When over 500 young single adults from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are gathered in one place, one immediately feels the energy, faith, and love of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.
At the recent Regional Conference of young single adults in Auckland New Zealand, S. Mark Palmer, a General Authority Seventy, and one of the seven presidents of the Seventy, joined with hundreds of young single adults of the Church to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Auckland Institute of Religion building.
He, along with Elder Peter F. Meurs, Pacific Area President, shared powerful messages of hope, healing, and purpose for the rising generation.
The Church’s Institute programme offers young adults opportunities to deepen their understanding of the gospel and strengthen their relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ through study courses available throughout the world.
Elder Palmer, who was born in Te Puke, New Zealand, reflected on his experience attending the Auckland Institute when it was first built five decades ago.
“I feel so welcome to be able to come home” Elder Palmer said. “In 1975 the Institute Building began construction. That was 50 years ago. I can look back 50 years and recognise that the experience of participating in Institute and associating with young adults like you, forever changed my life. You too can have that same experience.”
Elder Meurs asked, “What in your life needs to be healed?” Elder Meurs noted that Elder Palmer had taught that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all that is broken can be healed.
Brian Aukuso who attended the devotional said, “I really liked the theme of the conference that it is God’s intent for us to return to Him, and it was nice to be reminded of how much God loves us.”
April Tupa'i said, “I loved the devotional, and I like how Elder Palmer invited us to make our life-long discipleship our highest priority.”
Elder Palmer shared an invitation from the President of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson, “Make your discipleship your highest priority.” Elder Palmer continued, “My young brothers and sisters, look forward to the next 50 years, make the decision and hold firm to that decision to make your discipleship your highest priority. It will bless you in every other decision you make.”
For more information regarding Institutes of Religion, click here.