In a special devotional meeting in Auckland on Saturday night (30 May), Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged those present to strengthen their faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by more thoughtfully and consistently keeping the Sabbath day holy.
He also invited New Zealand Latter-day Saints to make their faith and values known to others in their neighbourhoods and communities.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Elder Cook was accompanied by his wife, Mary Cook, at the devotional. Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, Elder Paul R. Coward, Elder David J. Thomson and other church leaders also attended the meeting.
“We need to do whatever we can to strengthen our families and strengthen each other plus take our spiritual awareness to a new level,” said Elder Nielsen, of the Pacific Area Presidency. “There is safety in doing that as we face life’s challenges. As a couple, a single, or a young single adult, we can feel the Saviour’s arms lovingly wrapped around us."
“We are trying to build strong vibrant families and the way we do that is to come together with Jesus Christ right in the centre of everything we do.”
Speaking specifically to the young adults, Elder Coward said, “I have three words for you at this time: ‘Education, education, education.’ Education brings choices and opportunities. Education to exalt oneself is not the purpose we prescribe but education to serve in the kingdom and to bless the lives of this generation and generations beyond is our hope and desire for the young adults."
“Do not put off the opportunity to become more qualified, more educated."
“When we have strong faith that is being strengthened and nourished on a regular and consistent basis,” he continued, “we will cleave unto every good thing.”
Elder Thomson reminded those at the meeting that the Lord knows each of us personally. “I am convinced that Heavenly Father is aware of the circumstances in all of our lives. The great God of the universe who governs everything also is aware of every little intricacy of our life. He knows about our circumstances and the challenges we face. I know His plan for every single one of His children does not limit their accomplishments or the possibilities of their eternal blessings."
“God is always there ready and willing to help us," Elder Thomson said. "As we are reminded frequently, our faith in Jesus Christ is fundamental to our very lives. My experience has always been that if I exercise my faith and do my very best to keep the commandments, Heavenly Father will always be there—you know that happens in your life too—that even when things are difficult and not quite going as we expected, with faith and trust in God’s plan all will be well.”
The meeting was held at the Church's Sunset Road meetinghouse on Auckland's North Shore where approximately 1000 members and guests of the Church gathered to listen to the messages delivered by Church leaders. The meeting was also broadcast live to Latter-day Saint buildings across New Zealand.