News Story

Apostle Speaks to Adelaide Congregations about Faith, Family and Serving Others

The beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are home-centred and church-supported rather than the other way around, taught Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as he spoke at church conferences held in Adelaide over the weekend, August 18-21.

Elder Stevenson addressed about 1,000 Latter-day Saints at meetings organised as part of an official tour of the South Pacific that he is undertaking with his wife Lesa and other Church leaders.

Accompanying Elder and Sister Stevenson in Adelaide was Elder Craig A. Cardon, First Counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church, and Elder Paul N. Lekias of the Seventy.

 

He emphasised the strength that develops in families and homes as they gather together regularly to worship, study the scriptures, pray and participate in other wholesome activities. He said these practices helped families to weather life’s storms or trials.

“We all have challenges and trials in our life [and] in the midst of them we can know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who wants us to find joy and happiness,” Elder Stevenson said.

That communication and assurance comes through sincere prayer, said Elder Stevenson, emphasising that “no problem was too small for God’s attention or care.”

Drawing on the example of Church president Thomas S. Monson, Elder Stevenson encouraged everyone to serve others who needed help and support.

He said President Monson—who marked his 90th birthday this week (August 21)—had recently re-issued the same birthday wish that he had sent out on his 80th birthday, inviting people to: “Do something for someone else on that day to make his or her life better. Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That’s all I would ask.”

Speaking further of the ministry of President Monson, whose love and greetings Elder Stevenson brought to everyone in attendance, he said the prophet had always followed the example of Jesus Christ in “ministering to the one.”

Elder Stevenson said that was a pattern for people to follow.

“Our burdens are eased as we help others with theirs,” he said.

Elder Stevenson also met with Church missionaries serving in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and with the ecclesiastical leaders of local Latter-day Saint wards (parishes). 

He concluded his Adelaide visit by holding a special meeting for youth.

Newsroom contributor: Caroline McIlwaine

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