Zone Leader Council and before!

I got kind of a funny phone call the night before Zone Leader Council.
Elder Smith had a mishap with the clippers! Uh--oh!
This is how we were able to smooth it over and make it blend in a bit! Even missionaries have their mishaps every once in a while!
All were asked to bring a picture of their families and share which one of their family members they desired that their service as a missionary might bless---it was a touching experience! We got to know each other much better. Nice outdoor shot at Zone Leader Council! Yes, we are now into the summer here! Hurray!

Double feel twice as good!

Well, it is official! The New Zealand Auckland Mission crossed the finish line of the year by doubling the baptisms from the previous two years! What a miracle! It is truly a testament to the reality that when the Lord gives us a challenge: President Hinckley's challenge to double baptisms---he certain provides a way for us to accomplish the thing which he commands us! Truly the Lord has sent the missionaries here that have the faith necessary to know that Nephi was right and were willing to follow and do! They have worked hard, they have exercised their faith, they have been obedient with exactness and they have followed the Spirit! As a result, miracles came in great abundance right up to the very last moments of the month! Great glory be to God for His mighty works among His people here in New Zealand!

White Christmas in New Zealand!

What a Christmas to remember! 14 souls were saved all together on Christmas day just in one stake! The Tamaki Stake decided to hold a baptism for all the people wanting to be baptized on Christmas day within their stake boundaries. It was an amazing sight and such a beautiful event. Nineteen missionaries were involved and 6 bishops and the Stake Presidency---I feel like I should break out in of rendition of the "12 days of Christmas" (and a partridge in a pear tree or and a pukeko in a pongo tree, here in New Zealand!) Can't think of a greater present to the Saviour than bringing Him souls willing to be healed and blessed by His atoning gift to all of us!

President Callister visits Niue!

President Callister (Pacific Area President)blessed the lives of the saints in Niue by presiding over a conference on the island just before Christmas!
He was able to meet and invite the High Commissioner of Niue, representing New Zealand, to come to the meetings and to be taught by the missionaries!
The photo and experience of a life time for Elders Halavaka and Losalu who are now serving on the island of Niue!

Christmas Mission Conference!

The Halo Family presented quite a beautiful and delicious lunch for our Christmas Mission Conference!
We were blessed to have President and Sister Callister with us! They enlightened us about the beauty and magesty of the Atonement!
They are such a blessing to the Pacific Area!
I am afraid that this is a bit of a "finding waldo"---in this event---find your missionary!



We began our lunch program with a performance from the Aussies!
They sang Jingle Bells--Aussie style!
Very unique!
Gotta love those Aussies!
Next performance was from the Samoans!
Wow! Now the Samoans have "Got Talent!"
Who would have thought that Elder Tia could lead a group and sing a solo so amazingly! Hidden talent!
Bravo Samoans!
Now enters the Tongans!
With another fabulous performance, Tongan style!
Fo Lo Fo La is one of my favorite Tongan hymns! What a treat!
Then came the flavor at the end---
a bit of a HAKA!
All the missionaries received packages from Santa's elves! Elders White, Cushing, Jeppesen and Walker were pretty excited! It was a great conference---having the mission together was a powerful experience and the Spirit was strong!

A great new group!

It was a wonderful and large intake and we are thrilled to have them!
Elder Jibas will be trained by Elder Snow!
Elder Huang is training Elder Stewart!
I just included this one of Sister Naidu (new missionary) and Sister Kamal because I think it is wonderful that we are getting missionaries of Indian descent because of our rising Indian population here in New Zealand! They are everywhere---God knows and sends them missionaries to teach them also---we now have three Sisters of Indian descent, Sister George is missing from this picture!
Elder Thomas is being trained by Elder Heslop!
Elder Andros will train Elder Russo!
Sister Nalesoni will train Sister Funaki!
Sister Pasiaka is being trained by two Sisters--Alatini and Feao!
Sister Vea will be trained by Sister Mafi!
Elder Desmarias is being trained by Elder Chandler!
Sister Joost will be trained by Sister Mahas!
Elder Tham will train Elder Tautuiaki!
Elder Russell will be trained by Elder Kitchen!
Sister Naidu is being trained by Sister Kapalu!
Sister Clark will be trained by Sister Shumway!

Our loss is your gain!

Unfortunately, even at this time of year we have to say goodbye, so that you can have your sons and daughters with you this Christmas! Left to right: Sisters Fotu and Ulu'ave, Sister and President Porter and Elder Burr! We didn't get a photo of Elder Larsen who left a few days earlier so that he and his brother could be together for a few days before his brother left on his mission to Mexico! Oh, missions are so amazing! I just must include that in our final testimony two of these missionaries said something similar that had a lasting impact on me! One said, "I know God and Jesus Christ so much better than I did 18 months ago!" (Sorry, that kind of gives you more of a clue about who it might be, doesn't it!) Another said, "The real miracle was getting to know Heavenly Father!" How much would parents pay to have their child have this experience----missions are priceless! Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all their wisdom and knowledge and mercy allow us to think that we are sacrificing, when in reality, we come out receiving the greater reward! God is GREAT!