The New Zealand Auckland Mission was fortunate enough to have Elder Richard G. Scott come and lift the missionaries for 4 hours on 30 April 2009! It was a spiritual feast! Your missionaries may have told you about it. Not all the mission was allowed to come because of distances in the mission. I wasn't able to provide any pictures because everything was done inside the chapel, however, I wanted to share with you the Apostolic blessing that was pronounced upon your sons and daughters-including every missionary within the mission.
Elder Richard G. Scott’s Apostolic Blessing on NZAM:
“As you ponder and try to understand who the Savior is during your mission, you will understand him more fully and it will be the foundation of your life. For those of you who are mastering another language I invoke a blessing of the gift of tongues. You exercise that gift with faith. After today you should find a greater ability to learn and communicate in an acquired tongue. What would I have you remember from our experience together, just one thing, an individual—insignificant and not very strong or capable but with the mantle and keys of an apostle said to you:
‘I positively know and bear witness that Jesus Christ lives. He is a glorified resurrected being of perfect love. He personally guides this church. And I accept responsibility before my Father in Heaven for what I say for it is true. His Son lives!’”
We all head down in a bus together! The temple was great--it was even sunny in Hamilton!
Elder Nelson (on the left) with his last companion, Elder Bledsoe. 
Elder Nelson spent almost all of his year of service on his knees. After two failed surgeries he was still in pain. We had to send Elder Nelson home for a repair surgery but he has been an incredible example to this mission of the dedication and sacrifice he was willing to make in order to serve His Father in Heaven and His Savior with all of his heart, might, mind and strength! On his final day--- he ran into President Baxter -Pacific Area Presient (far left) in the mission office---a tender mercy!
vents at a local Scout Camp.
Elders Brady, Larson, Nebeker, Stuart, Cunningham and Davenport attempt the team building skill of getting the skis across the field together, before the other team.
Sister Fonua will train Sister Simeon from Papua New Guinea!
Sister Taaboia will train Sister Selfaison from California, but she also claims Hawaii as home!
Elder Taylor will be training Elder McKinley from Perth, Australia!
Elder Fawson will train Elder Eckery from Wellington, New Zealand---who is actually an American!
We reluctantly send off, (left to right) Elders Fowler, Wihongi, Nagano, Ross and Sister Tiatia. The old folks on the right are us!
The New Zealand Auckland Mission was fortunate enough to have Elder Richard G. Scott come and lift the missionaries for 4 hours on 30 April 2009! It was a spiritual feast! Your missionaries may have told you about it. Not all the mission was allowed to come because of distances in the mission. I wasn't able to provide any pictures because everything was done inside the chapel, however, I wanted to share with you the Apostolic blessing that was pronounced upon your sons and daughters-including every missionary within the mission.
