Melbourne Missionaries: United in a Common Cause

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, General Authority Seventy and First Counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared inspirational messages and instruction with missionaries serving in the Australia Melbourne Mission on 13-15 August 2024. 

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“Some of us come from families with a pioneer heritage in the Church of Jesus Christ;” he said.  “Some are the only members of the Church in their families.  Some have witnessed divorce or separation within the family, but despite our different and diverse backgrounds, we are here as a mission family – united in a common cause – the cause of the Lord, Jesus Christ.”

“Despite all our different backgrounds, what matters to the Lord is that you are here serving as His emissaries.  We thank you for what you do, but more importantly, we thank you for who you are and for who you are becoming.”

Joining Elder Wakolo at the mission conference was his wife, Sister Anita Wakolo, who said, “Christ’s disciples came from various walks of life.  Missionaries also come from different walks of life, but we all have a common objective – to bring souls unto Christ.”

When asked why they are serving a mission, some of the comments from missionaries included:

• “A mission helps you gain a stronger relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
• “You feel the love of your companion, of other missionaries, of your mission leaders, and of Jesus Christ. Even though a mission is hard, you will feel tremendous joy.”
• “A mission blesses my family.”
• “President Russell M. Nelson said that every worthy and able young man should serve a mission.  Give up all that you have and serve the Lord.  The blessings will be immeasurable.”

President Paul Thomas and his wife, Sister Nadene Thomas, Australia Melbourne Mission Leaders, said to the missionaries, “Our hearts are soft and full of love [for you]. We feel the love of our Saviour Jesus Christ.  A mission helps you increase your love of Jesus Christ, and it helps you build life skills that will aid you for the rest of your life.”

Elder Wakolo taught the doctrine of Christ, the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how important “Reading, Pondering, and Praying (RPP) about the Book of Mormon is in the process of conversion of missionaries and friends they teach.”