The Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shared the following message with members of the Church across Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific on Facebook, on Saturday 25 April.
Dear Fellow Pacific Area Saints,
We find ourselves in varying circumstances around the Pacific Area as the impact of Covid-19 spreads around the world. While there have been many disappointments as a result of the coronavirus there have also been many tender mercies.
Many families, although apart, have been drawn closer together, ministering to one another has been done in a ‘higher and holier’ way, missionary training at home has been inspirational and Come, Follow Me has been uplifting. General Conference addresses were on public television stations and heard on the radio in more Pacific countries than ever before and although most of our missionaries have returned home and many have been in lockdown in their apartments, missionary work has continued at pace.
These are days not to be forgotten; they have been filled with faith building moments. We invite you to look inward to discover and then record how the Lord is helping you to build your faith in the midst of our present circumstances. Perhaps you could briefly share an experience in the comments section below.
Please take comfort from the words of the Prophets. President M. Russell Ballard, speaking of COVID-19, recently commented that, "From the beginning of history there have been circumstances similar to this one. Somehow they got through them, and we are going to get through this one."
He added, "The world will win this war on the coronavirus so let’s be happy and keep going forward and do the best we can, and these circumstances will change."
Be of good cheer and know that all will be well in due time.
We have felt the strength of your prayers on our behalf and thank you. In like manner, we pray for you.
With love.
Pacific Area Presidency
Elder Ian S. Ardern
Elder K. Brett Nattress
Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita