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New Manukau Church Leaders Anxious to Serve

On Saturday and Sunday, 16–17 January, new leaders were called to oversee the New Zealand Auckland Manukau Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

Presiding at the conference was Elder S. Gifford Nielsen of the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church, accompanied by Elder Johnny L. Leota, an Area Seventy.

A stake is a Mormon term for a group of congregations in a geographical area, similar to a diocese in other Christian churches

President Taulia Tafiti was called to lead members of the stake in their efforts to receive spiritual and other blessings. President Tafiti will serve with two counsellors, Tommy Jr Laban as first counsellor and Jackson Sapoi as second counsellor.

President Tafiti replaces President Sione F. Tuione who has been called to serve as mission president in Tonga.

Stake presidents usually are called to serve for eight to ten years.

Speaking to those present, President Tafiti said, “My invitation is for each of you to be temple worthy, I know the blessings will come." He added, "Let us centre our lives around Jesus Christ, and I know the blessings will be ours."

Members were asked to live by the principles of faith taught through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Speaking about Christ, Elder Nielsen asked, "Are you passionately striving to know Him in your life?"

Elder Leota encouraged families to, “Keep the Sabbath day holy, and live up to the covenants you have made."

Members were also invited to work with Latter-day Saint missionaries to share the good news of the gospel with those who would like to learn more about the Church. He said, "I ask you to open your homes to the missionaries."

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