A group of youth from the Pakenham area of Victoria, Australia, traveled 11 hours to visit the Adelaide temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently. Normally, Victorian Latter-day Saints who wish to worship in the house of the Lord will attend the temple in the Melbourne suburb of Wantirna. Right now, that temple is closed for refurbishment so Victorian Saints are travelling to other houses of the Lord, such as the Adelaide Australia Temple.
The unity of the teenagers was built as they traveled together on the bus to Adelaide and back, and as they worshipped God and learned about Jesus Christ in the house of the Lord.
“It was an amazing experience seeing the youth bond together on the trip as they helped many ancestors make their first covenant with the Lord,” said Matthew Grant, a youth leader.
The congregation leader, Aaron Skipwith, said, “In preparation for the trip, our wonderful youth researched names of their ancestors to take to the temple.”
Temple baptisms are performed by members of the Church of Jesus Christ for ancestors who did not have an opportunity to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ and be baptised while on earth. Latter-day Saints believe that those who have died are aware of the ordinance and can choose whether to accept or reject the offering made on their behalf.
“The feeling of the Spirit comforting me after those baptisms was one of the strongest times I’ve ever felt [God’s love], one youth, Tayah G., said.
“Every day I am thankful for the Lord, our Saviour, and His temples on earth.”
Aaron Skipwith added, “The youth have been taught that reverence invites revelation and so from the moment they entered the temple their conduct reflected that reverence.”
Alexis D., another young person in the group, said, “Being at the temple reminded me of the love and peace the temple brings, and I want to feel that all the time. I am looking forward to more Adelaide temple trips in the future.”
“Was it a hard trip? Yes, but our youth can do hard things,” Skipwith said.
“Was it worth it? Absolutely, and it is our hope as leaders and parents that these experiences will connect them to heaven and their ancestors, strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, and deepen their commitment to performing great and marvelous service.”
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