Elder Ian S. Ardern is the Pacific Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the following message, he shares an experience he and his wife, Sister Paula Ardern, had while they were worshipping in Nambour, Australia on 18 July, 2021.
There are many good things about being a member of the restored Church of Jesus Christ and one of them is that you never feel far from home when you attend Church. That was our experience this morning as we made our way into the Nambour Ward, in Queensland, Australia.
Bishop Randy-John Telleman had prepared an edifying sacrament service where we were reminded and taught about the power of prayer and music.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the ward meets in two sessions. While the members are physically spaced, they are spiritually close. They sang, prayed, partook of the sacrament, and listened with one accord.
At the conclusion of the service members in unison came forward and took disinfected cloths to wipe down the pews and pulpit in preparation for the next meeting. Here, I thought, is a group of Saints looking unselfishly to the well-being of others.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nambour, Australia collect disinfecting wipes so they can prepare their chapel before a second congregation arrives to worship. 18 July 2021.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nambour, Australia collect disinfecting wipes so they can prepare their chapel before a second congregation arrives to worship. 18 July 2021.© 2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.These are trying times, but like the Saints of the wonderful Nambour Ward, be of good cheer. Some of the things we are encountering at the moment are frustrating but please don’t think for a moment that they will frustrate the work of the Lord.
Sister Ardern and I are grateful for serving Saints throughout the Pacific Area.
Elder Ardern