Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with over 400 missionaries on Saturday (30 May) in Manukau, New Zealand.
Elder Cook is currently visiting New Zealand with his wife, Mary Cook.
Accompanying Elder and Sister Cook on Saturday were Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Church's Pacific Area Presidency, and Sister Wendy Nielsen.
Also attending the meeting were Elder Paul R. Coward, Sister Julie Coward, Elder David J. Thomson, and Sister Susan Thomson.
Speaking to the missionaries, Elder Cook said, "You are faith builders. You are not selling, you are building. You are the Lord's helping hands. You are the message!"
He taught there are four "loves" that would help them to be the message.
"The first one is you need to love your companion to accomplish all that you need to accomplish. You need to appreciate and understand differences and learn from each other."
"Secondly, you need to love the people you teach. If you are going to be emissaries for the Lord you need to love them; see them as the children of God that they are."
"Third, love your mission president."
"Fourth, and most important, is to love the Lord. It is the most essential one if you are to be in His service."
Elder Cook reminded the missionaries that what they are doing is the most important thing they could be doing at this time in their lives.
- Elder Quentin L. Cook Speaks to Missionaries Serving in Auckland and Hamilton
- Elder Quentin L. Cook Speaks to Missionaries Serving in Auckland and Hamilton
- Elder Cook Speaks to Missionaries from Auckland and Hamiliton
- Elder Quentin L. Cook Speaks to Missionaries Serving in Auckland and Hamilton
- Elder Quentin L. Cook Speaks to Missionaries Serving in Auckland and Hamilton
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Elder S. Gifford Nielsen discussed how missionary work benefits those being taught, and those who are teaching.
"The work you do will help soften the hearts of those you teach. Exercise faith, become great teachers now and throughout your future. The positive changes you make now will become a pattern for the rest of your lives.
Elder Paul Coward, addressing the missionaries, said, "You are becoming faithful, loyal, committed servants of the Lord. You are becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, not just now but for the rest of your lives."
Elder David Thomson spoke about the importance of obedience. He said, "When the Lord commands - do it! Yield your hearts to God. Always be willing to do what He wants you to do."
Sister Mary Cook, who shared with the missionaries her love for music, led the congregation in a hymn. She said music is a wonderful way to learn and teach gospel messages.
She thanked the missionaries for their service and told them, "None of us is perfect but we can do perfect things each day as we strive to be more like our Saviour."