Elder Stevenson Ministers to Saints and Leaders Across the Pacific

During a recent ministry tour spanning thousands of kilometres, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Lesa Stevenson, ministered to members, missionaries, youth and civic leaders in Australia, New Caledonia, Samoa and American Samoa.

The tour highlighted the global reach and remarkable diversity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pacific region. Over the course of a journey which circumnavigated the globe and crossed multiple time zones, the Stevensons met with Saints and leaders representing a variety of cultures and languages, including English, French and Samoan.

Perth, Australia

In Perth — one of the world’s most geographically isolated major cities — Elder and Sister Stevenson participated in a series of meetings with members, missionaries, and local lay leaders. They were accompanied by Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi, Second Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency, and his wife, Sister Amy Jaggi.

Elder Stevenson encouraged those he met with to find joy in living the gospel. “This is a work of happiness, of gladness, of joy. It is God’s plan of happiness,” declared Elder Stevenson.

The visit concluded with a conference attended by members and friends of the Church from across Western Australia, some traveling as long as seven hours to attend.

Elder Stevenson encouraged those present to rely on the Saviour during life’s trials and injustices.

“All that is unfair in life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ," he said.

Nouméa, New Caledonia

After a brief stop in Brisbane, Australia, the Stevensons were joined by Pacific Area President Elder Peter F. Meurs and his wife, Sister Maxine Meurs, and travelled east across the Pacific to New Caledonia, an island territory located more than 5,000 kilometres from Perth.

At a devotional for members and friends of the Church in the capital Nouméa, Elder Stevenson testified of God’s love for each of His children.

“That message is a message that is the same when it is taught in New Caledonia, or when it's taught in New Zealand, or when it's taught in Germany, or Argentina," he said. 

While in New Caledonia, Elder Stevenson also met with the mayor of Nouméa, Madame Sonia Lagarde. Elder Stevenson presented the mayor with a marble Christus statuette and French language copy of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The leaders also discussed plans for a temple in New Caledonia and highlighted the Church’s ongoing efforts in education and humanitarian assistance.

Apia, Samoa

Accompanied by Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency, and his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo, the Stevensons next travelled to Apia, Samoa, to meet with local Church and government leaders, as well as missionaries serving throughout the Samoan islands.

While in Samoa, the Stevensons and Wakolos met with the Honourable Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa. Over a shared dinner and prayer, Elder Stevenson expressed his thanks to the Prime Minister for his ongoing leadership and service.

Pago Pago, American Samoa

The final stop of the tour took place in American Samoa, located just across the international date line and a full day behind its closest neighbours to the west. There, Elder Stevenson taught Church leaders, presided over a conference, and met with women, youth, and parents in two devotionals.

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In his concluding remarks of the conference, Elder Stevenson shared an Apostolic witness of the power of ongoing, modern revelation.

“I bear testimony that the heavens are still open, and the Lord gives revelation to His living prophet. I know this to be true. I share that truth with you,” he said.