Neil L. Andersen

In every season of our life together, I have witnessed Kathy’s amazing talent and capacity as she has mothered, blessed, taught, nurtured, and helped each of our children, and me as well, come to know the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am forever indebted to her. I am humbled and so very grateful that Kathy and I have the promise that as we are faithful, we will be together for all eternity because of the Savior's atoning grace and the priesthood power that flows from the covenants of His holy house. Happy Mother’s Day to all.

I really enjoyed sitting down with my son Derek for his podcast. This is my last post about our discussion. He asked some important questions about the influence of the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I was grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

During a podcast interview with my son Derek, we discussed the importance of understanding our true identity as a daughter or son of God, especially when we are consumed by the day-to-day issues that we all face. Let us remember this special invitation from Jesus Christ: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meet and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29).

We can learn much from the parable of the prodigal son in the Bible. I discussed this recently with my son Derek during a podcast recording.

I recently sat down for a podcast interview with my son Derek, and we discussed how it’s possible to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ by remembering spiritual experiences we’ve had throughout our lives. We can regenerate our faith. You can regenerate your trust in God. It’s possible. I’ve seen it many times throughout my life.

In my 74 years, there are only a few experiences where nearly every emotion and feeling are solidly cemented in my conscious mind. One of the most poignant is as I knelt across the altar from Kathy in a holy temple of God. The hopes, the dreams, the love we shared, all burst in a kaleidoscope of anticipation as we heard those unforgettable words, “for time and for all eternity.” Marriage is ordained of God. Because of the sealing authority, this journey is divinely ordained to stretch into the farthest reaches of eternity. With faith in Jesus Christ and devotion to your covenants with God and with each other, I promise you your marriage in this life and the next will become more glorious, more beautiful, more heavenly, more wonderous, more filled with an eternal love we can only now begin to comprehend. #GeneralConference

As the years have passed, I have become increasingly humbled as I have thought about, studied, and found immense comfort in the immeasurable gift of our Savior, the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The human mind can scarcely begin to comprehend how completely the destiny of mankind changed because of what happened in Gethsemane, on the cross, and at the tomb. There are no words to describe the magnitude of His precious gift. It will never be required of another. Jesus Christ suffered “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). As one of His ordained Apostles, I have experienced the spiritual and personal moments that have brought to me a sure and certain witness that Jesus Christ lives. At this Easter season, may we rejoice in singing: “He is risen! He is risen! ... Death is conquered; man is free. Christ has won the victory” (“He Is Risen!” Hymns, no 199).

“Great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the isles of the sea” (2 Nephi 10:21). That is true here in Fiji. The Lord leads the way.

We’re grateful to Lord Fakafānua and Lady Fakafānua for their wonderful friendship to us. Their efforts to strengthen Tonga and its people inspire us.

Our next stop is the beautiful country of Tonga, where Kathy and I were pleased to visit with Elder Sione Tuione, his wife Sister Moala Tuione, and their daughters Evie and Caroline. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in good hands here in Tonga.

As we arrived at Liahona High School in Tonga for a special devotional, we were amazed at the sight of these wonderful students who lined the streets to greet us. We were so moved that we stepped out of the car and walked down the entire stretch of the road to be with them personally. We were showered with love, and we feel that same love for each and every one of these students.

These beautiful images of faithful missionaries standing in front of the house of the Lord has to be one of the greatest sights in the world. We were pleased to see and be with many wonderful missionaries while in New Zealand. In a world of commotion, confusion and so many distractions, as the world slides from its spiritual moorings, going to the temple can keep us anchored to our spiritual foundation—Jesus Christ.

Not only does the beautiful Pacific Area span across 20 countries and territories, but it also covers seven time zones where a myriad of languages are spoken. Additionally, there are currently 11 temples with many more planned, in operation, or under construction and 16 missions—with five more being created in July. So much good is being done in this region of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We love those who live and serve here.

Meet my two friends from Tahiti and listen to their incredible testimonies of Jesus Christ. Faithful Latter-day Saints throughout the world are having miraculous experiences with the Savior in their lives.

What does a day look like for us while on assignment? Elder Edward Dube and I reflected on the special opportunity it was to speak with local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord’s restored Church is in very good hands here in New Zealand.

As evil increases in the world, the Lord is preparing the way for those who seek Him. He is giving us an added compensatory power to address the challenges we face in this life. I was grateful to be with Elder Peter F. Meurs as we discussed these principles and the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia.

Listen in on this wonderful conversation between me and Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy. God’s glorious work of salvation and exaltation is truly hastening here in the Pacific.

I invite you to follow along over the next several days on my social media accounts as I share insights from friends and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who I am meeting on my assignment to the Pacific.

Developing faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing we can learn to do in this lifetime.

Nearly 30 years ago, President Henry B. Eyring, who was then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, said something in general conference that I have not forgotten. I shared his insight this past Sunday as I spoke to the students of BYU–Idaho. “One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time” (“Finding Safety in Counsel,” Apr. 1997). Two weeks ago, President Dallin H. Oaks repeated the warning issued by President Russell M. Nelson from general conference in April 2018: “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” So, what do you do to rivet your attention, to assure that you survive spiritually by having the constant influence of the Holy Ghost? You look carefully at your daily activities. Am I praying? Am I thoughtfully partaking of the sacrament? What am I putting into my mind? Am I associating with others who seek the constant influence of the Holy Ghost? What could be my distractions, my obstacles, or my deceptions? You pray for inspiration and courage to make any changes you need to make. Let us be true disciples of Jesus Christ. The Redeemer of Israel knows you, loves you, and will strengthen you as you seek to draw closer to Him.