Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited New Caledonia this past weekend.
He was accompanied by Elder O. Vincent Haleck of the Church’s Pacific Area Presidency, and Sister Peggy Haleck.
At a conference for members and guests of the Church on Sunday [22 May], Elder Robbins expressed love and appreciation for the approximately 2,300 Latter-day Saints in New Caledonia.
He thanked members and leaders “for all you are doing to build up the kingdom here.”
- New Caledonia District Conference 22 May 2016
- Elder Robbins Elder Haleck Meet New Caledonia Latter-day Saint 22 May 2016
- Elder Robbins and Elder Haleck New Caledonia 22 May 2016
- Elder Robbins Elder Haleck President and Sister Grainger New Caledonia 22 May 2016
- New Caledonia 21-22 May 2016 Elder Robbins Elder Haleck
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Elder Robbins then discussed the reality that every individual faces challenges in life and only through opposition do we grow. He illustrated this with an African proverb, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
He also emphasized the importance of paying tithing, “Not just the first, but the best.”
“Celestial math—living on 90% [of your income] with the Lord on your side,” Elder Robbins said, “is worth far more than 100% without Him. The greatest investment we can make is to put Him first.”
Elder Haleck praised the congregation for sending so many young men and women on missions, who then return home to strengthen their families, their communities and the Church.
He also spoke of the blessings that come through the payment of tithing. “Do not forget the blessings of tithing. Paying tithing shows the Lord where our priorities lie and will increase your faith.”
“If you live the law of tithing,” he continued, “great blessings will come to your families—not only now, but to the generations that follow.”
Quoting from The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Elder Haleck said, “[If you will] keep my commandments, you will prosper in the land.” (2 Nephi 1:20).
The Church leaders’ New Caledonia visit concluded with a devotional on Sunday evening with youth and young adults aged 12 to 30.
The young people were invited to share their questions and received answers and counsel from Elder Robbins and Elder Haleck.
Elders Robbins and Haleck also met with local Church leaders and missionaries during their visit.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has eight congregations in New Caledonia, as well as two family history centres.
Newsroom Contributor: Marilyn Brown