News Release

Elder S. Gifford Nielsen Tells New Zealand Youth, ‘You Are Noble and Great’

At a special devotional meeting for teenagers held in Mairangi Bay, Auckland Sunday night (7 June), Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told the youth: “You may not know quite yet the greatness that's inside you, but it's there!"

Recounting experiences from his life as a leader in the Church and in his careers as a National Football League (NFL) quarterback with the Houston Oilers and as a television sports director, Elder Nielsen taught principles related to standing strong in one’s faith in God, despite peer pressure and other influences.

“As sons and daughters of God, you are powerful examples of goodness,” he said. “And with that understanding you can choose to be 'standard bearers' for the Lord Jesus Christ, holding aloft the flag of faith and freedom.

“Don’t let anyone or anything distract you or influence you to choose to be in the wrong place or to do something you know is not right.”

After the devotional Elder Nielsen said, “I love to see the brightness in the eyes of our young people. They are 'Prophetic Priorities!’ Our prophets, seers and revelators pray for them to make good choices in preparation for them to lead their own families, the Church and their communities in the future.

"They are faced with many challenges in today's world but they can gain strength to overcome all through building building faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."  

He added, “So we just have to give strong and heartfelt attention to helping our young men and women realise how special they are and what they can become."

President of the Auckland New Zealand Harbour Stake, Douglas J. Martin — who also spoke at the devotional — said, “Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow and they have so much opportunity ahead of them, and things to learn and do. We need to focus on them and make sure we show them love and show them the example of the Saviour in what they need to do in their lives.”

16-year-old Renee P. said she learnt from the evening “that even putting yourself in bad circumstances can lead to bad things, and you need to be aware of what the consequences of your choices may be.”

Keira M. added, “If I tell my friends about my standards they can be really supportive, but I have to open my mouth.”

Renee and Keira’s friend, Ryan H., said, “I really loved tonight. I can always set an example to others.”

Youth leader in the Albany Ward (congregation), Derek Good, said, "These nights are really important for young people because it gives them a chance to come out and hear some specific counsel that they need right now. They can walk away with some useful counsel and promises they can apply right away." 

Watch a video of Elder Nielsen speaking to a worldwide audience at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' October 2013 General Conference:

Additional Resources

Style Guide Note:When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.