Elder Wakolo Encourages Sydney Saints to Serve Missions

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo, First Counsellor in the Pacific Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke with young people and senior members of the church in Sydney and encouraged all to prepare to serve missions. 

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Elder Wakolo said, “To serve a mission is embedded in the covenant path.  We sing from childhood and throughout our lives, I am a Child of God, I Hope They Call Me on a Mission, and I Love to See the Temple. Through them we learn there is no covenant path without Christ. To the parents who want their children to stay home (e.g.to help the family earn money, etc.), I invite you to let go.”

“The blessings they receive on their mission will be greater than what they receive at home.  They return from their mission. They will seek an education.  They will have their children who will be born in the covenant. The covenant path then repeats and continues to the 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th generations.” 

He continued, “Delay can lead to denial.  Delay serving a mission can lead to denial.  You may think a few years later that I should have [served], but now it is too late.”

“The better decision you make to stay and keep on the covenant path or decision to go off the covenant path is an individual one, but a decision that affects multiple generations. Reading The Book of Mormon every day, will help you and I to make better decisions every day,”

In the meeting, new Pacific Area details for serving full-time away from home, full-time living at home, and part-time live at home mission opportunities were shared.  Changes include reduced costs for accommodation, health insurance, and vehicle use.

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Area leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ were also in attendance.  Elder Philip Barton, Area Seventy, said “Desire is the number one qualification.  Whatever type of mission we serve, it doesn’t matter to Him.” 

Brother Saapele Fa’alogo Jnr. (just released Area Seventy) said, “Missionary service is a Priesthood responsibility.  You play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event. I am grateful for your different circumstances.  The Gospel is the same.  When the Lord speaks, we are to follow.  The Lord will never leave us.”

Elder Sione Tuione, Area Seventy, said, “You need to prepare yourself to take the message to all the world.”

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Sister Ruta Peteru, Area Organisation Adviser, shared, “You are my favourite people on earth [the youth and young single adults] you, young men, have been reserved for this time when the gathering of Israel is taking place. When President Nelson spoke, that was the Lord speaking to you directly. That is what He wants you to do, because He loves you.”

Elder Wakolo also said, “I am accompanied this evening by three Area Seventies. Do you know how rare that is?  Elder Phillip Barton, Elder Sione Tuione and Brother Saapele Fa’alogo Junior (released 1 August 2024) join me in expressing our appreciation for your good works, your faithfulness, and all you do to build the kingdom of God in the Sydney Area. We thank you; we love you; the Lord loves you.”

“We invite you to follow the admonition of our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, ‘you are each vital to the Lord. He has held you in reserve until now to help gather Israel. Your decision to serve a mission, whether a proselyting or service mission, will bless you and many others.  We also welcome senior couples to serve when their circumstances permit.  Their efforts are simply irreplaceable.’” (April 2022, General Conference)

Christina K., a young woman from Sydney, said, “It was an experience that allowed individuals of all ages to understand the doctrine of Christ in ways which were engaging and creative, and it also brought the spirit and inspiration for missionary work.”

Sister Kylie Wondrach, a service missionary, said, “Don’t be scared that you can’t do it because of your situation – the Lord finds a way.”