In October 2019, Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced that a temple would be built in Papua New Guinea.
In a Facebook post on Sunday 3 May, Elder K. Brett Nattress of the Church's Pacific Area Presidency, shared a new video that features Papua New Guinean Latter-day Saints talking about what temples mean to them.
Elder Nattress's post follows:
Showing Our Love for Our Heavenly Father by Holding a Current Temple Recommend
President Russell M. Nelson declared that “the crowning jewel of the Restoration is the holy temple.” We are all a part of the unfolding Restoration, so the temple—this crowning jewel—should be at the centre of our worship and our very lives. But how can we do this when our temples are temporarily closed? How can we do this when they open again, if we live hundreds of miles from the nearest temple?
Some time ago, while presiding at a stake conference, I was asked a simple question: “What is the most significant spiritual experience of your life?”
I pondered this question and then without reservation shared the most significant spiritual experience of my life which occurred on April 24, 1987. This was when Sister Nattress and I were married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. That moment in time has changed our lives forever. We now have seven children and ten grandchildren. Each of them is precious in the sight of the Lord. We love them more than life itself. Shawna and I are so grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel that allows families to be together forever.
During these uncertain times with the Coronavirus epidemic, we are facing many challenges. Some of these are beyond our control. However, there is one thing we can control. That is our relationship with and commitment to our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son Jesus Christ.
One way to show our love for Them is to become worthy of and to hold a current temple recommend.
President Nelson has admonished us to do just this. “To hold a temple recommend is a priceless privilege and a tangible sign of obedience to God and His Prophets,” he said.
As we view this beautiful video that reminds us of the blessings of the temple, let us join with the Papua New Guinea Saints in expressing our love and appreciation to God, through being worthy of and always holding a current temple recommend.
With love and appreciation,
Elder K. Brett Nattress