Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita and his wife, Tazuko Yamashita, visited the Redoubt Stake in New Zealand recently to speak to youth and their parents on “seeking further education.”
During their devotional addresses, Elder and Sister Yamashita encouraged young members to pursue an education in this life in order to have more knowledge and intelligence in the world to come (Doctrine & Covenants 130:18-19).
DOWNLOAD“They delivered a very powerful message on the Lord’s plan for education and serving missions,” said President Mark Green, the leader of the stake in which the devotional took place. “Their delivery was very engaging with the audience.”
Elder Yamashita shared his experience at Kasukabe High School and Saitama and Tsukuba Universities. He informed listeners about a Church-sponsored educational program called BYU Pathway Worldwide, which allows people around the globe to receive an education, as an example of one of the options young people have.
“The counsel from Elder Yamashita's presentation confirmed to the many youth, young adults, and parents in attendance to continue studying as it is part of the Lord's plan,” said President Green.
Elder Yamashita cited words from The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: “O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth: yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.” Alma 37:35
He reinforced the message with a comment from President Dieter F. Uckdorf, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who said: “For members of the Church, education is not merely a good idea—it’s a commandment.”
A young woman who participated in the devotional shared the following: "I was considering having a break after this year before furthering my studies, but the counsel I heard confirmed to me that I should continue studying.”
DOWNLOADDuring their address, Elder and Sister Yamashita shared reasons for gaining an education as outlined in “For the Strength of Youth,” a youth pamphlet summarizing standards and teachings of Church leaders. These include: “Preparing you for greater service, helping you provide for yourself and your future family, taking care of those around you, helping you be a wise companion for your future spouse, and being a good teacher to your future children.”
Along with their counsel to seek education, Elder and Sister Yamashita also encouraged the young people to be missionaries and to hold a current temple recommend
“Elder Yamashita's message of furthering your education, serving a mission and holding a temple recommend was not only relevant for our youth and single adults but also those whose parents and leaders attended,” said Anita Edwards, Stake Young Women’s President.
“Encouraging parents to seek out the best education for their children and that this education can now be in different forms demonstrated that families must work together to achieve the aspirations that the Lord has for his people.”
Elder Yamashita has been a General Authority Seventy for 10 years. He currently serves in the Pacific Area Presidency with Elder Ian S. Ardern and Elder K. Brett Nattress.