Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke on Friday 20 September to employees and missionaries who work in the Church's Pacific Area Administration Office in Auckland.
Elder Carl B. Cook of the Presidency of the Seventy and Bishop W. Christopher Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric also spoke at the morning devotional.
"It is a natural thing for us to look heavenward,” Elder Stevenson said. He noted that every civilization from ancient times has tried to look heavenward for direction and guidance.
“We are blessed to have the framework to do that, in the name of Jesus Christ.”
He added, “We love and respect our brothers and sisters in other religions” noting the good works and strong devotion many have to deity.
Elder Stevenson said that through a prophet of God, President Russell M. Nelson, "we receive revelation today."
“Revelation comes in the form of commandments. Obedience to commandments brings blessings, and blessings bring happiness,” he said.
"The Lord wants us to be happy."
He concluded by bearing his special witness of the Saviour Jesus Christ. He testified that “there is a God in Heaven, we are His children, and He wants us all to return to be with Him.”
He declared that “through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can return to the presence of God.”
Elder Cook and his wife Lynette lived for three years in New Zealand when he was president of the Church’s New Zealand Auckland Mission.
He reminded those in attendance that “we have a responsibility to lift and help others.”
Bishop Waddell noted that we live in a time of change in the world, including in the Church.
“The Lord is aware of these changes,” he said. “As we stay close to the Lord, we can trust that these changes will be for our good and our benefit.”
Also attending the devotional were members of the Church's Pacific Area Presidency, Elder Ian S. Ardern, Elder K. Brett Nattress and Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita.