June 13/14 2011

Elder Rowe enjoying a beach sunset in Otaki

Elder Rowe with his companion for the day, Elder Mataupu

A non-sunset view of the beach



Hello my wonderful family!

Once again, it's been a good week.

Because I'm sure you were concerned as to why I hadn't emailed you yet, I'll tell you why. Yesterday we had a North Island Conference with all of the missionaries in the North Island (in just our mission though, not Aukland). It was fantastic! Steven E. Snow and Tad R. Callister of the Seventy came and spoke to us. First we heard from President and Sister Jolliffe as they tried not to cry. They gave us their goodbyes because it was the last time we would see them here. They shared with us things that they've basically been teaching us the whole time that I've been a missionary, but this time it had much more of an impact because it was the last time we would hear them say it in the mission. We could tell that they truly meant it and could easily feel their attitudes of and their love for missionary work. Sister Jolliffe emphasized how much our Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us. And President Jolliffe shared his mission motto:

NZWM Mission Motto:

Faith is the Power.

Obedience is the Price.

Love is the Motive.

The Spirit is the Key

Christ is the Reason

Of course, he provided more descriptive thoughts on each one. It's hard to describe how I felt, but the Spirit was very present throughout the two  (or maybe three) hour meeting. After their talks we heard from Sister and Elder Callister and then Sister Snow and Elder Snow took the rest of the meeting. The main message that I got from the whole meeting was the role of the Holy Ghost in our missionary work. It was amazing!

I'm almost out of time, but I had a good week! Levin hasn't been doing the best, but that just makes me work harder. So it's a good thing. Our investigators have all been seeming to struggle this week. I don't know what it is. But whoever said missionary work was easy? I love being a missionary everyday and sometimes I forget I had a normal life back home. That doesn't mean I forget you though!

Just remember:

"True happiness comes only by making others happy"---David O. McKay 

Keep doing what is right, and praying day and night! 

Have a wonderful week!

I love you all so very much!

Love,

Elder David John Rowe