Elder F. Michael Watson and his wife Sister Jolene M. Watson are preparing to say farewell to the many friends they have made throughout the Pacific Area. They will be returning to the United States next month.
Elder Watson is a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints having served three years previously in the Africa Southeast Area Presidency. He has been in the Pacific Area Presidency for two years, serving as Second Counsellor.
- Elder and Sister Watson Say Farewell to 'Their Dear Friends in the Pacific'
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- Church Leader Encourages Australian Youth to “Arise and Shine Forth”
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"Elder Watson has been tireless in his efforts to help our Presidency fulfil our divine mandate to build the Church in the Pacific,” Elder Hamula said. “Sister Watson has been his constant companion in all of his labour and travel. They will long be remembered for their love of the Lord, His prophets, His Church, and each other."
Elder Pearson, First Counsellor in the Area Presidency, added: “Elder and Sister Watson represent a legacy of service and devotion. Their lives are a testimony of that service and devotion. We will miss their friendship, experience and wisdom.”
Elder Watson was employed as Secretary to The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve for 38 years. He also served in a number of Church callings, including full-time missionary, branch president, elders quorum president, stake mission president, bishop, stake president and as a sealer in the Bountiful Utah Temple.
Elder and Sister Watson have said on many occasions that they have a great love for the people for the isles of the sea. “Such close associations with dear friends will remain as memories in our hearts.” They refer to the Pacific as “a Garden of Eden, and the other side of heaven.”
Sister Watson has accompanied Elder Watson on many of his travels in the Pacific Area. She has enjoyed speaking to the full-time missionaries and the sisters in auxiliary training throughout New Zealand, Australia and the islands of the South Pacific.
To the many new found friends, the Watsons never say good bye but rather, “We will see you again, whether on this side of the veil or on the other side of the veil, we will see you again!”