Melbourne Youth Prepare for Lifetime of Service

Young men and women from the Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg gathered recently for a “mini-mission” event, anticipating future service as missionaries with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Eric Lemalu, one of the leaders involved, said, “The purpose of this event [was] for youth to see what missions are like and to have the opportunity to figure out what they need to do to prepare financially, physically, and to have hands on experience of what missionaries do day to day.”

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The participants, aged from 16 to early 20s, learnt about sharing their values on social media by creating their own videos on principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

The youth served a group of Australian residents who had recently arrived in the country by helping them practise their English language skills.

They also spent time with some full-time missionaries, meeting people and talking about their beliefs.

After an opportunity to talk with people about their beliefs, Theresa Leiataua said, “I felt my prayers were really answered. The morning after I got ready, I said a prayer asking for strength and confidence in myself and for my best friends that were with me. I know they’re usually shy and never speak to anyone publicly…but I could see them stepping out of their comfort zone and speaking to as many people they could. I felt the Spirit throughout the whole day and I’m glad I’m able to experience it with everyone.

Quoting from the book, “Preach My Gospel,” Theresa said, “The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion.”

Another youth attendee, Albert Fa’alogo, added, “Before, I couldn’t bring myself to approach anyone simply because of the fear of being rejected, but I learnt that it’s not hard. I saw someone who looked lonely and sad, and I felt a prompting that he needed us to talk to him. I approached him and we had a very long conversation. Turns out he wanted to come to church and was willing to accept the gospel in his life. This taught me that sometimes we all have it hard and all we need is someone to approach us. This is the importance of missionary work to me.”

Eric Lamalu said, “These opportunities provided snippets of what full-time missions are like.” He added, “Seven returned missionaries have helped mentor the youth this weekend.” 

Other activities included attending classes on journaling and other helpful habits. The youth had opportunities to role-play and teach lessons themselves.

The weekend concluded with a devotional directed to future missionaries of all ages.

Senior missionary, Donna Wright, spoke to those who are considering senior missions.

“In the end,” she said, “it just takes faith, and that is not an obstacle. Missions are a blessing. Instead of spiritual retirement, we have new vigour, new emotions, new friends, and new spiritual growth. It’s been wonderful!”

Taulupe Leaupepe, who has just submitted her missionary application papers, said, “The Lord qualifies whom He calls. I chose to serve because I love the Lord and want to share His Gospel.”

Slava Cooke, a young returned missionary, talked about his own conversion story. “If those missionaries didn’t serve, I wouldn’t know all I do about [God’s] plan of salvation. It changed my life and inspired me to serve a mission. Was serving a mission worth it? Yes!”

He then quoted Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “The Lord is hastening His work to gather Israel. It’s the most important thing happening in the world today.”

Robert and Darice Dudfield returned last week from serving as mission leaders in Ethiopia.

Darice affirms, “We’re all missionaries in our own right. Whatever stage of life, it’s about developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Missions are not always easy. The hard times make us turn to Christ. Our faith brings us to serve a mission; then, using that faith, we dig deep to develop more faith.”

“We saw great miracles and the Lord blessed us. He is in the details of our lives. Find joy in sharing a better way of living. We all have a part, and as we do our part, amazing things will happen.”

In opening the first mission in Ethiopia, the Dudfields had their share of challenges. Robert says, “Often, our greatest trials become our greatest teachers. Look for the hand of the Lord, be responsive to the Spirit. Jesus Christ is really the Saviour of the World.”

President Richard McLean, a local ecclesiastical leader in Melbourne, summed up the weekend by asking: “What is the ripple effect that brought you here tonight? What is the ripple effect you will leave behind? Our example and love for our fellowmen is what we take with us and what counts.”

He concluded with this teaching from Mosiah 2:17 in the Book of Mormon: “Behold I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.” 

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