bear witness that President Nelson is God’s prophet on the earth.” Elder Rasband to members and friends of the Church at a special stake conference in Temple View, Hamilton, New Zealand on 17 November.
"Stand on holy ground. Be a church attender every week. Take the sacrament. Carry a current temple recommend. Make your home or apartment a sacred place. If you do these things, you will be blessed and protected.” Elder Rasband speaking to over 1,000 young adults in Auckland on 17 November.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband with his grandson, Elder Jameson MacPherson, after a meeting with missionaries from the Australia Melbourne Mission on 18 November.
“Deny yourself of all ungodliness. Live the life of a handbook missionary. It’s your offering. You’ll be blessed with spiritual power.” Elder and Sister Rasband greet another missionary grandson, Elder Ammon MacPherson, and his missionary companion, Elder Isaiah Racule, after a devotional for missionaries in Suva, Fiji.
“Strengthen the rising generation. Build a multi-generation church. You’re building your families for the future.” Elder Rasband greets members and friends of the Church at a devotional for the Suva 3rd Ward, 21 November.
Elder Rasband visits with members of the Ali family who are being taught the restored gospel of Jesus Christ by his grandson, Elder Ammon MacPherson, and his missionary companion, Elder Isaiah Racule. 21 November.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Sister Melanie Rasband, Elder Ian S. Ardern and Sister Paula Ardern, Elder Ammon MacPherson and Elder Isaiah Racule tour Church College Suva, Fiji on 22 November.
"Your homes are holy places. This building is a holy place. The temple is a holy place. Stand in holy places and you will be blessed.” Elder and Sister Rasband greet members and friends of the Church at a district conference on Taveuni Island, Fiji. 24 November 2019.