All Black legend Sid Going was honoured on the weekend at the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, in the United States. Elder Neil L. Andersen, an apostle in the Church, cited Going's choice to put a promising rugby career on hold to serve a two-year mission for the Church as an example of Christ-centred faith and devotion.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Some excerpts from Elder Andersen's address follow:
"At age 18 Sidney Going was becoming a star in New Zealand Rugby. At 19 many thought he would be chosen to play on the All Blacks rugby team.
"Sidney Going chose to forgo rugby to serve a mission. For Sid it was not what he was leaving behind but the opportunity and responsibility ahead, he had a priesthood duty to offer two years of his life. To declare the reality of the Lord Jesus Christ and his restored Gospel, nothing, not even a chance to play on the national team, with all the acclaim that would bring, would deter him from that duty. He was called by a prophet of God to serve in the Western Canada Mission."
"Sid said 'The blessing of bringing others into the gospel far outweighs anything you will ever sacrifice.'
"After his mission he became one of the greatest half backs in All Blacks history. He played 11 years for the All Blacks. Training and game schedules were changed because he would not play on Sunday. Sid was so good the Queen of England acknowledged his contributions to Rugby. He was so good a book was written about him entitled 'Super Sid.'
"One of the great miracles of missionary service in this Church is Sid Going, and thousands just like him, have not asked what will I get from this mission but rather what can I give. Your mission will be a sacred opportunity to bring others to Christ and help prepare for the second coming of the Saviour.
"Today, Sid Going, age 67, is serving once again as a missionary with a companion of his own choosing, his wife, Sister Colleen Going, in Sydney Australia."
To listen to or read this address in its entirety, go to www.lds.org.