Elder David A. Bednar Dedicates Extension to New Zealand Missionary Training Centre

Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated an extension to the New Zealand Missionary Training Centre (MTC) last week (24 February 2015).

The New Zealand Missionary Training Centre was originally dedicated in 2010 but has recently been significantly expanded to cater to an increase in the number of missionaries attending the centre.

Preceding the dedicatory prayer Elder Bednar spoke to the missionaries currently studying at the training centre."

"You are part of a world-wide force of disciples of Christ," he said. "The gospel is changing you. You are turning away from self towards the Saviour. Stay focused on the Saviour at all times, in all places, and in all things you do. Focusing on the Saviour brings true happiness.”

“In the strength of the Lord you can do all things. It’s not simply what you are prepared to do, it is what you are preparing to become — and the Lord Jesus Christ, whose servant you are, will magnify you, enlarge you, and increase your capacity so that you can do what you otherwise could never do. Rely on the strength of the Lord.”

After a missionary is called to service her or his first stop is one of the Church’s 15 missionary training centres located in various parts of the world. Here they normally spend two to nine weeks in training before departing for one of the Church’s 400-plus missions. Those not learning a foreign language usually stay at an MTC for up to two weeks.

The New Zealand MTC, located originally in Hamilton, began in 1978 before moving to Manukau, Auckland in 2010. Capacity in 2010 was 64 missionaries. Expansion has increased this number to 110. The facility is expected to make possible the training of over 1,000 missionaries during its first full year of operation.

Whenever The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints constructs a new building there is a dedication ceremony held after the building is completed. The purpose of this ceremony is to set aside the building for the work of God. A Latter-day Saint dedication ceremony includes a special prayer designating the building for religious purposes and asking God to bless the structure, grounds and those who visit there.

Elder Bednar was accompanied by Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Church’s Presidency of the Seventy together with their wives, Sister Susan Bednar and Sister Jan Robbins. They are on an extended visit to Australia and New Zealand. In addition to attending the missionary training centre dedication, the visiting leaders are meeting with leaders, members, missionaries and guests of the Church.

Also attending the dedication meeting were Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Pacific Area Presidency and his wife, Sister Wendy Nielsen; and Elder David J. Thomson and his wife, Sister Susan Thomson.

President John Gibson, who leads the Missionary Training Centre, conducted the meeting today. Sister Kathryn Gibson, his wife, also provides leadership and support to the missionaries at the New Zealand Missionary Training Centre. They are supported by two other volunteer couples, the Waetfords and the Keungs, as well as a small support team of teachers and other staff.