Up until last year William Hopoate was sharpening his skills in Australia’s National Rugby League.
Now, as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Queensland, he talks to youth about what he believes is the key to success. Watch video.
In the video Elder Hopoate encourages young members of his faith to prepare for success in life by “putting the Lord first.”
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Elder Hopoate’s remarks are directed at young Church members, but are applicable to all teens.
He uses the terms 'deacons,' 'teachers' and 'priests' in the video. In Latter-day Saint practice young men are called to priesthood office and accomplish duties such as consecrating and serving the sacrament (communion), and regularly visiting and helping families and individuals in their congregation.
Twelve and thirteen-year-olds serve as deacons, fourteen and fifteen-year-olds as teachers, and those aged sixteen and seventeen as priests. In some other faiths these terms generally apply to adults. In a typical Latter-day Saint congregation adult ministers are called as elders, high priests or bishops.
Latter-day Saint women, including young women, also receive assignments that lead to opportunities to minister to fellow members of the Church and to serve in the community.
Elder Hopoate played in Australia's State of Origin II in 2011 and began his missionary service shortly after his rugby league team won the NRL premiership.
He has expressed a desire to resume his professional rugby league career after he completes his two-year mission.